ARFC in undeserved 3-1 loss

In a match played under the merciless scorching sun at Parc de Balestier, ARFC was unluckily beaten 3-1 by a very experienced Chinese team comprising of an ex-Singapore player and a couple of Singapore Chinese players.

ARFC received a huge boost prior to the kick-off when sublime Khim announced his availability after his family lunch. Also, ARFC welcomed the return of reliable David Mak (father of Marco Mak) from his 2-week soccer attachment at the Los Angeles Galaxy in the US which is David Beckham’s new team.

Dependable Jinzhong started in goal, with astute-reading sweeper Elvis (in his new shining white boots) and Towering Toh at the heart of defence and assisted by determined Huiming and left-foot wizard Bernard as full-backs. Influential Sebastiano, hard-working Tong, sublime Khim and entrepreneur Guoxiong formed the midfield. Powerful Alvin, restored to the starting line-up, was partnered by WO Neo who brought his lucky-charm pretty daughter along. On the subs bench, unpredictable Blackburn, Kiat Gulam, Speedy Hee and David Mak (father of Marco Mak) warmed the seats. David Mak’s lovely wife, Dora Mak, and Marco Mak were also there to cheer on the ARFC warriors.

ARFC started the match brightly and threatened the opponents with several forays down both flanks, where sublime Khim and entrepreneur Guoxiong were having a field day. However, ARFC was let down by the awful inexperienced referee with many debatable off-side calls. He was to have a lousy game as the match wore on.

Despite several chances, ARFC still could not open the scoring. In the 27th min, the experienced opponents punished ARFC after astute-reading sweeper Elvis completely missed a ball into the box. Their striker gleefully picked up the ball, rounded dependable Jinzhong and put the ball into the empty net. Totally unlucky!!

ARFC was soon made to pay for its wastefulness in front of goal. In the 37th min, their striker let go a shot which had no power at all. To the crowd’s astonishment, the dependable Jinzhong let the ball in between his legs to give the opponents a totally undeserved 2-0 lead in the half.

A stinging half-time pep talk by determined Huiming woke ARFC warriors up. Within minutes of the re-start, ARFC had several goal-scoring opportunities. 7 mins into the half, influential Sebastiano sprung the off-side trap and sprinted down the right flank. Looking up, he squared the ball across to the on-rushing WO Neo. Unfortunately, he failed to connect properly with the ball and they managed to clear the ball.

In the 57th min, ARFC pulled a goal back. Picking up the ball in his own half, influential Sebastiano threaded the ball to the lurking powerful Alvin who managed to reach the ball ahead of their keeper and stroked the ball home. 1-2 now. Sensing a fight-back, the crowd rose to their feet and cheered them on ferociously.

7 minutes later, Speedy Hee also broke their off-side trap and brought the ball right up to the edge of their 6-yard box. However, he shot weakly at their keeper, ignoring the unmarked powerful Alvin in the box.

In the 67th min, a cross by left-foot wizard looked destined to fall on the feet of sublime Khim. Trapping the ball expertly, sublime Khim was inexplicably brought down by WO Neo who had backed into him. Unlucky!!

Dependable Jinzhong, barring his horrendous error, was having a superb game with at least 4 or 5 world-class saves to keep ARFC in the game. However, another dubious off-side call by the woeful referee resulted in their right-winger crossing for their unmarked striker to place home their 3rd goal. 1-3.

By now, ARFC was clearly deflated. Nevertheless, powerful Alvin nearly got his 2nd goal of the game after cleverly evaded their keeper. However, he sliced the ball wide.

When the referee blew his whistle, and thereby ending his own and both teams’ misery, the crowd still applauded the warriors as they acknowledged that this was a game which they totally did not deserve to lose at all.

Speaking to ex-MTV VJs Noni, Nadya Hutagalung, Donita Rose and Sonia Couling after the match, Man-of-the-Match dependable Jinzhong was puzzled at how ARFC can lose the match. “KNN!! The referee totally lost the plot. This kind of referee should be sent to FIFA for remedial lessons.”