09 July 2006 - ARFC played to a hard-fought 3-3 draw

Dear ARFC warriors:

In a match played under slight rain and cool weather at Braddell-Westlake Stadia in front of only 7, 777 fans, ARFC laboured to a hard-fought 3-3 draw against a very good opponent. The reason for the small turnout was probably due to the heavy downpour throughout the island hours before.

Once again missing Khim's silky skills who was jet-lagged after returning from a short training stint sponsored by ARFC in Germany, and also Tjioe's tenacious play in midfield, ARFC was immediately put under heavy pressure by the opponent. Also, ARFC was not used to playing in front of such a small crowd which could also have explained the lethargy play in the opening minutes. However, the experienced backline led by the ever-impressive Elvis held firm.

Tragedy struck in the 17th min, however, when a horrendous mix-up between Keng and stand-in keeper Blackburn resulted in their striker walking the ball into the net.

ARFC went 2 nil down when a defensive error by Keng saw their striker lobbing over Blackburn. ARFC looked dead and buried.

Immediately, the experienced and hardworking Huiming replaced Keng at right-back and ARFC defence then settled down and began to play like the ARFC that the fans are used to seeing.

Just after the re-start, another stand-in keeper Kiat Gulam brought out a world-class save to prevent ARFC from going down further. At this point, the 7,777 fans began feeling disgruntled and started berating ARFC for the poor display.

However, this appeared to wake ARFC up as ARFC warriors do not want to let the fans down. 7 minutes later, a brilliant exchange of passes at the right between Sebastiano and Blackburn saw Sebastiano speeding up the right flank before delivering a cross towards Alvin. However, their defence panicked and put the ball into their own net. 1-2 now and the ever-loyal ARFC fans sensed a come-back.

Indeed in the 57th min, a superb pin-point cross from the right by Blackburn saw Alvin headed past their keeper for the equaliser. 2-2 now!!!

By now, the ARFC fans started chanting for ARFC top-scorer Harondinaldo to add on the goals which they are so used to seeing week in week out. True enough, he responded with a superb dribble right up into the penalty box. His shot was however brilliantly saved by their keeper but the rebound rolled nicely to Alvin. With a good first-touch, Alvin lobbed over their keeper for a 3-2 lead!!! This was Alvin's 7th goal for ARFC!!!

7 minutes later, Toh nearly scored with a header after yet another right wing delivery by Blackburn when the ball brushed his hair which was nicely styled by Mr Eddie Tan of X'pert Studio, the renowned award-winning hair-stylist in Singapore.

ARFC warriors were clearly tiring and was once again put under heavy pressure by the opponent. Kiat Gulam made several great saves to prevent their equaliser and Huiming and David (father of Marco Mak) also cleared off the line on each occasion.

In the 77th min, the opponent finally equalised off a goal-mouth melee. 3-3 the final score.

Ratings:

Blackburn (GK/RM) - 8.07 (Impressed with several crosses from the right but did not support the right-back)
Keng (RB) - 6.77 (Had a poor game with poor marking though managed to make a few interceptions)
Elvis (Sweeper) - 8.77 (Yet another impressive display with excellent reading of the game)
Toh (Stopper) - 8.07 (Unbeatable in the air but was hesitant on several occasions. Nearly scored a goal)
Bernard (LB/LM) - 8.07 (Seems to play better in the left-wing than left-back. Improving by the week)
Alvin Low (RM/SC) - 9 (Another full of energy display with superb closing-down of their defence. Clearly not apt at playing right midfield. 2 wonderfully-taken goals)
Kiat Gulam (CM/GK) - 8.777 (Made several great saves playing keeper. Would be promoted to ARFC 2nd-choice keeper after this game)
Tong (CM/LM) - 8.7 (Hard-working player who was covering the left and right side of midfield, but poor touches on the ball)
Hee (SC) - 7.77 (Closed down the defenders on several occasions but must learn not to give up on the final ball to him)
Haron (SC) - 8.777 (Did not score which is surprising but contributed a great deal with his probing run and excellent reading of balls to him)
David (LB/LM) - 8.07 (Playing at left-back brought stability to ARFC defence but was caught-out by some of their through-balls)
Huiming (RB) - 9 (Another reliable display which he made week in week out. Completely shut out their left winger after his entry. Served ARFC well all through the years.)
Sebastian (LM/CM)

That's all. Views welcome.....