In a thrilling encounter at Our Lady and St John Catholic Arts College on 24 November 2024, Inter Pro Green triumphed over Readstone United Royals with a final score of 4-3. The match, part of a league development fixture played away from home, showcased an exhilarating display of attacking football, with both teams giving their all in a contest that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
Inter Pro Green lined up in a 3-4-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for fluid attacking transitions. Cooper Brown took his place in goal, with Noah Evans, Arlie Holden and Orin Earnshaw forming a central defensive partnership. The midfield was packed with creativity, featuring Aseel Jouher and Lawy Hassan in the centre and Yousif Al-Kaisy, who operated on the right, while Arlo Duxbury provided width on the left. Charlie Brown led the line as the lone striker, tasked with playing as a false 9, bringing the midfield further up the pitch and then converting the chances created by the midfield.
The match kicked off with an early attempt from Charlie Brown, who tested the Readstone goalkeeper within the first minute, signalling Inter Pro Green's intent. However, just three minutes later, Brown found himself in an offside position, halting what could have been a promising attack. Arlie Holden then took centre stage, firing two attempts in quick succession at the 7th and 8th minutes, but both were unsuccessful in finding the back of the net.
The breakthrough came in the 9th minute when Charlie Brown, assisted by Holden, opened the scoring with a well-placed shot. Brown continued to press, forcing another save from the opposition's keeper shortly after. Holden remained a constant threat, but his effort in the 12th minute went wide.
Orin Earnshaw's long pass in the 13th minute set up another opportunity, but Arlo Duxbury's shot was saved. Charlie Brown doubled his tally in the 15th minute, once again finding the net after a clever assist from Aseel Jouher. The relentless pressure from Inter Pro Green continued, with Brown attempting yet another shot in the 22nd minute, but it was saved.
In a moment of drama, Cooper Brown showcased his goalkeeping prowess by saving a penalty in the 25th minute, keeping his side firmly in control. Shortly after, Charlie Brown completed his hat-trick, scoring his third goal of the match with an assist from Jouher once again, pushing the score to 3-0.
Despite Inter Pro Green's dominance, Readstone United Royals began to find their rhythm. Arlie Holden's shot in the 28th minute was saved, and Noah Evans missed the target with an attempt shortly after. As the first half drew to a close, the score remained 3-0, and the teams headed into the break.
The second half began with an attempt from Duxbury, which was saved, but the Royals responded quickly. In the 38th minute, they found the net, reducing the deficit to 3-1. Charlie Brown was caught offside again in the 42nd minute, but the Royals were now gaining momentum.
Cooper Brown made a solid catch to maintain Inter Pro's lead shortly after the restart. However, the Royals were awarded a penalty in the 50th minute, which they converted, bringing the score to 3-2. Inter Pro Green's defence was tested, but Cooper Brown's interception in the 51st minute kept the Royals at bay.
Yousif Al-Kaisy's attempt in the 53rd minute went wide, and Noah Evans made a crucial interception in the 55th minute to thwart another Royals attack. Cooper Brown's parry in the same minute ensured the scoreline remained intact.
In the 57th minute, Charlie Brown struck again, scoring his fourth goal of the match, seemingly putting the game beyond the Royals. However, just a minute later, an unfortunate own goal from Inter Pro Green allowed the Royals to claw back to 4-3, setting up a tense finish.
As the match approached its conclusion, Arlo Duxbury had one final chance to extend the lead, but his shot was saved, ensuring a nail-biting end to a pulsating encounter. The referee, Thomas Morley, blew the final whistle, confirming Inter Pro Green's victory in a match that will be remembered for its high drama and attacking flair. Aseel Jouher was recognised for his outstanding performance, earning the accolade of Player of the Match alongside Charlie Brown who scored an impressive 4 goals. This sets us in good stead for next week's Cup match. #GoGreen
