ARFC strolled to easy victory

In a match specially arranged to commemorate Tjioe’s return to Singapore (albeit only for 2 weeks), ARFc strolled to an easy 4-0 victory over a young but enthusiastic Indian team. The match was witnessed by only 77 fans due to the haze created by our Indonesian friends.

The haze also severely affected the attendance of ARFC as only half the usual team was present. As a result, 4 outsiders were activated to help out. Just before the start of the match and while changing at the side-line, returning Tjioe realised that he had brought his working leather shoes instead of his soccer boots. Thankfully, he was able to borrow a pair from the pitch organizer.

ARFC started with ARFC scoring legend Haron in goal, Sebastian and Toh partner at the centre of defence with Bernard and Kiat Gulam flanking it. David Heng (guest player) was the right-winger, Tjioe and Raymond (guest player) at the centre and Weng Tuck (guest player) on the left. Up front, Speedy Hee was joined by Zongzi (another guest player). No subs at all!!!

Predictably, ARFC soon gained control of proceedings but was let down by some lackluster display. Speedy Hee got into very good scoring situations but both were very well-saved by their drama-mama keeper. Tjioe also showed signs of rustiness in the first half. The half-time ended 0-0 and ARFC was booed off the pitch by the 77 fans.

Not wanting to let the 77 fans down, Sebastian immediately brought about a change of positions. Scoring legend Haron returned to his predatory self with David Heng partnering him. Speedy He took over the keeper, Weng Tuck goes to right-back, with Kiat Gulam partnering Tjioe and Zongzi goes to the left. Tiring Weng Tuck, who was playing his 3rd game of the day, goes to right-back with impressive Raymond on the right flank.

Barely 70 seconds in the second half, ARFC opened the scoring. A series of brilliant exchange of passes between Bernard, Zongzi, Tjioe resulted in Kiat Gulam delivering a through ball to Haron who raced clear of their defence and faced their keeper. In a move similar to Adebayor’s goal last night, Haron squared the ball to the on-rushing Raymond who easily slot the ball home. 1-0!!

7 minutes later, ARFC went 2-0 up. Kiat Gulam threaded another brilliant pass to Tjioe who delivered an exquisite lob over their keeper for his 31st goal for ARFC. Brilliant!!!!

Another 7 minutes later, scoring legend Haron could have added to his goals tally but his well-executed rebounded off the bar after their keeper was hopelessly beaten. Unlucky!!

In the 67th min, ARFC won a free-kick about 27 metres away from goal. Haron dummied the ball and Tjioe drove home the 3rd goal!! Perfect!!!

In the 77th min, Speedy Hee pulled off 2 top-class saves to preserve the clean sheet. With these saves, he would be officially promoted to ARFC’s 2nd –choice keeper.
70 seconds before the end, ARFC won another free-kick just outside the box. Sebastiano made his only foray upfront to take the kick and scored ARFC’s 4th goal with a well-placed free-kick that had their keeper beaten all the way.

In the post-match interview, Tjioe was happy with his 2 goals but felt that he could have netted a hat-trick if Sebastiano did not take the last free-kick. He informed that he would be back again in mid-December 06 to put on the prestigious ARFC jersey.