In a match played under extreme hot weather and in front of the usual 77, 777 fanatical ARFC fans, ARFC suffered its first defeat in the Classiq League after going down to a 6-3 defeat by Aces United.
ARFC received a good and bad news prior to the match. Veteran utility full-back David Mak (father of Marco Mak), informed through his lawyer that he would be out of 7 weeks as his lovely wife is going to give birth soon. While all the ARFC warriors are all very happy for him, this meant that ARFC would be deprived of an experienced player.
ARFC started with Jinzhong in goal, Elvis and Towering Toh at the heart of defence and Huiming and Bernard flanking it. In the midfield, Kiat Gulam took up right-midfield, Sebastiano and Tong patrolled the centre while the sublime Khim taking up the left. Up front, ARFC scoring legend Haron and powerful Alvin led the front-line. WO Neo, Speedy Hee and unpredictable Blackburn filled up the subs bench.
As predicted, ARFC was immediately put under heavy pressure by a very strong Aces Utd. In the 17th min, Aces Utd took the lead. 0-1.
ARFC equalized 7 mins later. Haron and Alvin exchanged passes that put Haron through. Naturally, Haron did not disappoint the 77, 777 fans and his cool finish leveled the score. 1-1. Chants of ‘Haron, Haron’ were heard round the stadium for about 7 mins.
However, another error by ARFC and a rather dubious off-side call resulted in them taking the lead again within minutes. Half-time 1-2.
A string of substitutions took place in the 2nd half. However, ARFC suffered another blow when Blackburn limped off after only about 3 mins on the field.
ARFC nevertheless took it in its stride and 7 mins after the re-start, a quick throw-in by Alvin resulted in Kiat Gulam flicking the ball to Haron who again showed such deadly finishing by scoring another equalizer. 2-2.
Once again, Aces Utd took the lead within mins. Off a corner, their chief striker lost Tong’s marking and headed the ball home. 2-3. They then went on to score another quick goal off a counter-attack for 2-4.
7 mins later, the sublime Khim beat 3 defenders down the left flank and delivered an inch-perfect cross for Alvin to dive home ARFC’s third goal. This was Alvin’s 9th goal for ARFC.
By now, ARFC warriors are fast-tiring and Aces Utd then went on to score another 2 goals for a 6-3 victory.
The fans, however, gave a rousing applause to all the ARFC warriors who, although out-classed by Aces Utd, never gave up the fight and continued battling till the end of the match.
In the post-match interview, Huiming, one of the ARFC Board of Directors, apologized for not giving the fanatical fans to celebrate. Huiming, however, promised a better showing in its next match against Yaakeen on 10 Sep 06 @ 3 pm @ ITE Stadia.
All fans are welcome.
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