On behalf of ARFC, I would like to say that this league title also goes out to to all wives, children and girlfriends of all warriors. Without their unweavering support, the warriors would not be able to play in peace almost every Sunday…..
I would also like to dedicate this league title to David – his serious rib injury suffered in our match against K-1-K was not suffered in vain…….
Sunday, February 15, 2009
ARFC clinched title with 2 matches to spare
ARFC clinched the League title with 2 matches to spare after coming from a goal down to brush aside Mammoet 4-1 at Yio Chu Kang SS in front of 107,777 fans. The large turnout was expected as the fans had predicted a victory which would seal the title and ARFC did not disappoint. The victory also maintained ARFC’s 100% record in 2009 with its 7th wins in 7 matches.
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: Dynamic Soon
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Sublime Khim
Striker: ARFC scoring legend Haron (captain)
Striker: Powerful Alvin
Subs are:
Astute-reading sweeper Elvis;
Unpredictable Blackburn;
Speedy Hee;
Determined Huiming;
Hardman Tjioe
Looking at the subs bench, the starting 11 warriors can rest assured that they can give their all since the subs are all of the same standard.
ARFC had happy memories of this ground as it was here that they secured their biggest victory since its inception with a 14-0 win over hapless Corpus Christi earlier in the same tournament. Haron was made captain as ARFC looks to his goals to secure victory.
ARFC drew 2-2 with the same opponent earlier in the tournament and hence was determined to put things right. However, the opponents proved to be stubborn and held ARFC out.
In the 17th min, they took a shock lead after a freak goal. 0-1.
However, ARFC knew that it was just a small set-back and did not lose its cool and continued its attacking policy. A couple of good chances were spurned by Haron and several corner-kicks were not capitalized.
ARFC equalized in the 27th min. Sebastian’s corner was met by a half-stooping Toh who nevertheless powered the ball goalwards. Their keeper got a touch but could not prevent the powerful ball from dropping across the line. The eagle-eyed referee, who bears much resemblance to the Italian bald-headed referee Collina, correctly ruled that the ball had crossed the line and hence Toh claimed his 29th ARFC goal. 1-1
Just 7 mins from the first half, Haron conjured up with the Miss of the Season. Alvin powered his way through from the left flank, eluded 2 defenders and squared the ball across goal with their keeper full drawn out of position. To the whole world’s disbelief, Haron side-footed the ball wide in front of the gaping goal. Unlucky!
Blackburn and Tjioe replaced Bernard (struggling with a heel injury) and Hock respectively, with Sebastian switching to the right.
In the 2nd half, Huiming replaced Guoxiong at right-back, Elvis took over Blackburn, Hee took over from Alvin to partner Haron up front and Hock took over from the tired Soon.
In the 57th min, Haron atoned for the miss with his 137th goal. Sebastian won possession at the right middle part and sent in a diagonal cross-field ball ala Jamie Redknapp to Haron who broke their off-side trap. Haron rounded their keeper and slotted the ball home with his left foot to put ARFC 2-1 up.
ARFC scored its 3rd goal in the match 7 mins later. Sebastian’s free kick from the right was expertly glanced home by Edwin ala Teddy Sheringham for his 5th ARFC goal. 3-1. In the ensuing celebration, Edwin was booked for lifting his jersey over his head. Unlucky!
In coming up with the 3 assists, Sebastian achieved the so-call “perfect hat-trick assist” – from a corner, free-kick and open play.
ARFC could have added another goal but Hock, ghosting in from the right, latched on to a brilliant ball from the left by Hee, but lifted the ball wide.
Bernard then replaced Khim but Bernard merely lasted some 3 mins due to his injury and was replaced by Alvin, with Hee switching to the left.
Hock made amends for his earlier miss with an excellent cross from the right in the 77th min. His great ball was picked up by Alvin who beat their keeper for his 83rd ARFC goal. 4-1
Guoxiong came in to replace Sebastian, with Hock partnering the very impressive Tjioe who hardly put a foot wrong in the centre midfield. Guoxiong took the right-mid position.
When the referee blew the final whistle, the fans rushed into the pitch and engulfed all warriors by snatching their jerseys, shorts, socks, shin-pads, underwears, knee guards, ankle guards, thigh guards and whatever things the warriors were wearing.
This was a match where ARFC displayed total team-work, clam and composure, especially coming from a goal down. All warriors did extremely well and it was really difficult to pick a Man-of-the-Match.
But if I really have to pick one, I must give it to Tjioe whose impeccable central midfield display enabled Sebastian, Soon and Hock to launch attacks. Tjioe also provided a formidable shield in front of the defence to deny their long balls into our danger area.
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: Dynamic Soon
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Sublime Khim
Striker: ARFC scoring legend Haron (captain)
Striker: Powerful Alvin
Subs are:
Astute-reading sweeper Elvis;
Unpredictable Blackburn;
Speedy Hee;
Determined Huiming;
Hardman Tjioe
Looking at the subs bench, the starting 11 warriors can rest assured that they can give their all since the subs are all of the same standard.
ARFC had happy memories of this ground as it was here that they secured their biggest victory since its inception with a 14-0 win over hapless Corpus Christi earlier in the same tournament. Haron was made captain as ARFC looks to his goals to secure victory.
ARFC drew 2-2 with the same opponent earlier in the tournament and hence was determined to put things right. However, the opponents proved to be stubborn and held ARFC out.
In the 17th min, they took a shock lead after a freak goal. 0-1.
However, ARFC knew that it was just a small set-back and did not lose its cool and continued its attacking policy. A couple of good chances were spurned by Haron and several corner-kicks were not capitalized.
ARFC equalized in the 27th min. Sebastian’s corner was met by a half-stooping Toh who nevertheless powered the ball goalwards. Their keeper got a touch but could not prevent the powerful ball from dropping across the line. The eagle-eyed referee, who bears much resemblance to the Italian bald-headed referee Collina, correctly ruled that the ball had crossed the line and hence Toh claimed his 29th ARFC goal. 1-1
Just 7 mins from the first half, Haron conjured up with the Miss of the Season. Alvin powered his way through from the left flank, eluded 2 defenders and squared the ball across goal with their keeper full drawn out of position. To the whole world’s disbelief, Haron side-footed the ball wide in front of the gaping goal. Unlucky!
Blackburn and Tjioe replaced Bernard (struggling with a heel injury) and Hock respectively, with Sebastian switching to the right.
In the 2nd half, Huiming replaced Guoxiong at right-back, Elvis took over Blackburn, Hee took over from Alvin to partner Haron up front and Hock took over from the tired Soon.
In the 57th min, Haron atoned for the miss with his 137th goal. Sebastian won possession at the right middle part and sent in a diagonal cross-field ball ala Jamie Redknapp to Haron who broke their off-side trap. Haron rounded their keeper and slotted the ball home with his left foot to put ARFC 2-1 up.
ARFC scored its 3rd goal in the match 7 mins later. Sebastian’s free kick from the right was expertly glanced home by Edwin ala Teddy Sheringham for his 5th ARFC goal. 3-1. In the ensuing celebration, Edwin was booked for lifting his jersey over his head. Unlucky!
In coming up with the 3 assists, Sebastian achieved the so-call “perfect hat-trick assist” – from a corner, free-kick and open play.
ARFC could have added another goal but Hock, ghosting in from the right, latched on to a brilliant ball from the left by Hee, but lifted the ball wide.
Bernard then replaced Khim but Bernard merely lasted some 3 mins due to his injury and was replaced by Alvin, with Hee switching to the left.
Hock made amends for his earlier miss with an excellent cross from the right in the 77th min. His great ball was picked up by Alvin who beat their keeper for his 83rd ARFC goal. 4-1
Guoxiong came in to replace Sebastian, with Hock partnering the very impressive Tjioe who hardly put a foot wrong in the centre midfield. Guoxiong took the right-mid position.
When the referee blew the final whistle, the fans rushed into the pitch and engulfed all warriors by snatching their jerseys, shorts, socks, shin-pads, underwears, knee guards, ankle guards, thigh guards and whatever things the warriors were wearing.
This was a match where ARFC displayed total team-work, clam and composure, especially coming from a goal down. All warriors did extremely well and it was really difficult to pick a Man-of-the-Match.
But if I really have to pick one, I must give it to Tjioe whose impeccable central midfield display enabled Sebastian, Soon and Hock to launch attacks. Tjioe also provided a formidable shield in front of the defence to deny their long balls into our danger area.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Slick passing and movement
Dear ARFC warriors:
Just wanna add that in our match against Republic Polytechnic last night, some of our passing and movement really blew my mind away......so slick, so impressive and so fast that our opponents were only catching the shadows of our shadows.........
Cheers....
Just wanna add that in our match against Republic Polytechnic last night, some of our passing and movement really blew my mind away......so slick, so impressive and so fast that our opponents were only catching the shadows of our shadows.........
Cheers....
Monday, February 09, 2009
Sebastian nets winner as ARFC maintains 100% record in 2009
Playing its 2nd match in as many days, ARFC edged out the Republic Polytechnic staff team despite many weary bodies at the magnificent artificial pitch at RP. Their 6th victory also ensured that ARFC maintained its 100% record in 2009.
ARFC received double doses of boost when Huiming unexpectedly returned from his work stint in US and Khim also returned to the team after missing the last match. Besides the 77,777 fans, Boon also discreetly crept into the stadium to lend his support.
ARFC started with this line-up:
Keeper: Commanding Weili (guest keeper from Rendezvous FC)
Right-back: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Sweeper: Uncompromising Edwin
Stopper: Towering Toh (captain)
Left-back: Unpredictable Blackburn
Right-mid: Hard-running Guoxiong
Centre-mid: Hardworking Tong
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Sublime Khim
Striker: ARFC scoring legend Haron
Striker: Speedy Hee
Mean-machine Hock, Dynamic Soon and determined Huiming are the subs.
Playing at his homeground, Toh was made captain and he led the team with much aplomb with his commanding display at the heart of the defence.
This was the 2nd time that ARFC is playing against RP with the first time ended in a 2-2 stalemate. Hence, ARFC was determined to put things right and attacked right from the whistle.
After a couple of near misses by Haron, ARFC opened the scoring in the 17th min after some good work down the right flank. Guoxiong played Hock through down the right wing and he whipped in a ferocious cross that looked to have eluded everybody. However, Khim made a blind side run and stooped to head into the net for his 37th ARFC goal.
However, RP equalized after some careless defensive work. 1-1.
Due to tired bodies, ARFC made a string of subs to rest warriors with Huiming, Hock and Soon taking over Elvis, Sebastian and Hee respectively.
ARFC regained the lead in the 37th min. Again, the source came from the right as Guoxiong drove in a fierce ball into their penalty box for Hock to chase. When their defender kicked thin air, Hock ghosted in in a flash and proceeded to power the ball past their despairing keeper for his 20th ARFC goal. 2-1 which remained the half-time score.
When play resumed, ARFC again squandered few chances with Haron the chief culprit which was a huge surprise to the fans.
In the 67th min, their midfielder took a pot-shot which somehow ended up in the net. 2-2.
ARFC scored its winning goal 7 mins from the end. With the ball to his feet, Sebastian drives through the centre, played a one-two with Haron, break clear of their defence and side-footed the ball home for his 65th ARFC goal, and wheeled away in celebration ala Marco Tardelli in World Cup 82. 3-2.
ARFC could have scored its 4th goal in the match but Hee inexplicably missed when presented with an open goal. Hock followed up but his thunder shot hit the keeper. Unlucky!
Man-of-the-Match? – It has to be Hock, while Toh and Khim came very close.
It was very commendable for ARFC to win consecutive matches in two days, especially after a tough match yesterday. All warriors gave their all and although the bodies are not so willing, the spirits and determination of all were evident for all to see…….
ARFC received double doses of boost when Huiming unexpectedly returned from his work stint in US and Khim also returned to the team after missing the last match. Besides the 77,777 fans, Boon also discreetly crept into the stadium to lend his support.
ARFC started with this line-up:
Keeper: Commanding Weili (guest keeper from Rendezvous FC)
Right-back: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Sweeper: Uncompromising Edwin
Stopper: Towering Toh (captain)
Left-back: Unpredictable Blackburn
Right-mid: Hard-running Guoxiong
Centre-mid: Hardworking Tong
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Sublime Khim
Striker: ARFC scoring legend Haron
Striker: Speedy Hee
Mean-machine Hock, Dynamic Soon and determined Huiming are the subs.
Playing at his homeground, Toh was made captain and he led the team with much aplomb with his commanding display at the heart of the defence.
This was the 2nd time that ARFC is playing against RP with the first time ended in a 2-2 stalemate. Hence, ARFC was determined to put things right and attacked right from the whistle.
After a couple of near misses by Haron, ARFC opened the scoring in the 17th min after some good work down the right flank. Guoxiong played Hock through down the right wing and he whipped in a ferocious cross that looked to have eluded everybody. However, Khim made a blind side run and stooped to head into the net for his 37th ARFC goal.
However, RP equalized after some careless defensive work. 1-1.
Due to tired bodies, ARFC made a string of subs to rest warriors with Huiming, Hock and Soon taking over Elvis, Sebastian and Hee respectively.
ARFC regained the lead in the 37th min. Again, the source came from the right as Guoxiong drove in a fierce ball into their penalty box for Hock to chase. When their defender kicked thin air, Hock ghosted in in a flash and proceeded to power the ball past their despairing keeper for his 20th ARFC goal. 2-1 which remained the half-time score.
When play resumed, ARFC again squandered few chances with Haron the chief culprit which was a huge surprise to the fans.
In the 67th min, their midfielder took a pot-shot which somehow ended up in the net. 2-2.
ARFC scored its winning goal 7 mins from the end. With the ball to his feet, Sebastian drives through the centre, played a one-two with Haron, break clear of their defence and side-footed the ball home for his 65th ARFC goal, and wheeled away in celebration ala Marco Tardelli in World Cup 82. 3-2.
ARFC could have scored its 4th goal in the match but Hee inexplicably missed when presented with an open goal. Hock followed up but his thunder shot hit the keeper. Unlucky!
Man-of-the-Match? – It has to be Hock, while Toh and Khim came very close.
It was very commendable for ARFC to win consecutive matches in two days, especially after a tough match yesterday. All warriors gave their all and although the bodies are not so willing, the spirits and determination of all were evident for all to see…….
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Jinzhong inspires ARFC to victory
ARFC chalked up its 9 consecutive victories in the League with a 1-0 win over RSM at Siglap SS. The win was also ARFC’s 5th triumphs in as many matches in 2009.
ARFC started with this line-up:
Keeper: Dependable Jinzhong
Right-back: Hard-running Guoxiong
Sweeper: Uncompromising Edwin
Stopper: Towering Toh
Left-back: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Right-mid: Hardworking Tong
Centre-mid: Hard-man Tjioe
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Dynamic Soon
Striker: Powerful Alvin (captain)
Striker: Unpredictable Blackburn
The subs are Marauding Boon and Speedy Hee (both late).
Alvin captained ARFC for the very first time in his ARFC career as ARFC was looking to his goals to inspire ARFC to another victory which would help propel ARFC to the League title.
He did not disappoint as he netted what turned out to be the winning goal in the 17th min. Hardworking Tong, who produced yet another impressive performance, played Alvin through with a world-class slicing ball right into the heart of their defence. Sprinting clear, Alvin kept his cool despite being closed down by their tough right-back to steer the ball past their keeper for his 82nd ARFC goal. 1-0.
ARFC did not relent and kept on peppering the opponents’ goal. However, the referee seemed to be fairly biased and made many decisions that infuriated both ARFC warriors and the fans alike.
Half-time 1-0.
Despite clear dominance in the 2nd half, ARFC was unable to increase its tally. In fact, it could have been worse but Jinzhong came up with at least 2 out of this world saves to preserve ARFC’s lead. He was deservingly awarded the Man-of-the-Match accolade.
As mentioned by Boon, the “Peugeot Moment of the Day” goes to Soon for his lung-bursting run for about 67 metres all the way to the left touch-line just to retrieve the ball and managed to keep the ball!!! Fantastic speed and stamina!!!
ARFC started with this line-up:
Keeper: Dependable Jinzhong
Right-back: Hard-running Guoxiong
Sweeper: Uncompromising Edwin
Stopper: Towering Toh
Left-back: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Right-mid: Hardworking Tong
Centre-mid: Hard-man Tjioe
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Dynamic Soon
Striker: Powerful Alvin (captain)
Striker: Unpredictable Blackburn
The subs are Marauding Boon and Speedy Hee (both late).
Alvin captained ARFC for the very first time in his ARFC career as ARFC was looking to his goals to inspire ARFC to another victory which would help propel ARFC to the League title.
He did not disappoint as he netted what turned out to be the winning goal in the 17th min. Hardworking Tong, who produced yet another impressive performance, played Alvin through with a world-class slicing ball right into the heart of their defence. Sprinting clear, Alvin kept his cool despite being closed down by their tough right-back to steer the ball past their keeper for his 82nd ARFC goal. 1-0.
ARFC did not relent and kept on peppering the opponents’ goal. However, the referee seemed to be fairly biased and made many decisions that infuriated both ARFC warriors and the fans alike.
Half-time 1-0.
Despite clear dominance in the 2nd half, ARFC was unable to increase its tally. In fact, it could have been worse but Jinzhong came up with at least 2 out of this world saves to preserve ARFC’s lead. He was deservingly awarded the Man-of-the-Match accolade.
As mentioned by Boon, the “Peugeot Moment of the Day” goes to Soon for his lung-bursting run for about 67 metres all the way to the left touch-line just to retrieve the ball and managed to keep the ball!!! Fantastic speed and stamina!!!
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Super weekend
Dear ARFC warriors:
Super weekend this week:
(i) Tournament match - 08 Feb 09 @ 3 pm @ Siglap Sec Sch @ Pasir Ris Drive 10
(ii) Friendly match - 09 Feb 09 @ 7 pm @ Republic Polytechnic @ Woodlands Ave 9 (artificial pitch)
We have played at both grounds before
SMS has been sent out to all warriors. Pl let me know if you can in both matches, or either one, or none.
Super weekend this week:
(i) Tournament match - 08 Feb 09 @ 3 pm @ Siglap Sec Sch @ Pasir Ris Drive 10
(ii) Friendly match - 09 Feb 09 @ 7 pm @ Republic Polytechnic @ Woodlands Ave 9 (artificial pitch)
We have played at both grounds before
SMS has been sent out to all warriors. Pl let me know if you can in both matches, or either one, or none.
Birthday greetings to Afiqah
On behalf of ARFC, I would like to send out birthday greetings in advance to Afiqah, our super-gorgeous (well, that's my prediction 17 years later!!) daughter of ARFC scoring legend Haron, a happy 1st birthday. Her actual birthday is on 09 Feb 09....
Cheers.....
Cheers.....
Sunday, February 01, 2009
ARFC got its 160th victory in 249 matches
ARFC maintained its 100% record in the year 2009 with its 4th victory after easily dismissing its opponents 4-1 at the good pitch at Tanjong Katong SS.
Prior to the match, marauding right-back Boon was persuaded out of his semi-retirement after being promised a match appearance fee of $7,777 and 77 free sessions at “Cum Again” massage parlour at Joo Chiat
As this news was somehow leaked to the press, another 7,777 fans, in addition to the usual 77,777 fans, made their way to the match venue, cloaking up the entire AYE and ECP for a good 2 hours. A small section of PRC babes were also seen waving banners and portraits of Boon.
ARFC started with this line-up:
Keeper: Dependable Jinzhong
Right-back: Marauding Boon
Sweeper: Uncompromising Edwin
Stopper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Left-back: Unpredictable Blackburn
Right-mid: Hard-running Guoxiong
Centre-mid: Hardworking Tong
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Dynamic Soon
Striker: Powerful Alvin
Striker: Speedy Hee (captain)
The subs are Hard-man Tjioe, combative Ron (guest player) and Haron who late due to jalan jalan outing with his gorgeous wife, Su and lagi-gorgeous daughter Afiqah.
Even though ARFC did not play over the Chinese New Year, all warriors did not show any signs of rustiness and straight from the kick-off, ARFC imposed itself on the opponents. With such dominant display in the opening minutes, it would be just a matter of time before ARFC opened the scoring.
The opening goal duly arrived in the 7th min. Blackburn’s corner was met by Edwin’s head and the ball was heading to the back of the net when their defender handled on the goal-line, giving the referee an easy decision to award a penalty. Elvis used his “massive body” to push aside regular penalty-takers Sebastian and Blackburn to put ARFC 1-0 up for only his 6th ARFC goal.
Boon, who played his first goal in ages, began tiring out and was replaced by Tjioe. With a solid display, Boon left the pitch to a standing ovation from the fans and PRC babes.
ARFC nearly went 2 up. A superb defence-splitting ball over the top had Soon running through but with their keeper only to beat, he sent his shot to row Z.
Soon is not to be denied the 2nd time. This time, it was the impressive Tong who chipped in a through ball and Soon made sure he did not repeat his earlier miss with a classic Andrei Shevchenko left foot finish for his 10th ARFC goal. 2-0 now.
Special mention must be given to match-day captain Hee as he twice utilized his world-renowned speed to steal the ball away from the opponents right after both kick-offs after the re-start. His speed left the opponents bewildered.
In the 2nd half, ARFC switched to a 3-men attack after Haron joining Hee and Alvin.
Immediately, Haron made an instant impact when he was put through. Spotting their keeper rushing out, Haron elegantly lobbed over him and the ball was destined for goal. Due to the hard pitch, the ball incredulously bounced over the bar much to the dismay of the warriors and fans alike. Unlucky!
Determined not to let his wife and daughter down, Haron scored in the 57th min. Off their keeper’s long kick, Ron won the ball and side-foot the ball high over their sweeper. In their duel, Haron displayed his class by first spinning their sweeper and then nonchalantly lobbed the ball over their keeper for his 135th ARFC goal. 3-0.
ARFC got his 2nd goal and 136th ARFC goal about 7 mins later via a classic route-one routine. Edwin, who had a imperious match, sent a high ball which was flicked on by Blackburn. Haron latched onto the ball and needless to say, finished it off. 4-0.
ARFC then turned complacent and allowed them to pull a goal back. 4-1.
The opponents nearly scored another goal when Edwin pulled down their forward in the box. However, Jinzhong came up with a world-class Pepe Reina stop from the penalty. Excellent!
Special mention is given to Boon as despite not played in matches for so long, he came up with a solid performance at right-back.
Man-of-the-Match is Guoxiong, though Edwin and Soon came close too.
This 4-1 victory was ARFC’s 160th victory in 249 matches.
Prior to the match, marauding right-back Boon was persuaded out of his semi-retirement after being promised a match appearance fee of $7,777 and 77 free sessions at “Cum Again” massage parlour at Joo Chiat
As this news was somehow leaked to the press, another 7,777 fans, in addition to the usual 77,777 fans, made their way to the match venue, cloaking up the entire AYE and ECP for a good 2 hours. A small section of PRC babes were also seen waving banners and portraits of Boon.
ARFC started with this line-up:
Keeper: Dependable Jinzhong
Right-back: Marauding Boon
Sweeper: Uncompromising Edwin
Stopper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Left-back: Unpredictable Blackburn
Right-mid: Hard-running Guoxiong
Centre-mid: Hardworking Tong
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Dynamic Soon
Striker: Powerful Alvin
Striker: Speedy Hee (captain)
The subs are Hard-man Tjioe, combative Ron (guest player) and Haron who late due to jalan jalan outing with his gorgeous wife, Su and lagi-gorgeous daughter Afiqah.
Even though ARFC did not play over the Chinese New Year, all warriors did not show any signs of rustiness and straight from the kick-off, ARFC imposed itself on the opponents. With such dominant display in the opening minutes, it would be just a matter of time before ARFC opened the scoring.
The opening goal duly arrived in the 7th min. Blackburn’s corner was met by Edwin’s head and the ball was heading to the back of the net when their defender handled on the goal-line, giving the referee an easy decision to award a penalty. Elvis used his “massive body” to push aside regular penalty-takers Sebastian and Blackburn to put ARFC 1-0 up for only his 6th ARFC goal.
Boon, who played his first goal in ages, began tiring out and was replaced by Tjioe. With a solid display, Boon left the pitch to a standing ovation from the fans and PRC babes.
ARFC nearly went 2 up. A superb defence-splitting ball over the top had Soon running through but with their keeper only to beat, he sent his shot to row Z.
Soon is not to be denied the 2nd time. This time, it was the impressive Tong who chipped in a through ball and Soon made sure he did not repeat his earlier miss with a classic Andrei Shevchenko left foot finish for his 10th ARFC goal. 2-0 now.
Special mention must be given to match-day captain Hee as he twice utilized his world-renowned speed to steal the ball away from the opponents right after both kick-offs after the re-start. His speed left the opponents bewildered.
In the 2nd half, ARFC switched to a 3-men attack after Haron joining Hee and Alvin.
Immediately, Haron made an instant impact when he was put through. Spotting their keeper rushing out, Haron elegantly lobbed over him and the ball was destined for goal. Due to the hard pitch, the ball incredulously bounced over the bar much to the dismay of the warriors and fans alike. Unlucky!
Determined not to let his wife and daughter down, Haron scored in the 57th min. Off their keeper’s long kick, Ron won the ball and side-foot the ball high over their sweeper. In their duel, Haron displayed his class by first spinning their sweeper and then nonchalantly lobbed the ball over their keeper for his 135th ARFC goal. 3-0.
ARFC got his 2nd goal and 136th ARFC goal about 7 mins later via a classic route-one routine. Edwin, who had a imperious match, sent a high ball which was flicked on by Blackburn. Haron latched onto the ball and needless to say, finished it off. 4-0.
ARFC then turned complacent and allowed them to pull a goal back. 4-1.
The opponents nearly scored another goal when Edwin pulled down their forward in the box. However, Jinzhong came up with a world-class Pepe Reina stop from the penalty. Excellent!
Special mention is given to Boon as despite not played in matches for so long, he came up with a solid performance at right-back.
Man-of-the-Match is Guoxiong, though Edwin and Soon came close too.
This 4-1 victory was ARFC’s 160th victory in 249 matches.
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