Monday, November 13, 2006

Fired-up ARFC exacts revenge on Aces Utd with 4-2 victory

In the top-of-the-table clash between Aces United and Apex Rangers FC (ARFC), a fired-up ARFC defeated Aces Utd 4-2 in front of the usual-fanatical and boisterous 77,777 fans at ITE Stadia.

As the fixture was a top-of-the-table clash, traffic jams were seen stretching from CTE AMK Ave 5 to Chin Swee Road and also TPE all the way to Woodlands Ave 2. This resulted in the TP of the SPF deploying all their available resources just for this match. Nevertheless, another 17,777 were still locked out of the stadia but this time round, ARFC Board of Directors had already forseen this situation and had erected 7 LCD 777-inches outside the stadia for their viewing pleasure.

Seeing such fanatical support, all ARFC warriors were fired-up as can be seen in their vigorous warm-ups. Also, for the first time in probably 7 years, we have 18 ARFC warriors turning up for this game!!!

As usual, Jinzhong started in goal with astute-reading Elvis and Towering Toh at the heart of the defence. Fast-improving Bernard and Kiat Gulam guarded the flanks and they were supported by sublime Khim and turbo-engine Hock in front of them. Sebastiano and hard-working Tong were in the middle of the park and the front-line paired quick-silver Derrick and powerful Alvin. The subs were ARFC scoring legend Haron (as he was late), unpredictable Blackburn, David Mak (father of Marco Mak), determined Huiming, Speedy Hee, returning British punk Damian Pereira and new-boy hard-man Ron. The match was also graced by used-to-be-speedy right-back, Boon who is now a successful banker after making profits of $7 million after investing in “UK Land” with Profitable Plots.

When the referee blew the starting whistle, ARFC immediately pressed them as they were all fired-up by the cheering fans. However, Aces Utd held its ground well and threatened to score first. ARFC’s backline, once again ably led by astute-reading Elvis, was able to repel their attacks.

In the 17th min, ARFC won a corner after some relentless pressure. Powerful Alvin flighted in a measured corner and amidst the goal-mouth scramble, Towering Toh “toe-poked” the ball in for the opening goal which prompted chantings of “Toh, Toh, Toh” round the stadia. This was also Towering Toh’s 19th goal for ARFC.

Aces Utd, however, was not the League leaders for nothing. In the 27th min, Sebastiano failed to prevent their play-maker from running through the centre and he solo all the way to slot in their equalizer. 1-1

Nevertheless, ARFC did not lose heart and continued harassing and closing down on their opponents. Off one such pressure 7 minutes later, their keeper inexplicably handled a back-pass and an in-direct free-kick was awarded just outside the 6-yard box. Powerful Alvin took a touch before turbo-engine Hock thumped the ball in with a slight ricochet off their defender that almost burst the net. ESPN replay indicated that the speed of the shot was measured at 777 km/hr. This was turbo-engine Hock’s 13th goal for ARFC.

ARFC forwards then proceeded to miss several glitz-edged chances which could have buried Aces Utd by half-time. When referee blew for the half-time whistle, ARFC warriors were greeted by thunderous applause from the fans. 2-1!!

In the 2nd-half, Sebastiano made a string of changes to give all a chance to play. The most significant change was of course, ARFC scoring legend Haron. 7 minutes after the re-start, another world-class ball from sublime Khim put Haron through. However, their keeper was also charging for the ball and it would appear that Haron might not have made it. Haron’s lovely wife-to-be then shouted “Abang, lari lari lari” which seemed to work as Haron managed to get to the ball before their keeper did. The ball then rolled into the open goal at a speed of 77 metres/hr. 3-1!!!

In the 67th min, unpredictable Blackburn received a ball on the right and sent it straight to Speedy Hee who controlled the ball expertly before lifting the ball to Haron. Taking a quick touch, ARFC scoring legend did not disappoint the partisan crowd as he chipped over the on-rushing keeper with a Peter Beardsley-type of execution. 4-1 and this was Haron’s 99th goal for ARFC. His goal also sparked off wild celebrations at the stands and all kind of stuff such as underwear, condoms, toilet rolls, paper scraps ala Bueno Aires World Cup in 1978, were thrown onto the jogging track. A female streaker with wordings “I Love ARFC” was even seen running round the track before being subdued by the security staff

7 mins later, Aces Utd managed to pull a goal but ARFC held firm for a convincing 4-2 victory!!!

During the post-match interview with Jamie Yeo of ESPN, ARFC Board of Directors Kiat Gulam was ecstatic with the win.

“I am really proud to be a member of ARFC. We have proved to others that despite all the wild drinking, sex, drugs and rock n roll, ARFC warriors can still put in a decent game of football. I wanna thank all fans for turning up which was crucial to us. Thanks once again.”

Immediately after giving his comments, Kiat Gulam was spotted chatting-up Jamie to arrange for a drinking session at Club de 632………

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