ARFC overcomes stubborn KG Utd 1-0

In a match placed under cool weather, ARFC overcame a stubborn KG Utd 1-0 in front of the usual 77,777 fans at ITE Stadia.

Prior to the match, ARFC was severely hit with the absence of sublime Khim, Towering Toh, dependable David Mak (father of Marco Mak) and Speedy Hee. However, the blow was cushioned by the presence of turbo-engine Hock, WO Neo and the surprise appearance of used-to-be-speedy ARFC right-back Boon.

As usual, Jinzhong started in goal with astute-reading Elvis as the sweeper. Hard-working Tong was sacrificed to take over Towering Toh’s position as stopper, with determined Huiming and left-foot wizard Bernard guarding the flanks. Kiat Gulam partnered Sebastiano in the middle, while quick-silver Derrick has the unenviable task of taking over sublime Khim’s position as the left-midfielder. Turbo-engine Hock took up the right mid and the frontline was led by powerful Alvin with unpredictable Blackburn. ARFC scoring legend Haron, WO Neo and and used-to-be-speedy ARFC right-back Boon were the subs.

ARFC started confidently and soon blew away 2 chances in the opening minutes. KG Utd fought back and threatened ARFC on several occasions. However, ARFC defence, once again led superbly by astute-reading Elvis and ably supported by hard-working Tong, held firm. Unpredictable Blackburn and powerful Alvin linked up well with their clever ball-possession and wall-passes, and it was clear that unpredictable Blackburn was having his best game in many matches.

In the 27th min, turbo-engine Hock and unpredictable Blackburn linked up well on the right and the former then swung in a high cross into the box. The ball then somehow looped fortuitously over their keeper to open the scoring. 1-0 and this was turbo-engine Hock’s 14th goal for ARFC!!

In the second half, WO Neo and ARFC scoring legend Haron replaced powerful Alvin and unpredictable Blackburn, while used-to-be-speedy Boon took over determined Huiming’s right-back position, who took over the stopper’s role. Hardworking Tong moved up to partner Sebastiano in the middle.

As minutes ticked by, KG Utd began to show their frustration and frequently contested the referee’s decisions. KG Utd also had problems coping with both quick-silver Derrick’s trickery and turbo engine Hock’s pace on both flanks, which resulted in both of them being fouled frequently.

In the 57th min, quick-silver Derrick then provided a comical moment. While holding the ball at the left flank, his legs suddenly went “jelly” and collapsed in a heap which drew loud laughter from the crowd.

In the 67th min, ARFC scoring legend Haron nearly scored his centurion goal for ARFC off a goal-mouth melee but the loose ball was cleared for a corner by their defender.

When the referee blew the final whistle, the crowd went wild as the 1-0 victory meant that ARFC is assured of at least a 2nd place finish in the League.

Speaking to the crowd of reporters at the post-match interview, Sebastiano thanked the crowd for their great support:

“You fans are the best!! Without your support, ARFC would not have bounced back from 2 defeats to clinch at least 2nd place. Though we missed Towering Toh’s aerial prowess and sublime Khim’s clever play, the rest of the ARFC warriors who turned up today proved to be capable replacements, especially quick-silver Derrick who had a fantastic game. Turbo-engine Hock, astute-reading Elvis also had a great game, as did powerful Alvin and unpredictable Blackburn. Thank you once again”

After the match, KG Utd’s captain SMSed Sebastiano to convey his apologies for causing the mayhem during the match.