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.