In its latest-ever match kick-off time in its entire history, ARFC came from behind to snatch a 4-3 victory over Westminister at the all-new fantastic artificial pitch at Tampines SAFRA. As it as ARFC’s 200th match in its illustrious history, the stadium was packed to the rafters with about 100,777 fans. The wives and girlfriends of influential Sebastiano, ARFC scoring legend Haron, hard-running Guoxiong, astute-reading sweeper Elvis and talisman Derrick were also there to cheer on the warriors. The lovely son of talisman Derrick also provided much “entertainment” at the sideline.
ARFC was hit by the very last-minute withdrawal left-foot wizard Bernard due to some urgent personal commitment. Determined Huiming and Kiat Gulam were also missing. However, ARFC scoring legend Haron was able to make it after breaking fast as did deadly Robin who made a sudden appearance.
Dependable Jinzhong returned in goal with astute-reading sweeper Elvis, hardworking Tong, hard-running Guoxiong and reliable David Mak as the defenders. Sublime Khim, influential Sebastiano, hard-man Tjioe and talisman Derrick were the midfielders, with WO Neo and ARFC scoring legend Haron leading the line. For probably the first-time ever, ARFC’s 4 substitutes were all forwards, namely powerful Alvin, deadly Robin, speedy Hee and unpredictable Blackburn.
Right from the kick-off, ARFC warriors played like men on fire and bombarded the opponents’ goal. However, stiff defending by the opponents kept ARFC at bay. In the 17th min, ARFC was caught out by one if their counter-attack on the right. A misunderstanding by dependable Jinzhong and hard-running Guoxiong resulted in them snatching a surprise lead. 0-1.
Within 7 mins, however, ARFC equalised. Off an attack from our right side, WO Neo threaded the ball to sublime Khim who was breaking in from the left right up into the box. Displaying his trade-mark unselfishness, sublime Khim squared the ball across to talisman Derrick who controlled and placed the ball home for his 13th ARFC goal, thereby continuing his red-hot form. 1-1 now.
Off yet another attack from their right, the opponents regained the lead, albeit through a controversial off-side call. 1-2 now.
ARFC then made a string of substitutions. One of the subs, unpredictable Blackburn then promptly conceded an unnecessary penalty when he carelessly pushed their striker off a corner. Dependable Jinzhong, however, made amends for his earlier error by expertly saving the penalty and kept ARFC in the game.
In the 37th min, again from a dubious off-side call, the opponents increased their lead to 3-1 and ARFC looked dead and buried at half-time. The fans also jeered off the warriors for their lacklustre display.
During the half-time pep talk, all agreed that we did not play well and vowed not to let the fans down this time, especially since it was our 200th match in history.
In the 2nd half, ARFC started as what was like in the 1st half. However, some hesitant attacking and stubborn defending by opponents let ARFC down. The defining moment came in the 57th min when their tough-tackling Indian midfielder brought down talisman Derrick and thereby earning his 2nd yellow and red card. ARFC, however, sportingly allowed them to replace with another player.
17 mins later, sublime Khim won the ball on the left and laid it to the on-rushing unpredictable Blackburn who controlled the ball coolly and slotted in for his 60th ARFC goal!! However, ARFC paid a heavy price when sublime Khim had to limp off injured during the process.
In the 77th min, ARFC equalized!! WO Neo refused to give up on a seemingly lost cause on the right touch-line, won the ball and crossed it into the box. The ball appeared no danger but their keeper inexplicably spilled the ball into his own net!!! 3-3 now!!
Roared on by the fans to get a winner, ARFC responded with one in the 87th min. Influential Sebastiano played a wall-pass with unpredictable Blackburn who sent him racing clear on the right flank. Facing the keeper one-to-one, influential Sebastiano calmly placed the ball home for his 50th ARFC goal that sparked off delirium in the stands!!! His newly-minted wife, Caren, was ecstatic and nearly spoilt her newly-bought DS Lite when she threw it up into the air to celebrate.
After the match, influential Sebastiano paid credit to some midfielders like hard-working Tong, sublime Khim and speedy Hee who had to play defence due to lack of defenders. It was not easy but all 3 came through with flying colours.
Speaking on WO Neo’s goal, the “very smart football analyst” with “The Old Paper”, Mr “Tohaha Paipai”, felt that it should be credited as an own goal. “Surely it is an own goal. I should know. I have played football for many years.”
Nevertheless, the goal would be sent to the FIFA Disputed Goal Committee for a final decision.
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