After 2 winless matches, ARFC returned to its winning ways with a comprehensive 7-3 trouncing of a young and enthusiastic Indian team, Goodfellas.
ARFC welcomed back its scoring legend Haron, talisman Derrick (back from 1-week soccer attachment with FC Mindanao) and hard-man Tjioe (back from 1-week trial with Nagoya Grampus 8) to its line-up. Playing in a new venue, thousands of ARFC could not find their way to the stadia, however, ARFC was still supported by Dora Mak, lovely wife of David Mak and mother of Marco Mak, as well as sweet Caren, wife-to-be of influential Sebastiano.
Dependable Jinzhong started in goal, with unpredictable Blackburn taking over the absent Elvis, and assisted by Towering Toh, left-foot wizard Bernard and reliable David Mak (father of Marco Mak). Sublime Khim, talisman Derrick, influential Sebastiano and hard-man Tjioe found the midfield, with Speedy Hee (also back from 4-days attachment with Chennai FC) partnering WO Neo in attack. Powerful Alvin and ARFC scoring legend Haron were surprisingly dropped to the bench.
Just 17 seconds into the match, influential Sebastiano’s “smaller head” was hit by an over-hit pass from reliable David Mak, rendering him out of action for almost 70 seconds. However, ARFC was not affected by the momentary absence and easily dominated proceedings.
17 mins into the match, ARFC won a free-kick after hard-man Tjioe was brought down about 7 metres outside the box. Up stepped Speedy Hee who seemed to “pass” the ball under the wall and the ball rolled past their keeper for the opening goal. This was almost similar to Ronaldinho’s free-kick goal earlier in the La Liga season. This was Speedy Hee’s 45th ARFC goal.
7 mins later, the opponents equalized after the striker broke the off-side trap and slotted the ball past Dependable Jinzhong. 1-1.
ARFC took the lead again 7 mins later. Their defender used his hand to control a high ball into their area. After much prompting, left-foot wizard Bernard stepped up and coolly placed the ball past their keeper for his first-ever ARFC goal!!. This sparked off wild celebrations and a small pocket of Japanese lady fans were heard chanting Bernard’s Japanese name, “Kanineh”, and one fan was even seen taking off her bra and waved it around. 2-1 now. ARFC scoring legend Haron and powerful Alvin then replaced WO Neo and Speedy Hee. However, Haron did not manage to get a touch of the ball before the referee blew the half-time whistle.
For about 7 more mins into the second half, Haron still did not touch the ball. Amazing!!
Tragedy struck mins later. Dependable Jinzhong made a successive “sarong” mistake when he allowed a weak shot to go between his legs. 2-2 now.
7 mins later, ARFC restored its lead. From a brilliantly-taken powerful Alvin’s corner, Towering Toh showed the world why he is being bestowed such a nick-name when he leaped majestically to power home the ball, beating even the out-stretched hand of their keeper. 3-2 and this was Towering Toh’s 22nd ARFC goal.
ARFC extended its lead about 3.7 mins later. This time round, powerful Alvin met talisman Derrick’s corner from the right and thundered in a volley that was so powerful that their could only parry. ARFC scoring legend showed he has not lost his scoring instinct (despite out injured for 2 weeks) when he reacted in a flash and toe-poked the ball home, almost ripping off the net. 4-2 and this was his 108th goal for ARFC. 4-2.
In the 67th min, ARFC won a free-kick after yet another foul on hard-man Tjioe, who added much-needed steel and aggression in ARFC’s midfield. Spotting a small gap on the right-hand side, influential Sebastiano curled in a brilliant ball into the top-left corner of the goal. 5-2 and this was his 48th goal for ARFC.
7 mins later, influential Sebastiano took a quick free-kick to the lurking ARFC scoring legend Haron in the penalty box. Although he lost his footing, he still managed to pass the ball to sublime Khim, who turned and cooled placed the ball past their keeper. Fantastic goal which was his 24th ARFC goal. 6-2.
In the 77th min, ARFC scoring legend Haron flicked the ball over their defender who foolishly handled the ball. Talisman Derrick quickly took the ball, placed it on the penalty spot and shot the ball straight down the middle for his 9th ARFC goal. Before he took the penalty-kick, reliable David Mak (father of Marco Mak), had correctly predicted that talisman Derrick would shoot down the middle. Spot-on!!!
Just mins before the end, a defensive lapse allowed them to pull a goal back. 7-3.
The return of hard-man Tjioe provided much-needed power, strength and ball-winning ability to ARFC. Credit must also be given to Speedy Hee and WO Neo who had to be deployed at right-back and left-mid respectively due to not enough defenders. Talisman Derrick and ARFC scoring legend Haron also made much difference. Of course, sublime Khim and Towering Toh were almost unbeatable at all, and powerful Alvin’s power had their defenders at full-stretch. Unpredictable Blackburn also had a wonderful match marshalling the defence. Reliable David Mak (father of Marco Mak), left-foot wizard Bernard and dependable Jinzhong displayed their usual standard.
Addressing the Japanese media and fans, left-foot wizard Bernard was clearly over the moon with his first-ever ARFC goal. “Credit to all ARFC warriors for giving me the chance to break the duck. I must also thank the fans for keeping faith with me even though I had missed several good chances to open my account. Last but not least, credit must be given to my wife for preparing me in good shape before my weekly Sunday match.”
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