ARFC continued its winning start to 2009 with a last-grasp 2-1 victory over the very-determined Redbacks at Tanglin SS at West Coast Road.
Despite the obscure location, the usual 77,777 fans, including Anna and Tracie (Elvis and Guoxiong’s beau respectively), made their way to the venue, causing huge jam that stretched all the way to East Coast Park.
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: Mean-machine Hock
Centre-mid: Dynamic Soon
Centre-mid: Hard-man Tjioe (captain)
Left-mid: Hardworking Tong
Striker: Powerful Alvin
Striker: ARFC scoring legend Haron
Playing nearest to his home, Tjioe was made captain for this match.
Team captain Unpredictable Blackburn paid the price for his last week’s howler and was dropped to the bench, joining influential Sebastian (sick) and fearless Jeffrey.
Prior to the start, Blackburn presented the “ARFC Pioneer Warrior” swaroski crystal trophy costing $7,777 each to Jeffrey and Hock.
With its calibre, it was no surprise that ARFC immediately swamped all over the opponents with waves and waves of attacks. However, the chances created were not capitalized fully.
ARFC was soon made to pay for its profligacy in front of goal in the 17th min. In their very first attack, they scored after their midfielder picked up a loose ball from over 37.77 metres out and let fly a speculative lob that unfortunately sailed over the flailing arms of Jinzhong. 0-1.
Mins after the goal, ARFC replaced Hock with Blackburn with Tong switching over to right midfield. This was followed shortly after by Sebastian taking over Tjioe at centre mid.
The changes created much urgency and Haron’s header from a delightful cross from Blackburn just clipped the top of the cross-bar. Toh also came close with several headers.
ARFC finally equalized in the 27th min. Some delicious play on the right between Soon, Tong and Guoxiong put Alvin through on goal. Alvin’s first shot was superbly blocked by their keeper, his follow-up was again brilliantly parried by the keeper, and Soon latched onto the loose ball and squared it across. Haron, who was ever lurking, took a touch which deceived their defenders and fired the ball low between a sea of defenders with his left foot for his 134th ARFC goal. 1-1
In the lead-up to the goal, both Soon and Alvin picked up knocks and were replaced by Jeffrey and Hock respectively.
ARFC continued its relentless assault in the second half. Jinzhong also put behind his mistake with several morale-boosting catches and stops.
Alvin was denied again in the 77th min when his weak shot was easily saved by their keeper after being put through by Sebastian.
ARFC was to have its last laugh in the stoppage time. ARFC’s corner was half-clear to Sebastian outside the penalty box. Faking a shot, Sebastian nonchalantly left-footed the ball to Alvin on the left and he burst through and again fired a weak shot which looked to be easily saved by their keeper. Unfortunately, he spilled and Blackburn reacted quickest to toe-poke the ball to Alvin who then fired home for his 78th ARFC goal.
Man-of-the-Match is Toh who put in an eye-catching display in defence. Tong also came close with yet another sterling display, as did Tjioe who was such a powerful and imposing figure in midfield. Guoxiong also put in a determined display at right back.
On behalf of ARFC, I would like to dedicate this victory to Hee’s brother who unfortunately passed away on Saturday. All our thoughts are with Hee at this very moment. He is now in Philippines and we will keep you all updated on any funeral arrangements.
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