Haron snatched late winner in 5th tournament match against RSM

Playing its 5th tournament match at the very poor pitch at West Spring SS, ARFC came from behind to snatch a last-grasp 2-1 victory over the impressive RSM.

Due to the Standard Chartered Marathon held early in the morning, Soon and Khim were missing, as were the usual 77,777 fans. Hence, only 7,777 fans turned up, including Haron’s wife, daughter and MIL. Guoxiong also made a speedy recovery to take his place as right-back.

ARFC started with this line-up:

Keeper: Dependable Jinzhong
Right-back: Hard-running Guoxiong
Sweeper: Uncompromising Edwin
Stopper: Towering Toh;
Left-back: Left-foot wizard Bernard
Right-mid: Mean-machine Hock
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Centre-mid: Hardworking Tong
Left-mid: Unpredictable Blackburn (captain)
Striker: Powerful Alvin
Striker: ARFC scoring legend Haron;


The subs bench reads who’s who as follows:

Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Speedy Hee;
WO Jeffrey Neo;
Reliable David


ARFC started the match gingerly, due in large part to the really poor pitch where passing of the ball on the ground was extremely difficult. Also, the opponents, RSM, was quite a decent team, especially their right-winger who gave both Blackburn and Bernard a torrid time.

Indeed, their opening goal came after good work by the same right winger who broke into the box and Sebastian clumsily stuck out a foot and brought him down. The penalty was converted but nearly saved by Jinzhong.

In the 37th min, Hee came on to replace Alvin which proved to be an inspired substitution. Within mins of coming on, Hock chipped in a delicious ball over their defence, ala Glenn Hoddle, and in came Hee who chested the ball expertly ala Ryan Giggs, and sped clear ala Ryan Giggs. Obviously, their last defender had absolutely no chance of catching Hee who then clinically placed the ball home for his 61st ARFC goal. His goal also allowed him to over-take Sebastian as the top-5 scorer for ARFC. 1-1.

In the 2nd half, David, Jeffrey and Elvis came on to replace Blackburn, Tong and Toh respectively. Jeffrey continued his good performance at right-back and made many vital interceptions while David gave a calm and assured display at left-back. Sebastian, on the other hand, continued his sorry performance when he time and again sent the ball too near their keeper. As a result, he was substituted.

Both teams continued to press for the winning goal and both teams had chances.

The break-through finally arrived in the 87th min. Alvin, who improved in the 2nd half, broke down the left wing and powered past their defenders. Looking up, Alvin sent a cross in and eluded everyone. The ball landed at the feet of Sebastian, who had replaced the injured Jeffrey, who kept his cool and squared to the lurking Haron who without breaking his stride, proceeded to thump the ball past their keeper for his 131st ARFC goal!!

Sebastian was relieved to have atoned for his amateur mistake and Haron finally scored after missing several chances earlier in the match. Upon seeing the goal, Fiqah nearly dashed onto the field but was held back frantically by Su and her mother.

Mins later and nearing the end, David had a great chance to increase his ARFC tally of 23 goals. His first shot in the box was parried, Haron’s follow-up was also blocked, David followed up again and saw his shot saved and Haron’s effort was blocked yet again and eventually, the ball was cleared away for a corner.

For this match, it was very clear that the Man-of-the-Match is none other than Hock who gave a powerful display.

Special credit also for the good attendance yet again.