Sunday, October 26, 2008
Sebastian apologises for rare outburst
In the post-match press conference, Sebastian apologised to the opponents, team-mates, fans and everybody for his rare outburst. He was merely trying to prevent the opponents from using "intimidating tac-tics" on his warriors. Nevertheless, it was still unbecoming of him to lose his temper during the match.
ARFC in hard-fought 2-2 draw in League opener
ARFC kicked off its league season with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against K-1-K FU at Anderson SS. As usual, 77,777 fans, including Elvis’ beau Anna, turned out to support ARFC. Top UOB Banker Boon also made a surprise appearance after his afternoon nap was disturbed by the whistle-blowing and shouts from both teams.
ARFC welcomed back Elvis and Jinzhong from their injuries. But the surprise of all surprises was when mean-machine Hock finally made his long-awaited appearance for ARFC in its new jerseys.
ARFC started with this line-up:
Keeper: Dependable Jinzhong
Right-back: Hard-running Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Uncompromising Edwin
Left-back: Unpredictable Blackburn (captain)
Right-mid: Hardworking Tong
Centre-mid: Hard-man Tjioe
Centre-mid: Dynamic Soon
Left-mid: Sublime Khim
Striker: Powerful Alvin
Striker: ARFC scoring legend Haron
Subs:
Influential Sebastian;
Speedy Hee;
Reliable David;
Versatile Kiat;
Mean-machine Hock
ARFC knew it was in for a tough match when the opponents stroked the ball around and impressed with their balls to their wingers. It took ARFC quite some time to settle down and it was clear that Tong was not match-fit due to his twisted back. Just 10 mins into play, he was replaced by Sebastian.
The opponents continued to penetrate down the flanks especially the right flank where Blackburn struggled against their much-younger and energetic winger. So it was no surprise when they scored their 2 goals with crosses from the left-flank and converted by their forwards. ARFC was down 0-2.
ARFC woke up and gradually found its feet and Khim combined well with Haron to carve out 2 good chances but shot narrowly wide.
7 mins before half-time, David came in for Guoxiong. David’s first contribution was to bring the ball upfield for about 27 metres ala Gary Stevens in his Everton and England days before threading the ball to Haron just outside the penalty box. Haron took a powerful shot which was spilled by their keeper and Alvin quickly followed up. In his haste, their sweeper cleared the ball but only succeeded in clearing the ball against Alvin’s out-stretched foot and the bal; trickled into the net. This was Alvin’s 72nd ARFC goal.
Hock and Kiat then came on for Tjioe and Elvis (injured) respectively.
Half-time 1-2. Hee replaced the ineffective Alvin as the forward.
ARFC’s misery worsened when Haron has to limp out with mins into the second half. Alvin came on and seemed determined to redeem himself after a poor first half.
Indeed, he almost did that when his excellent through ball had Soon facing their keeper alone but he scuffed his shot and their keeper easily saved.
By now and roared on by their fans, ARFC was fired up and went all out in search of the equalizing goal. It duly arrived in the 67th min. ARFC won a free-kick on the left which was taken by Sebastian. The opponents expected him to float the ball into the penalty area but he surprised all by laying the ball into Khim’s path. Killing the ball with his exquisite ball control, KHim spun around and unleashed the ball that sailed high over their stranded keeper and into the net for his 34th ARFC goal. This goal was also ARFC’s 880th goal since its inception and 130th goal in the year 2008.
Gaining in confidence, ARFC’s defence, now superbly marshaled by Edwin and ably supported by Kiat, Blackburn, Guoxiong and David, was giving them no space at all. Tjioe and Tong also provided strong screen in front of them.
ARFC could have won it at the dead. Hee, who had a great game, was fouled and Sebastian took a quick free-kick to Haron who only had to beat their last defender. With a drop of his shoulder, Haron side-stepped him but unfortunately placed his shot just a little bit too high. The whole stadia rose to their feet and you can hear their collective groans all the way from East Coast Park after the miss.
In all fairness, this draw was a fair result for both teams.
ARFC welcomed back Elvis and Jinzhong from their injuries. But the surprise of all surprises was when mean-machine Hock finally made his long-awaited appearance for ARFC in its new jerseys.
ARFC started with this line-up:
Keeper: Dependable Jinzhong
Right-back: Hard-running Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Uncompromising Edwin
Left-back: Unpredictable Blackburn (captain)
Right-mid: Hardworking Tong
Centre-mid: Hard-man Tjioe
Centre-mid: Dynamic Soon
Left-mid: Sublime Khim
Striker: Powerful Alvin
Striker: ARFC scoring legend Haron
Subs:
Influential Sebastian;
Speedy Hee;
Reliable David;
Versatile Kiat;
Mean-machine Hock
ARFC knew it was in for a tough match when the opponents stroked the ball around and impressed with their balls to their wingers. It took ARFC quite some time to settle down and it was clear that Tong was not match-fit due to his twisted back. Just 10 mins into play, he was replaced by Sebastian.
The opponents continued to penetrate down the flanks especially the right flank where Blackburn struggled against their much-younger and energetic winger. So it was no surprise when they scored their 2 goals with crosses from the left-flank and converted by their forwards. ARFC was down 0-2.
ARFC woke up and gradually found its feet and Khim combined well with Haron to carve out 2 good chances but shot narrowly wide.
7 mins before half-time, David came in for Guoxiong. David’s first contribution was to bring the ball upfield for about 27 metres ala Gary Stevens in his Everton and England days before threading the ball to Haron just outside the penalty box. Haron took a powerful shot which was spilled by their keeper and Alvin quickly followed up. In his haste, their sweeper cleared the ball but only succeeded in clearing the ball against Alvin’s out-stretched foot and the bal; trickled into the net. This was Alvin’s 72nd ARFC goal.
Hock and Kiat then came on for Tjioe and Elvis (injured) respectively.
Half-time 1-2. Hee replaced the ineffective Alvin as the forward.
ARFC’s misery worsened when Haron has to limp out with mins into the second half. Alvin came on and seemed determined to redeem himself after a poor first half.
Indeed, he almost did that when his excellent through ball had Soon facing their keeper alone but he scuffed his shot and their keeper easily saved.
By now and roared on by their fans, ARFC was fired up and went all out in search of the equalizing goal. It duly arrived in the 67th min. ARFC won a free-kick on the left which was taken by Sebastian. The opponents expected him to float the ball into the penalty area but he surprised all by laying the ball into Khim’s path. Killing the ball with his exquisite ball control, KHim spun around and unleashed the ball that sailed high over their stranded keeper and into the net for his 34th ARFC goal. This goal was also ARFC’s 880th goal since its inception and 130th goal in the year 2008.
Gaining in confidence, ARFC’s defence, now superbly marshaled by Edwin and ably supported by Kiat, Blackburn, Guoxiong and David, was giving them no space at all. Tjioe and Tong also provided strong screen in front of them.
ARFC could have won it at the dead. Hee, who had a great game, was fouled and Sebastian took a quick free-kick to Haron who only had to beat their last defender. With a drop of his shoulder, Haron side-stepped him but unfortunately placed his shot just a little bit too high. The whole stadia rose to their feet and you can hear their collective groans all the way from East Coast Park after the miss.
In all fairness, this draw was a fair result for both teams.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Left-foot wizard Bernard returns....
After his clinic sessions with Nakamura, left-foot wizard Bernard has returned as a better player. We expect him to deliver killer passes from set-pieces to other warriors this sunday.....
Hardworking Tong back in Singapore
We are sorry to hear that hardworking Tong has failed to land a deal with the Thai Farmers Bank even though he has impressed their selectors.
Rumours has it that his failure was NOT due to his footballing ability. Rather, the selectors were fearful that his vast popularity with the Thai babes would distract him further and his fitness (after many rounds with the babes) may be suspect.
Rumours has it that his failure was NOT due to his footballing ability. Rather, the selectors were fearful that his vast popularity with the Thai babes would distract him further and his fitness (after many rounds with the babes) may be suspect.
Towering Toh on trial with Melbourne Victory FC
Courtesy of the fact that he is ARFC's highest-scoring defender, Towering Toh has attracted the attention of Melbourne Victory FC which has invited him for a trial till 28 Oct 08.
Currently, Melbourne Victory FC is topping the Australian A-League with 14 points from 7 matches, scoring 16 goals while conceding only 6.
We are confident that Towering Toh, given his proven pedigree, would be able to secure a permanent contract with them. We wish him all the best.....
Currently, Melbourne Victory FC is topping the Australian A-League with 14 points from 7 matches, scoring 16 goals while conceding only 6.
We are confident that Towering Toh, given his proven pedigree, would be able to secure a permanent contract with them. We wish him all the best.....
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
ARFC in hard-fought 4-4 draw
Playing its 2nd match in 3 days, ARFC conceded a last-min goal to allow a very talented youth team to claw back a 4-4 draw at the magnificent artificial pitch at Tampines SAFRA. With the draw, ARFC maintained its unbeaten run at the venue.
As expected, Elvis was ruled out with a serious back injury sustained during last Sunday’s match. However, credit to him as he still turned up to support, as did Jinzhong and Elvis’ beau, Anna. Robin also made his rare appearance for ARFC.
Buoyed by last Sunday’s crushing victory, the usual 77,777 ARFC fans turned up despite the late kick-off at 9 pm, thereby causing the electronic car-park system at Tampines SAFRA to crash. Surprisingly, Boon, the UOB Banker who used to dominate ARFC’s right flank, turned up to support for the last 17 mins.
ARFC started with this line-up:
Keeper: Weili (guest keeper from Rendezvous FC)
Right-back: Hard-running Guoxiong
Sweeper: Uncompromising Edwin
Stopper: Unpredictable Blackburn
Left-back: Speedy Hee
Right-mid: Dynamic Soon
Centre-mid: Deadly Robin
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Sublime Khim
Striker: Powerful Alvin
Striker: ARFC scoring legend Haron
No subs for the match.
When play started, it soon became obvious that ARFC would be in for a tough night as the opponents, led by their fast and skilful Terence, posed big problems to ARFC with their swift passing movement and runs. Having said that, ARFC is not ARFC for nothing and soon began to match them pace for pace, movement for movement despite the vast age gap of about 10 years.
ARFC feel behind in the 17th min. 0-1.
ARFC tried to equalize but was really unlucky when firstly, Edwin’s superbly-taken free-kick from 27 metres struck the wood-work and bounced clear. 7 mins later, Haron was the unlucky one when his sweetly-struck volley hit the cross-bar. Really unlucky!!!
ARFC, however, was not to be denied in the 37th min. Winning a free-kick near the centre circle, Sebastian took a quick one by chipping over their defence for Alvin to run through and beat their keeper for his 69th ARFC goal, thereby equaling Robin’s record which had previously been eclipsed by Haron and Blackburn.
Just seconds before the half-time, Khim delivered yet another sublime diagonal ball all the way from his left flank to Haron who had made a run down the right side. Bringing the ball down, Haron was not to be denied and volleyed the ball home for his 128th ARFC goal. His goal had the crowd to their feet who was still amazed by his goal-scoring instinct. 2-1.
The opponents equalized 7 mins after the re-start. 2-2.
Though tiring, ARFC continued to press for their 3rd goal and it duly arrived in the 57th min courtesy of an amateur mistake by their left-back who cleared the ball straight to Alvin who was inside the penalty box. Taking up such generous invitation, Alvin easily side-footed the ball home for his 70th ARFC goal and moved up to 3rd highest goal-scorer in ARFC’s history, after Haron and Blackburn.
ARFC got its 4th goal in the 67th min. Blackburn was the architect when he played a quick ball to Alvin who was lurking inside the box. The opponents were still dreaming but Blackburn did not ask for the wall. Alvin appeared to have lost control of the ball but his softest of touch managed to fool their keeper and the ball trickled into the net at a speed of 7 mm/hour. 4-2 now and it was Alvin’s 9th ARFC hat-trick, equaling Haron’s record but still behind Robin’s record of 10 hat-tricks.
It was after going 4-2 up that Blackburn was up to his usual antics again and began wondering about and neglected his defensive duty and position and thereby causing huge confusion for the midfield pairing of Sebastian and Soon.
A mistake by Sebastian resulted in their 3rd goal. 3-4.
With seconds remaining, their play-maker Terence scored the equalizer. 4-4.
Though ARFC should have won the match, it was no shame that it ended in a 4-4 draw. The opponents were full of running and skills and in fact, the organizer had actually predicted that ARFC would be thrashed by them as they had not been beaten at Tampines SAFRA. Their player, Terence, was one of the best, if not the best, social player that I have seen for a long, long time. In fact, the organizer said these words to me about Terence:
“Many players can’t even chase his shadows and many players had tried to fight and kick him off the park but he still came back for more with his dribbling……”
All 10 ARFC warriors (excluding keeper) deserved special mention for their commendable efforts in the match, especially for those who were limping and yet still soldiered on. My Man-of-the-Match has to be Guoxiong for his fabulous defensive work and several forays unfront.
As expected, Elvis was ruled out with a serious back injury sustained during last Sunday’s match. However, credit to him as he still turned up to support, as did Jinzhong and Elvis’ beau, Anna. Robin also made his rare appearance for ARFC.
Buoyed by last Sunday’s crushing victory, the usual 77,777 ARFC fans turned up despite the late kick-off at 9 pm, thereby causing the electronic car-park system at Tampines SAFRA to crash. Surprisingly, Boon, the UOB Banker who used to dominate ARFC’s right flank, turned up to support for the last 17 mins.
ARFC started with this line-up:
Keeper: Weili (guest keeper from Rendezvous FC)
Right-back: Hard-running Guoxiong
Sweeper: Uncompromising Edwin
Stopper: Unpredictable Blackburn
Left-back: Speedy Hee
Right-mid: Dynamic Soon
Centre-mid: Deadly Robin
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Sublime Khim
Striker: Powerful Alvin
Striker: ARFC scoring legend Haron
No subs for the match.
When play started, it soon became obvious that ARFC would be in for a tough night as the opponents, led by their fast and skilful Terence, posed big problems to ARFC with their swift passing movement and runs. Having said that, ARFC is not ARFC for nothing and soon began to match them pace for pace, movement for movement despite the vast age gap of about 10 years.
ARFC feel behind in the 17th min. 0-1.
ARFC tried to equalize but was really unlucky when firstly, Edwin’s superbly-taken free-kick from 27 metres struck the wood-work and bounced clear. 7 mins later, Haron was the unlucky one when his sweetly-struck volley hit the cross-bar. Really unlucky!!!
ARFC, however, was not to be denied in the 37th min. Winning a free-kick near the centre circle, Sebastian took a quick one by chipping over their defence for Alvin to run through and beat their keeper for his 69th ARFC goal, thereby equaling Robin’s record which had previously been eclipsed by Haron and Blackburn.
Just seconds before the half-time, Khim delivered yet another sublime diagonal ball all the way from his left flank to Haron who had made a run down the right side. Bringing the ball down, Haron was not to be denied and volleyed the ball home for his 128th ARFC goal. His goal had the crowd to their feet who was still amazed by his goal-scoring instinct. 2-1.
The opponents equalized 7 mins after the re-start. 2-2.
Though tiring, ARFC continued to press for their 3rd goal and it duly arrived in the 57th min courtesy of an amateur mistake by their left-back who cleared the ball straight to Alvin who was inside the penalty box. Taking up such generous invitation, Alvin easily side-footed the ball home for his 70th ARFC goal and moved up to 3rd highest goal-scorer in ARFC’s history, after Haron and Blackburn.
ARFC got its 4th goal in the 67th min. Blackburn was the architect when he played a quick ball to Alvin who was lurking inside the box. The opponents were still dreaming but Blackburn did not ask for the wall. Alvin appeared to have lost control of the ball but his softest of touch managed to fool their keeper and the ball trickled into the net at a speed of 7 mm/hour. 4-2 now and it was Alvin’s 9th ARFC hat-trick, equaling Haron’s record but still behind Robin’s record of 10 hat-tricks.
It was after going 4-2 up that Blackburn was up to his usual antics again and began wondering about and neglected his defensive duty and position and thereby causing huge confusion for the midfield pairing of Sebastian and Soon.
A mistake by Sebastian resulted in their 3rd goal. 3-4.
With seconds remaining, their play-maker Terence scored the equalizer. 4-4.
Though ARFC should have won the match, it was no shame that it ended in a 4-4 draw. The opponents were full of running and skills and in fact, the organizer had actually predicted that ARFC would be thrashed by them as they had not been beaten at Tampines SAFRA. Their player, Terence, was one of the best, if not the best, social player that I have seen for a long, long time. In fact, the organizer said these words to me about Terence:
“Many players can’t even chase his shadows and many players had tried to fight and kick him off the park but he still came back for more with his dribbling……”
All 10 ARFC warriors (excluding keeper) deserved special mention for their commendable efforts in the match, especially for those who were limping and yet still soldiered on. My Man-of-the-Match has to be Guoxiong for his fabulous defensive work and several forays unfront.
Monday, October 06, 2008
ARFC cruised past OVA
In scenes unseen since the Malaysian Cup days in the 80s, jam were seen stretching all the way from Marine Parade Road/Siglap Link till ECP (near Rochor Road exit) and huge crowds were observed to be rushing to Victoria Sch at Siglap Link since 1300 hrs yesterday. The reason? The return of ARFC Scoring Legend Haron after his one-month puasa.
Indeed, 2 hours before the kick-off time at 4 pm, 77,777 fans were already in the school compound jostling for the best seats in the house. Of course, the fans included Anna (Elvis beau), Tracie (Guoxiong’s beau), Brenda and Dylan (Khim’s lovely wife and cute son). Credit must also be given to Jinzhong, out with ankle problem suffered during a basketball session with Kobe Bryant last Saturday night, who turned up despite his injury to lend his full support.
About 27,777 others were either on their way or locked out from the match venue. The huge squeeze caused several warriors to be late – namely Kiat, Haron, Khim and Jeffrey and guest star, Ron.
Prior to the match, ARFC suffered a huge crushing blow when it was announced over the stadia that Towering Toh would be out till at least Nov 08 due to his eye problem. Sources had it that Toh’s eye problem, caused by Rob Styles’ awarding of the penalty for the blatant diving antics of the Portugese “slave” in the match against Bravo Bolton (reported in previous match), was worsened when the referee incredulously allowed Wes Brown’s goal against Blackburn when their keeper was already fouled by Man Yoo player who elbowed Blackburn’s keeper. Incredible decision that favoured Man Yoo yet again. Sometimes, I wish Liverpool had such good luck.
ARFC started with this line-up:
Keeper: Weili (guest keeper from Rendezvous FC)
Right-back: Hard-running Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Uncompromising Edwin
Left-back: Unpredictable Blackburn
Right-mid: Jans (Tjioe’s boss from ex-Bayern Munich fame)
Centre-mid: Hard-man Tjioe
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Dynamic Soon
Striker: Powerful Alvin
Striker: Speedy Hee
Subs: Sublime Khim
Versatile Kiat
WO Neo
ARFC scoring legend Haron
Combative Ron
ARFC started with some cagey moments and was not helped by the searing sun which affected Jans the most. However, by the 7th min, ARFC already settled down and began to play its passing game and started dominating proceedings. Elvis and Edwin stood out for their marshalling of defence. As Jans obviously could not take the heat anymore, Khim came on for him.
In the 17th min, ARFC opened the scoring when a corner was half cleared by their defence. The ball went to Hee who was standing at the top edge of the penalty box. Chesting the ball down expertly and before the ball had dropped to the ground, Hee smashed a smashing volley, ala Paul Scholes, that had goal screaming all the way. True enough, the ball flew high over their keeper for his 57th ARFC goal. Strangely, the reward for his goal was that he was replaced immediately by Haron who was treated to raptous applause from the fans who finally got to see what they have been missing for the past month or so.
Despite more chances, ARFC could not increase the score-line and it suffered a scare when Elvis hurt himself while trying to clear the ball and was replaced by WO Neo. Kiat also came on for Guoxiong and he immediately fired a shot just narrowly wide. The first half remained 1-0.
In the second half, Ron replaced Tjioe who took the time to mingle with his boss at the touch-line.
It did not take long for ARFC to double its lead and who else but Haron to do that. 7 mins after the re-start, Ron hooked the ball back into their penalty area to Haron who took the ball down well. The ball seemed to be at an awkward height and everybody was expecting the ball to be skied. But Haron is no ordinary striker and he showed all and sundry that his predatory instinct is still there by arching his body downwards and executed a half-volley that flew past their shocked keeper who clearly did not expect such a shot. Wonderful and it was Haron’s 126th ARFC goal.
ARFC scored again 7 mins later. ARFC won a free-kick and Sebastian quickly passed to Khim who was lurking freely at the left wing. With their defence caught off-guard, their keeper dashed out but Khim showed all his sublime skills by simply side-footed them and easily rolled the ball into the unguarded net for his 33rd ARFC goal. Brenda and Dylan were seen jumping up and down non-stop.
In the 67th min came a goal straight out from the soccer book. Weili’s goal-kick sailed high over their static defence who naively asked for an off-side decision (Note: Goal kick no off-side). Seizing the chance, Haron bored down on goal in a flash and of course shot past their keeper, given his pedigree. 127 ARFC goals for Haron!
ARFC could have got its 4th goal in the 77th min. Sebastian passed to Alvin who faced the keeper one-on-one. Alvin spotted Sebastian running free and passed to him, but Sebastian chose not to shoot at the empty net and passed back to Alvin whose shot was saved by their keeper. Wasteful!
Alvin finally scored 7 mins after the miss. Jans, who returned to the field after the weather turned cooler, sent in a precise cross from the right which landed right at the feet of Alvin. Without delay, Alvin cushioned the ball and duly toe-poked the ball home for his 68th ARFC goal. 5-0 was the final score.
All ARFC warriors played superbly well. Man-of-the-Match? It has to be Soon, though Hee, Guoxiong and Khim came very close.
Indeed, 2 hours before the kick-off time at 4 pm, 77,777 fans were already in the school compound jostling for the best seats in the house. Of course, the fans included Anna (Elvis beau), Tracie (Guoxiong’s beau), Brenda and Dylan (Khim’s lovely wife and cute son). Credit must also be given to Jinzhong, out with ankle problem suffered during a basketball session with Kobe Bryant last Saturday night, who turned up despite his injury to lend his full support.
About 27,777 others were either on their way or locked out from the match venue. The huge squeeze caused several warriors to be late – namely Kiat, Haron, Khim and Jeffrey and guest star, Ron.
Prior to the match, ARFC suffered a huge crushing blow when it was announced over the stadia that Towering Toh would be out till at least Nov 08 due to his eye problem. Sources had it that Toh’s eye problem, caused by Rob Styles’ awarding of the penalty for the blatant diving antics of the Portugese “slave” in the match against Bravo Bolton (reported in previous match), was worsened when the referee incredulously allowed Wes Brown’s goal against Blackburn when their keeper was already fouled by Man Yoo player who elbowed Blackburn’s keeper. Incredible decision that favoured Man Yoo yet again. Sometimes, I wish Liverpool had such good luck.
ARFC started with this line-up:
Keeper: Weili (guest keeper from Rendezvous FC)
Right-back: Hard-running Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Uncompromising Edwin
Left-back: Unpredictable Blackburn
Right-mid: Jans (Tjioe’s boss from ex-Bayern Munich fame)
Centre-mid: Hard-man Tjioe
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Dynamic Soon
Striker: Powerful Alvin
Striker: Speedy Hee
Subs: Sublime Khim
Versatile Kiat
WO Neo
ARFC scoring legend Haron
Combative Ron
ARFC started with some cagey moments and was not helped by the searing sun which affected Jans the most. However, by the 7th min, ARFC already settled down and began to play its passing game and started dominating proceedings. Elvis and Edwin stood out for their marshalling of defence. As Jans obviously could not take the heat anymore, Khim came on for him.
In the 17th min, ARFC opened the scoring when a corner was half cleared by their defence. The ball went to Hee who was standing at the top edge of the penalty box. Chesting the ball down expertly and before the ball had dropped to the ground, Hee smashed a smashing volley, ala Paul Scholes, that had goal screaming all the way. True enough, the ball flew high over their keeper for his 57th ARFC goal. Strangely, the reward for his goal was that he was replaced immediately by Haron who was treated to raptous applause from the fans who finally got to see what they have been missing for the past month or so.
Despite more chances, ARFC could not increase the score-line and it suffered a scare when Elvis hurt himself while trying to clear the ball and was replaced by WO Neo. Kiat also came on for Guoxiong and he immediately fired a shot just narrowly wide. The first half remained 1-0.
In the second half, Ron replaced Tjioe who took the time to mingle with his boss at the touch-line.
It did not take long for ARFC to double its lead and who else but Haron to do that. 7 mins after the re-start, Ron hooked the ball back into their penalty area to Haron who took the ball down well. The ball seemed to be at an awkward height and everybody was expecting the ball to be skied. But Haron is no ordinary striker and he showed all and sundry that his predatory instinct is still there by arching his body downwards and executed a half-volley that flew past their shocked keeper who clearly did not expect such a shot. Wonderful and it was Haron’s 126th ARFC goal.
ARFC scored again 7 mins later. ARFC won a free-kick and Sebastian quickly passed to Khim who was lurking freely at the left wing. With their defence caught off-guard, their keeper dashed out but Khim showed all his sublime skills by simply side-footed them and easily rolled the ball into the unguarded net for his 33rd ARFC goal. Brenda and Dylan were seen jumping up and down non-stop.
In the 67th min came a goal straight out from the soccer book. Weili’s goal-kick sailed high over their static defence who naively asked for an off-side decision (Note: Goal kick no off-side). Seizing the chance, Haron bored down on goal in a flash and of course shot past their keeper, given his pedigree. 127 ARFC goals for Haron!
ARFC could have got its 4th goal in the 77th min. Sebastian passed to Alvin who faced the keeper one-on-one. Alvin spotted Sebastian running free and passed to him, but Sebastian chose not to shoot at the empty net and passed back to Alvin whose shot was saved by their keeper. Wasteful!
Alvin finally scored 7 mins after the miss. Jans, who returned to the field after the weather turned cooler, sent in a precise cross from the right which landed right at the feet of Alvin. Without delay, Alvin cushioned the ball and duly toe-poked the ball home for his 68th ARFC goal. 5-0 was the final score.
All ARFC warriors played superbly well. Man-of-the-Match? It has to be Soon, though Hee, Guoxiong and Khim came very close.
Friday, October 03, 2008
Boosting of attendance....
Our attendance for the past few matches have not been ideal.
As a measure to boost our attendance, starting from this sunday, ARFC warrior who is present for our matches will earn himself a chance to enter the "ARFC Grand de Lucky Draw" where the warrior with the best attendance will stand to win an iPhone which is sponsored by Mobile Hub Pte Ltd, a chain of mobile phone stores owned by our Hard-running Guoxiong.
As a measure to boost our attendance, starting from this sunday, ARFC warrior who is present for our matches will earn himself a chance to enter the "ARFC Grand de Lucky Draw" where the warrior with the best attendance will stand to win an iPhone which is sponsored by Mobile Hub Pte Ltd, a chain of mobile phone stores owned by our Hard-running Guoxiong.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Hardworking Tong in Thailand for soccer trial
As a result of his consistent impressive performance for ARFC over the years, hardworking Tong has been invited by Thai Farmers' Bank for a soccer trial from 03 Oct to 10 Oct 08.
We wish him all the best.....
We wish him all the best.....
Left-foot wizard Bernard on soccer clinic in Japan
Courtesy of ARFC which is footing the bills, our left-foot wizard Bernard will be going to Japan for a soccer clinic conducted by Shunshuke Nakamura and is expected to return on 09 Oct 08.
While there, Bernard will learn more about delivery and kicking of balls from the left-footed Nakamura. It is expected that after the soccer clinic, Bernard will not miskick any balls again in ARFC's matches.....
While there, Bernard will learn more about delivery and kicking of balls from the left-footed Nakamura. It is expected that after the soccer clinic, Bernard will not miskick any balls again in ARFC's matches.....
Holiday greetings
ARFC would like to wish ARFC scoring legend Haron, his babelicious wife Su and lovely daughter Afiqah Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri.........Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri to all Muslims in Singapore......
Also, Happy Children's Day to the children of ARFC warriors and the whole of Singapore......
Also, Happy Children's Day to the children of ARFC warriors and the whole of Singapore......
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)