In a compelling cup encounter at St Wilfrid's C of E on 15 December 2024, Blackburn Eagles White left with a 7-2 victory over Inter Pro Green. The match kicked off at 12:45pm.
Inter Pro Green lined up in a 3-4-1 formation, which positioned Cooper Brown in goal, flanked by a defensive trio of Orin Earnshaw, Tyler Liddiard making his debut, and Noah Evans. Lawy Hassan operated as the central midfielder, while Jakub Caputa, Aseel Jouher, and Arlie Holden took up roles as right, central, and left attacking midfielders respectively. Up front, Charlie Brown led the line as the striker. This formation aimed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for quick transitions into attack, particularly through the wings.
The match began with an early scare for Inter Pro Green as Charlie Brown was flagged offside just two minutes in, a sign of the attacking intent that would soon follow. Jakub Caputa then attempted to test the Blackburn defence with a shot in the third minute, but it went wide. However, the visitors struck first in the fifth minute, taking the lead with a well-executed goal that set the tone for the match.
Arlie Holden responded for Inter Pro Green with a shot in the sixth minute, but it was saved, and he continued to be a threat, attempting another shot shortly after, which also failed to find the back of the net. Charlie Brown struggled to find his footing, sending multiple attempts wide, including three in quick succession around the 13-minute mark.
As the first half progressed, Lawy Hassan had a chance in the 18th minute, but his effort was saved, and Noah Evans followed suit with a wide attempt shortly after. In a moment of hope for Inter Pro Green, Arlie Holden found the net in the 21st minute, converting a close-range effort assisted by Charlie Brown, bringing the score to 1-1.
The match took a dramatic turn when Cooper Brown made a crucial penalty save in the 24th minute, keeping Inter Pro Green in the contest. However, Blackburn Eagles White responded with another goal in the 27th minute, extending their lead. Aseel Jouher and Jakub Caputa both had attempts saved as the half drew to a close, but the score remained 1-3 at the interval.
The second half began with renewed energy, but Blackburn continued to dominate, scoring again in the 35th minute. They were relentless, adding another goal in the 37th minute, this time an own goal from Inter Pro Green, further compounding their woes. The visitors struck again in the 41st minute, making it 1-6.
Arlie Holden remained a bright spot for Inter Pro Green, attempting to rally his team with shots in the 42nd, 43rd, and 44th minutes, but only one found the target. Blackburn Eagles White capped their scoring with a seventh goal in the 61st minute, solidifying their dominance.
In a moment of consolation for Inter Pro Green, Arlie Holden scored a stunning long-range free kick in the 50th minute, bringing the score to 2-7. Despite their efforts, the match ended with Blackburn Eagles White firmly in control, leaving Inter Pro Green to reflect on a challenging outing as they exited the cup competition.
This was a game we should have won, the boys worked hard for the full 60 minutes and should have put away the chances in the first half.
Well done to Tyler for an impressive debut, the back 3 looked solid.
Congratulations to Aseel Jouher and Cooper Brown for being Man of the Match.
Thanks to Wes for being linesman.
No games now until the New Year. We will continue the hard work in 2025 #GoGreens
