Sluggish ARFC forced a 1-1 draw

Playing under Sahara-desert-like weather at Bishan Park SS, ARFC came from behind to force a 1-1 draw against a very youthful and hardworking team in front of 77,777 fans inclduing Elvis' beau Anna.

Amongst the 77,777 fans were also a platoon of NSF from Staff Neo's camp as they heard that Staff Neo would be making a rare appearance after missing for many many months. Indeed, when Staff Neo was presented with his Pioneer ARFC Warrior award before the kick-off, the whole platoon gave a standing ovation for 7 mins and also performed 7 Mexican waves and set off 777 pyrotechnics which were left over from this year's NDP celebrations.

ARFC started with this line-up:

Keeper: Dependable Jinzhong
Right-back: Hard-running Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Towering Toh
Left-back: Left-foot wizard Bernard
Right-mid: Unpredictable Blackburn
Centre-mid: Hardman Tjioe
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Centre-mid: Hardworking Tong
Left-mid: Dynamic Soon
Striker: Powerful Alvin

Subs: Speedy Hee (late)
Staff Neo

ARFC started well enough but the opponents soon proved equal to ARFC and both sides had chances to take the lead but could not. It was also clear that ARFC, being the older of the teams, were finding the hot weather hard to bear and began to tire out.

ARFC fell behind in the 27th min. 0-1

Just 7 mins into the 2nd half, ARFC equalised. Blackburn's throw in to Tong (or Tjioe??) was returned to him at the left flank. Looking up, Unpredictable Blackburn sent in a high cross that well, unpredictably, sailed over their keeper and nestled into the top right corner for his 72nd ARFC goal. Wonderful!!

As the second half wore on, it was clear that ARFC had not much energy left and the opponents thus almost controlled the match. ARFC's cause was not helped by the lousy performance of Sebastian, who gave probably his worst performance in ARFC's colours.

In the end, ARFC was grateful to Guoxiong who saved the team with a sliding move that prevented the ball from crossing the line. Indeed, Guoxiong was voted the Man-of-the-Match by all.

Special credit must also be accorded to Tong who turned up despite feeling unwell in the morning. HIs attitude must be saluted by all concerned.....