Green Team Edge Thrilling 3-2 Win Over Black Team

Green Team welcomed Black Team to Anfield on 2 January 2026 for a fiercely contested 9-a-side cup tie, kicking off at 3:15pm. After 90 minutes plus extra time, Green Team emerged victorious with a 3-2 scoreline in normal time, ultimately prevailing 5-4 in a gripping encounter that tested both sides’ resilience and skill. The match was officiated by referee Dave Lee, who oversaw a pulsating contest in front of a staggering 200,000-strong crowd.

Green Team lined up in a 3-3-2 formation, deploying three defenders at the back with Daniel Jack on the right, Cody Berch centrally, and Jack Smash on the left. This defensive trio was tasked with maintaining solidity and repelling Black Team’s attacks. Ahead of them, the midfield trio consisted of Herb Lisp on the right, Ahmet Jackson centrally, and Dan Tint on the left, expected to link defence and attack while providing width and creativity. Up front, Michael Flow operated as the right forward, with Todd Alive on the left, both charged with spearheading the offensive efforts and converting chances. Alfie Bright guarded the goal. On the bench, Benn Berkeley was named as the sole substitute.

The match burst into life early when Dan Tint made a crucial defensive intervention in the fourth minute, heading away a promising Black Team chance to prevent an early setback. Green Team’s goalkeeper Alfie Bright was soon called into action, producing a full-stretch save in the 23rd minute to deny Black Team and keep the hosts in the contest.

Green Team’s breakthrough came in the 38th minute when Michael Flow unleashed a spectacular long-range screamer with his right foot, brilliantly assisted by a precise cross from Herb Lisp on the right flank. The goal electrified the home crowd and gave Green Team a deserved lead going into half-time.

However, Black Team responded immediately after the break, equalising in the 46th minute with a close-range tap-in, capitalising on a defensive lapse. The goal set up a tense second half, with both sides pushing for supremacy.

Tactical changes followed in the 53rd minute as Green Team introduced Benn Berkeley for central defender Cody Berch, aiming to inject fresh energy and defensive stability. The match’s intensity escalated, culminating in a dramatic sequence in the 77th minute when Black Team received two yellow cards for dissent and unsporting behaviour, resulting in a red card for a second booking. This numerical advantage proved pivotal.

Seizing the moment, Benn Berkeley stepped up to score a stunning direct free-kick from outside the box with his left foot, restoring Green Team’s lead and sending the crowd into raptures.

Despite being a man down, Black Team showed remarkable spirit, equalising again in stoppage time at 92 minutes with a spectacular overhead kick finished with the right foot, keeping the contest finely poised.

Extra time saw Green Team regain control, with Ahmet Jackson firing in a sensational screamer from outside the box in the 116th minute, assisted by a clever short pass from Herb Lisp. This goal proved decisive in the waning stages.

Alfie Bright further cemented his influence by saving a crucial penalty in the 119th minute, denying Black Team a chance to level once more and securing Green Team’s progression.

Michael Flow’s outstanding performance, highlighted by his stunning goal and overall attacking threat, earned him the player of the match accolade. Green Team’s blend of tactical discipline, individual brilliance, and resilience ultimately saw them through in a memorable cup tie at Anfield.