Playing its 2nd match in less than 48 hours, a very fatigue ARFC fell 3-4 to a very youthful MOE team at the superb artificial pitch at Victoria SS. Witnessing ARFC’s 1st loss in 2009 were the usual 77,777 fans as well as Caren, gorgeous wife of Sebastian, and Su and Afiqa, babelicious wife and lagi-babelicious daughter of Haron.
ARFC started with this line-up:
Keeper: Dependable Jinzhong
Right-back: Marauding Boon
Sweeper: Uncompromising Edwin
Stopper: Towering Toh
Left-back: Hardworking Tong
Right-mid: Hard-running Guoxiong
Centre-mid: Dynamic Soon
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Speedy Hee
Striker: Unpredictable Blackburn
Striker: Powerful Alvin
Subs are:
Mean-machine Hock (late – Captain)
Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Hardman Tjioe
ARFC scoring legend Haron
Within 17 mins, ARFC gifted 2 goals to the opponents. 0-2.
ARFC then woke up and grabbed a goal back. Edwin chipped in a free-kick from our half and the ball was flicked on by Blackburn onto the path of on-rushing Soon. Not surprisingly, Soon dispatched the ball past their keeper for his 15th ARFC goal. 1-2
Just mins later, ARFC conceded 2 more goals though the 4th goal looked suspiciously of-side. 1-4.
Sebastian then atoned for his mistake in the first goal conceded when he picked up the ball about 37 metres away from goal. Looking up, he hit a rising shot that took a slight deflection off their defender’s leg and the ball sailed over their rooted keeper. This was Sebastian’s 66th ARFC goal. 2-4 which remained the half-time score.
In the 2nd half, ARFC played so much better as it started playing its usual standard of football. With such football, ARFC would get its 3rd goal in the match. Hock won possession on the right and sent a measured high ball over their defence and Soon sprinted in. Without breaking his stride, Soon calmly volleyed the ball with his left foot over their static keeper who had came rushing out for his 16th ARFC goal. 3-4.
Toh nearly scored ARFC’s 4th goal after Sebastian’s corner fell to his feet. However, his close-range shot was superbly blocked by their keeper. Unlucky!!
Despite subjecting the opponents to more intense pressure, ARFC could not get an equalising goal and hence suffered its 1st defeat in 2009.
For this match, Man-of-the-Match goes to Soon though Tong, Guoxiong, Elvis and Hock did well too.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
Blackburn scores Xabi Alonso-type goal in 5-0 victory
Playing at a sleepy time of 9 pm at Tampines SAFRA, ARFC continued its winning streak with a comprehensive 5-0 victory over a hapless opponent. Witnessing the rampaging win was Anna, Elvis’ beau, as well as the faithful 77,777 fans.
ARFC started with this line-up:
Keeper: Weili (guest keeper)
Right-back: Hard-running Guoxiong (Captain)
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Towering Toh
Left-back: Hardworking Tong
Right-mid: Mean-machine Hock
Centre-mid: Dynamic Soon
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Hardman Tjioe
Striker: Unpredictable Blackburn
Striker: Speedy Hee
Subs are:
Marauding Boon
Sublime Khim
Powerful Alvin
Probably due to the sleepy hour, ARFC could not get its game going in the opening minutes and was nearly embarrassed by the opponents. Thankfully, ARFC’s defence held firm.
ARFC took the lead in the 17th min. Hee’s chipped pass appeared to be mis-hit but the ball was latched on nicely by Tjioe, who reminded everybody that he was once a box-to-box warrior. Tjioe’s touch looked a bit too heavy and the ball seemed to be out of his reach. With their defender closing down, Tjioe executed a sliding shot that hit their defender’s out-stretched leg and the ball spun and looped over their keeper. It was Tjioe’s 46th ARFC goal. 1-0
ARFC doubled its lead 7 mins later. Khim, who came on for Tjioe, picked up a loose ball at the left flank. ARFC’s forwards made a decoy run and pulled their defenders with them, leaving Hock free at the right side Of course, the ever-elegant Khim picked out Hock with a cross-diagonal ball and Hock took the ball down nicely and coolly slotted the ball past their keeper for his 21st ARFC goal. 2-0 which remained the half-time score.
In the 57th min, ARFC scored its 3rd goal in the match. Blackburn, who again put in an impressive showing, sent in a precise corner from the left to the head of who else but Toh to thump his header against the cross-bar. The ball did not cross the line but Toh was fast enough to follow up with another header to send the ball into the net for his 31st ARFC goal. 3-0.
By now, the opponents was gone case. However, ARFC nearly gave them a life-line after Hock was dismissed for retaliation. ARFC was down to 10 men.
Again, ARFC’s spirit, team-work and determination came to the fore again. Blackburn picked up the ball just inside their half and gave a powerful lob that had their back-pedaling keeper grabbing thin air and the ball landed nicely into the net ala Xabi Alonso for his 77th ARFC goal. Really world-class goal. The distance measured was 57.77 metres from goal. 4-0
ARFC was not done as yet and scored the type of “team-work” goal ala Liverpool in the 80s. At least 5 or 6 warriors passed the ball around and the opponents were completely mesmerized by the sweet passing and movement. The final ball landed at the feet of Khim whose shot was parried by their keeper. However, the ball trickled over the line and Khim chalked up his 40th ARFC goal.
For this match, Man-of-the-Match must surely be Khim for his sublime all-round display. I must also say that Guoxiong, Tong and Blackburn came close too.
ARFC started with this line-up:
Keeper: Weili (guest keeper)
Right-back: Hard-running Guoxiong (Captain)
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Towering Toh
Left-back: Hardworking Tong
Right-mid: Mean-machine Hock
Centre-mid: Dynamic Soon
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Hardman Tjioe
Striker: Unpredictable Blackburn
Striker: Speedy Hee
Subs are:
Marauding Boon
Sublime Khim
Powerful Alvin
Probably due to the sleepy hour, ARFC could not get its game going in the opening minutes and was nearly embarrassed by the opponents. Thankfully, ARFC’s defence held firm.
ARFC took the lead in the 17th min. Hee’s chipped pass appeared to be mis-hit but the ball was latched on nicely by Tjioe, who reminded everybody that he was once a box-to-box warrior. Tjioe’s touch looked a bit too heavy and the ball seemed to be out of his reach. With their defender closing down, Tjioe executed a sliding shot that hit their defender’s out-stretched leg and the ball spun and looped over their keeper. It was Tjioe’s 46th ARFC goal. 1-0
ARFC doubled its lead 7 mins later. Khim, who came on for Tjioe, picked up a loose ball at the left flank. ARFC’s forwards made a decoy run and pulled their defenders with them, leaving Hock free at the right side Of course, the ever-elegant Khim picked out Hock with a cross-diagonal ball and Hock took the ball down nicely and coolly slotted the ball past their keeper for his 21st ARFC goal. 2-0 which remained the half-time score.
In the 57th min, ARFC scored its 3rd goal in the match. Blackburn, who again put in an impressive showing, sent in a precise corner from the left to the head of who else but Toh to thump his header against the cross-bar. The ball did not cross the line but Toh was fast enough to follow up with another header to send the ball into the net for his 31st ARFC goal. 3-0.
By now, the opponents was gone case. However, ARFC nearly gave them a life-line after Hock was dismissed for retaliation. ARFC was down to 10 men.
Again, ARFC’s spirit, team-work and determination came to the fore again. Blackburn picked up the ball just inside their half and gave a powerful lob that had their back-pedaling keeper grabbing thin air and the ball landed nicely into the net ala Xabi Alonso for his 77th ARFC goal. Really world-class goal. The distance measured was 57.77 metres from goal. 4-0
ARFC was not done as yet and scored the type of “team-work” goal ala Liverpool in the 80s. At least 5 or 6 warriors passed the ball around and the opponents were completely mesmerized by the sweet passing and movement. The final ball landed at the feet of Khim whose shot was parried by their keeper. However, the ball trickled over the line and Khim chalked up his 40th ARFC goal.
For this match, Man-of-the-Match must surely be Khim for his sublime all-round display. I must also say that Guoxiong, Tong and Blackburn came close too.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Tong's Man-of-the-Match display propelled ARFC to crushing win
For the first time in many months, ARFC played a 7 pm match on a Sunday against Yellow Submarine at the magnificent artificial pitch at Tampines SAFRA. Despite an unusual playing time on a Sunday for ARFC, ARFC still managed to thrash Yellow Submarine 7-2 after twice falling behind. As usual, the 77,777 fans included Anna and Tracie, beau of Elvis and Guoxiong respectively. Toh’s wife, son (Gerrard) and siblings also turned up to lend their support. Gerrard was subsequently treated to a match of goals delight served up by ARFC.
ARFC started with this line-up:
Keeper: Dependable Jinzhong
Right-back: Hard-running Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading Elvis
Stopper: Unpredictable Blackburn
Left-back: Hardworking Tong
Right-mid: Hardman Tjioe
Centre-mid: Dynamic Soon (Captian)
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Sublime Khim
Striker: ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
Striker: Powerful Alvin
Subs are:
Speedy Hee
Mean-machine Hock
Towering Toh (late)
ARFC was strangely subdued in the opening minutes and was subjected to a barrage of shots by the opponents who were clearly determined to avenge their previous 7-0 thrashing by ARFC. Thankfully, Jinzhong came to the rescue with some superb saves.
However, ARFC did not wake up and it was no surprise that it fell behind in the 7th min after a poor decision by the lousy referee who failed to spot an off-side. 0-1.
Falling behind and with boos raining down by the fans, ARFC then woke up and played some delightful football. 7 mins later, ARFC equalized. Hock, who just came on for Tjioe, hit a delightful ball to Haron who ran into the box and proceeded to lash home that gave their keeper no chance at all for his 138th ARFC goal. Wonderful shot from a scoring legend. 1-1.
ARFC again fell behind. 1-2.
ARFC did not lose heart and continued to chase for an equalizing goal. Hock and Haron again combined to find Khim who showed some mesmerising footwork just at the edge of the penalty box and volleyed home with his left foot that arched over their keeper for his 39th ARFC goal. 2-2.
First half’s score stayed at 2-2.
Within minutes of the re-start, ARFC took the lead for the very first time. Tong, who was so impressive throughout, combined with Khim to find Alvin down the left flank. Accelerating away, Alvin powered into the box and thumped home with his outside right foot for his 86th ARFC goal. 3-2.
ARFC extended its lead in the 57th min. Hock’s long cross from the right eluded everybody and the ball seemed to be headed out for a goal-kick. But with Hee around, there is never a case of lost cause as he utilized his world-renowned speed to retrieve the ball and played to Khim. Looking up, Khim chipped the ball in and Alvin outjumped everybody ala Klose to head home his 87th ARFC goal. Wonderful goal with world-class switches from right to left and to goal. 4-2.
7 mins later, Alvin completed his hat-trick after some clever footwork from Haron who eluded 2 defenders and hit a slide-rule through pass to Alvin who needed no second invitation to shoot past their despairing keeper for his 88th ARFC goal. 5-2
Alvin’s 11th hat-trick for ARFC also enabled him to surpass the previous 10 hat-tricks held by Robin. However, Alvin’s total goals of 35 from hat-tricks is still behind Robin’s record of 39 goals from hat-trick.
In the 77th min came the goal of the match. Guoxiong showed everybody why he is so highly regarded by all when he embarked on a 87-metre lung-busting run ala Cafu from his right-back position, played a clever one-two with Hock beat their left-back at the bye-line and squared the ball across to Haron. Haron’s touch appeared a little too heavy as the ball spun up into the air. With his back to goal, Haron executed a bicycle kick ala Torres and the ball beat their keeper much to the whole world’s delight. Great goal and it was his 139th ARFC goal. 6-2
ARFC was not done and scored with virtually the last kick of the match. Blackburn, who was put clean through, was so unselfish as he clipped the ball over to Soon who came rushing into the box. With a touch that killed the ball, Soon side-footed it past their keeper for his 14th ARFC goal and capped off a good night since it is the first time that he is captaining ARFC. 7-2
Again, this was a match where every ARFC warrior played extremely well. ARFC did not lose heart after twice falling behind and that speaks volume about its determination, grit and team-work.
My choice for Man-of-the-Match goes to Tong for his very impressive outing at left-back, though Hock, Khim and Haron came very close.
With this victory, ARFC maintained its 100% record with a perfect 10 score in 2009. ARFC is also still unbeaten at Tampines SAFRA. As for the results against Yellow Submarine, we had played them 5 times (including tonight) as follows:
Drew 4-4
Won 2-1
Won 4-3
Won 7-0
Won 7-2.
ARFC started with this line-up:
Keeper: Dependable Jinzhong
Right-back: Hard-running Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading Elvis
Stopper: Unpredictable Blackburn
Left-back: Hardworking Tong
Right-mid: Hardman Tjioe
Centre-mid: Dynamic Soon (Captian)
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Sublime Khim
Striker: ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
Striker: Powerful Alvin
Subs are:
Speedy Hee
Mean-machine Hock
Towering Toh (late)
ARFC was strangely subdued in the opening minutes and was subjected to a barrage of shots by the opponents who were clearly determined to avenge their previous 7-0 thrashing by ARFC. Thankfully, Jinzhong came to the rescue with some superb saves.
However, ARFC did not wake up and it was no surprise that it fell behind in the 7th min after a poor decision by the lousy referee who failed to spot an off-side. 0-1.
Falling behind and with boos raining down by the fans, ARFC then woke up and played some delightful football. 7 mins later, ARFC equalized. Hock, who just came on for Tjioe, hit a delightful ball to Haron who ran into the box and proceeded to lash home that gave their keeper no chance at all for his 138th ARFC goal. Wonderful shot from a scoring legend. 1-1.
ARFC again fell behind. 1-2.
ARFC did not lose heart and continued to chase for an equalizing goal. Hock and Haron again combined to find Khim who showed some mesmerising footwork just at the edge of the penalty box and volleyed home with his left foot that arched over their keeper for his 39th ARFC goal. 2-2.
First half’s score stayed at 2-2.
Within minutes of the re-start, ARFC took the lead for the very first time. Tong, who was so impressive throughout, combined with Khim to find Alvin down the left flank. Accelerating away, Alvin powered into the box and thumped home with his outside right foot for his 86th ARFC goal. 3-2.
ARFC extended its lead in the 57th min. Hock’s long cross from the right eluded everybody and the ball seemed to be headed out for a goal-kick. But with Hee around, there is never a case of lost cause as he utilized his world-renowned speed to retrieve the ball and played to Khim. Looking up, Khim chipped the ball in and Alvin outjumped everybody ala Klose to head home his 87th ARFC goal. Wonderful goal with world-class switches from right to left and to goal. 4-2.
7 mins later, Alvin completed his hat-trick after some clever footwork from Haron who eluded 2 defenders and hit a slide-rule through pass to Alvin who needed no second invitation to shoot past their despairing keeper for his 88th ARFC goal. 5-2
Alvin’s 11th hat-trick for ARFC also enabled him to surpass the previous 10 hat-tricks held by Robin. However, Alvin’s total goals of 35 from hat-tricks is still behind Robin’s record of 39 goals from hat-trick.
In the 77th min came the goal of the match. Guoxiong showed everybody why he is so highly regarded by all when he embarked on a 87-metre lung-busting run ala Cafu from his right-back position, played a clever one-two with Hock beat their left-back at the bye-line and squared the ball across to Haron. Haron’s touch appeared a little too heavy as the ball spun up into the air. With his back to goal, Haron executed a bicycle kick ala Torres and the ball beat their keeper much to the whole world’s delight. Great goal and it was his 139th ARFC goal. 6-2
ARFC was not done and scored with virtually the last kick of the match. Blackburn, who was put clean through, was so unselfish as he clipped the ball over to Soon who came rushing into the box. With a touch that killed the ball, Soon side-footed it past their keeper for his 14th ARFC goal and capped off a good night since it is the first time that he is captaining ARFC. 7-2
Again, this was a match where every ARFC warrior played extremely well. ARFC did not lose heart after twice falling behind and that speaks volume about its determination, grit and team-work.
My choice for Man-of-the-Match goes to Tong for his very impressive outing at left-back, though Hock, Khim and Haron came very close.
With this victory, ARFC maintained its 100% record with a perfect 10 score in 2009. ARFC is also still unbeaten at Tampines SAFRA. As for the results against Yellow Submarine, we had played them 5 times (including tonight) as follows:
Drew 4-4
Won 2-1
Won 4-3
Won 7-0
Won 7-2.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Overseas attachment for some ARFC warriors
We are pleased to announce that Elvis has successfully completed one week training with Valencia from Maldives. Elvis impressed all and was offered a 7-year contract with weekly wages of 77,777 Maldivian rupees. However, Elvis has turned down the offer due to his strong love for two 'A' - ARFC and Anna.
Separately, following Shanghai Shenhua's 4-1 thumping of our own SAFFC recently, we are sending Bernard to Shanghai for a one-week training stint with the team. We hope that Bernard will pick up some tips (and not TITS) from the Chinese (not PRC babes).
Besides field football, ARFC is also planning to set up a Beach Soccer Team. Hence, 3 warriors, namely Alvin, Boon and Sebastian are heading to Bali this month end to learn about the art of beach soccer. Tong was initially nominated but he could not make it due to work commitment.
Separately, following Shanghai Shenhua's 4-1 thumping of our own SAFFC recently, we are sending Bernard to Shanghai for a one-week training stint with the team. We hope that Bernard will pick up some tips (and not TITS) from the Chinese (not PRC babes).
Besides field football, ARFC is also planning to set up a Beach Soccer Team. Hence, 3 warriors, namely Alvin, Boon and Sebastian are heading to Bali this month end to learn about the art of beach soccer. Tong was initially nominated but he could not make it due to work commitment.
Monday, March 09, 2009
Tampines SAFRA bonanza!!!!
Dear ARFC warriors:
We are playing 2 successive matches at the magnificent artificial pitch at Tampines SAFRA. The dates and times are:
15 Mar (Sun) @ 7 pm (1900 hrs)
19 Mar (Thu) @ 9 pm (2100 hrs)
As usual, SMS would be sent out to all of you....
Cheers.....
We are playing 2 successive matches at the magnificent artificial pitch at Tampines SAFRA. The dates and times are:
15 Mar (Sun) @ 7 pm (1900 hrs)
19 Mar (Thu) @ 9 pm (2100 hrs)
As usual, SMS would be sent out to all of you....
Cheers.....
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Kiat MIA
If anyone has any news of versatile Kiat, pl call ARFC's hot-line at 9777 7777 immediately. The ARFC fans are clamouring for his return....
ARFC hat-tricks heroes and total goals
Some ARFC warriors had scored 3 goals or more throughout the years. These are the total no. of hat-tricks (3 goals and more) and total goals from these hat-tricks:
Hat-trick tally: Total goals:
Robin 10 39
Alvin 10 32
Haron 9 30
JiongJiong 4 14
Sebastian 4 12
Jeffrey 2 7
Tjioe 2 7
Blackburn 2 6
Hee 2 6
David 1 4
Jesmond 1 4
Tong 1 3
Kiat 1 3
Hock 1 3
Derrick 1 3
Tino 1 3
Soon 1 3
Hat-trick tally: Total goals:
Robin 10 39
Alvin 10 32
Haron 9 30
JiongJiong 4 14
Sebastian 4 12
Jeffrey 2 7
Tjioe 2 7
Blackburn 2 6
Hee 2 6
David 1 4
Jesmond 1 4
Tong 1 3
Kiat 1 3
Hock 1 3
Derrick 1 3
Tino 1 3
Soon 1 3
Soon notched his first-ever ARFC hat-trick in easy win
As there is no tournament match scheduled, ARFC played a friendly match at MacPherson SS. Nevertheless, the usual crowd of 77,777 fans still turned up despite the searing heat to witness ARFC strolled to an easy 6-3 victory. With this win, ARFC is still unbeaten in 2009 with 100% record in 9 matches.
ARFC started with this line-up (3-5-2):
Keeper: Dependable Jinzhong (captain)
Right-wingback: Marauding Boon
Sweeper: Uncompromising Edwin
Stopper: Towering Toh
Stopper: Astute-reading Elvis
Left-wingback: Hard-running Guoxiong
Centre-mid: Unpredictable Blackburn
Centre-mid: Dynamic Soon
Centre-mid: Hardman Tjioe
Striker: Speedy Hee
Striker: Powerful Alvin
Subs are:
Hardworking Tong
Reliable David
Influential Sebastian
ARFC did not tale long to stamp its authority in the match with superb passing and movements. Hence, it was no surprise that ARFC opened the scoring in the 17th min. Boon justified his place when he marauded down the right flank. Looking up, he lofted in a delicious ball ala Rob Jones and in came Hee whose world-renowned speed allowed him to reach the ball first before the on-rushing keeper and Hee then lifted the ball over their keeper for his 63rd ARFC goal. This was also Hee’s first goal for ARFC in the year 2009. 1-0.
Satisfied with his contribution, Boon then asked to be subbed and David replaces him.
ARFC doubled its lead merely minutes later. Toh, who returned after missing last week’s match due to his son’s illness, picked up a loose ball about 47 metres away from their goal. Without hesitation, Toh thundered in a shot that measured at 377 km/h ala Xabi Alonso and the venom and speed had their keeper trembling. With trembling feet, their keeper then slipped and the ball flew over him for Toh’s 30th ARFC goal. 2-0.
Tong then took over from Tjioe who was clearly dominating the midfield area with his steely display but wanted to take a breather. Moments later, Sebastian replaced Guoxiong.
Immediately, Sebastian conjured up ARFC’s 3rd goal when he chipped in a long direct over-the-top ball for Soon to run through from the left-flank. Soon reached the ball, rounded the keeper and slotted the ball into the empty net for his 11th ARFC goal. 3-0.
By now, the opponents were deflated. Just 7 mins later, Soon got his 2nd goal in the match. Alvin did well by powering through the left flank but his square ball was cleared away. Unfortunately, the ball fell to Soon who unleashed a long shot ala Steven Gerrard for his 12th ARFC goal. 4-0
ARFC was not done and seconds before the half-time whistle, Alvin got into the scoring act after being cleverly put through by Blackburn. However, Alvin still had lots to do as he was closed down by their clever sweeper. Nevertheless, Alvin made full use of his upper body strength ala Didier Drogba and shrugged him aside and side-footed home for his 85th ARFC goal. 5-0.
In the 2nd half, ARFC reverted to 4-4-2 but still continued to control proceedings.
Just 7 mins after the re-start, Soon almost notched a hat-trick after being put through by Blackburn. However, he just missed the goal by a mere 0.77 mm. Unlucky.
Soon made up for his miss by finally hitting his first-ever hat-trick for ARFC. He picked up a wild clearance from their keeper and brought the ball all the way into the box and shot home for his 13th ARFC goal. His hat-trick also allowed him to join a select band of hat-trick warriors for ARFC. 6-0.
ARFC then turned complacent and allowed them to pull 3 goals back. 6-3.
Hee also missed a golden chance when he somehow shot over in front of a gaping goal after yet another good work by Alvin.
I feel very tempted to give the Man-of-the-Match award to Soon but I must say that Blackburn was creating chances throughout the match. Hence, it would be a shared award between them.
ARFC started with this line-up (3-5-2):
Keeper: Dependable Jinzhong (captain)
Right-wingback: Marauding Boon
Sweeper: Uncompromising Edwin
Stopper: Towering Toh
Stopper: Astute-reading Elvis
Left-wingback: Hard-running Guoxiong
Centre-mid: Unpredictable Blackburn
Centre-mid: Dynamic Soon
Centre-mid: Hardman Tjioe
Striker: Speedy Hee
Striker: Powerful Alvin
Subs are:
Hardworking Tong
Reliable David
Influential Sebastian
ARFC did not tale long to stamp its authority in the match with superb passing and movements. Hence, it was no surprise that ARFC opened the scoring in the 17th min. Boon justified his place when he marauded down the right flank. Looking up, he lofted in a delicious ball ala Rob Jones and in came Hee whose world-renowned speed allowed him to reach the ball first before the on-rushing keeper and Hee then lifted the ball over their keeper for his 63rd ARFC goal. This was also Hee’s first goal for ARFC in the year 2009. 1-0.
Satisfied with his contribution, Boon then asked to be subbed and David replaces him.
ARFC doubled its lead merely minutes later. Toh, who returned after missing last week’s match due to his son’s illness, picked up a loose ball about 47 metres away from their goal. Without hesitation, Toh thundered in a shot that measured at 377 km/h ala Xabi Alonso and the venom and speed had their keeper trembling. With trembling feet, their keeper then slipped and the ball flew over him for Toh’s 30th ARFC goal. 2-0.
Tong then took over from Tjioe who was clearly dominating the midfield area with his steely display but wanted to take a breather. Moments later, Sebastian replaced Guoxiong.
Immediately, Sebastian conjured up ARFC’s 3rd goal when he chipped in a long direct over-the-top ball for Soon to run through from the left-flank. Soon reached the ball, rounded the keeper and slotted the ball into the empty net for his 11th ARFC goal. 3-0.
By now, the opponents were deflated. Just 7 mins later, Soon got his 2nd goal in the match. Alvin did well by powering through the left flank but his square ball was cleared away. Unfortunately, the ball fell to Soon who unleashed a long shot ala Steven Gerrard for his 12th ARFC goal. 4-0
ARFC was not done and seconds before the half-time whistle, Alvin got into the scoring act after being cleverly put through by Blackburn. However, Alvin still had lots to do as he was closed down by their clever sweeper. Nevertheless, Alvin made full use of his upper body strength ala Didier Drogba and shrugged him aside and side-footed home for his 85th ARFC goal. 5-0.
In the 2nd half, ARFC reverted to 4-4-2 but still continued to control proceedings.
Just 7 mins after the re-start, Soon almost notched a hat-trick after being put through by Blackburn. However, he just missed the goal by a mere 0.77 mm. Unlucky.
Soon made up for his miss by finally hitting his first-ever hat-trick for ARFC. He picked up a wild clearance from their keeper and brought the ball all the way into the box and shot home for his 13th ARFC goal. His hat-trick also allowed him to join a select band of hat-trick warriors for ARFC. 6-0.
ARFC then turned complacent and allowed them to pull 3 goals back. 6-3.
Hee also missed a golden chance when he somehow shot over in front of a gaping goal after yet another good work by Alvin.
I feel very tempted to give the Man-of-the-Match award to Soon but I must say that Blackburn was creating chances throughout the match. Hence, it would be a shared award between them.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
ARFC stays unbeaten with hard-fought victory over Monforto
In its penultimate tournament match, ARFC overcame a stubborn Monforto 2-0 in front of 77,777 fans at Seng Kang SS. With the victory, ARFC maintained its unbeaten run in the tournament and also 100% record in 2009 with its 8th wins in as many matches.
ARFC suffered a huge blow when Towering Toh’s son, Gerrard Toh, was so disturbed by Liverpool’s abject display against Middlesbrough the previous night that he developed a high fever of 39.2 degrees. Hence, Toh had to pull out from the match.
Fortunately, David made his comeback from his serious rib injury to take the field.
ARFC started with this line-up:
Keeper: Dependable Jinzhong
Right-back: Hard-running Guoxiong
Sweeper: Uncompromising Edwin
Stopper: Hardman Tjioe
Left-back: Unpredictable Blackburn
Right-mid: Mean-machine Hock
Centre-mid: Dynamic Soon
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Sublime Khim
Striker: Speedy Hee (captain)
Striker: Powerful Alvin
Subs are:
ARFC scoring legend Haron
Reliable David
Marauding Boon
Responding to Haron being named a substitute, the ARFC fans made known their feelings by giving 7 rounds of boos at Sebastian’s decision as they are not used to seeing their scoring legend not in the first eleven.
Despite being 2nd from last in the table, Monforto belied their position with their hard-work and closing down of ARFC’s warriors. In fact, Monforto dominated the early proceedings but ARFC’s defence, led superbly by Edwin, held firm.
In the 17th min, a series of inter-link play between Alvin, who put in much-improved effort, and Khim resulted in the latter breaking free in the box. Not surprisingly, Khim showed his usual composure to side-foot the ball past their despairing keeper despite 2 defenders closing down. This was Khim’s 38th ARFC goal. 1-0.
ARFC almost doubled its lead in the 17th min. Sebastian’s right-wing cross found Alvin who unleashed a half volley ala Alan Shearer. The ball looked to be headed to the back of the net but their defender deflected it out for a corner. Unlucky!!
Soon suffered a knock at the heart and was replaced by David, with Blackburn switching to stopper and Tjioe moved up to central midfield. Haron also came on to replace Alvin.
In the 2nd half, Soon replaced the tiring Tjioe. Monforto fought hard to find their equalizer and threatened with their wing-play and long-range shots. However, all their efforts came to nought as Jinzhong came up with a series of world-class saves.
Hee then took over Sebastian at right midfield as the latter was clearly out of breath.
ARFC finally doubled its lead in the 67th min after some great work by Haron who released Alvin on the right. Alvin powered clear and drilled in a grounder across the body of their keeper for his 84th ARFC goal. 2-0.
Soon missed a great chance to add to his 10 ARFC goals after great work down the right flank by Alvin in the 77th min. Alvin’s square ball was missed by everybody and the ball traveled to the unmarked Soon at the far post. However, he skied his shot ala Zulkifli Kartoyoho.
This was a match where ARFC and Monforto shared possession and dominance. Thanks in large part to ARFC’s defence, ARFC managed to keep a clean sheet. For this, the Man-of-the-Match award goes to Blackburn who was superb throughout although Edwin, Guoxiong, Khim and Hock came close.
ARFC suffered a huge blow when Towering Toh’s son, Gerrard Toh, was so disturbed by Liverpool’s abject display against Middlesbrough the previous night that he developed a high fever of 39.2 degrees. Hence, Toh had to pull out from the match.
Fortunately, David made his comeback from his serious rib injury to take the field.
ARFC started with this line-up:
Keeper: Dependable Jinzhong
Right-back: Hard-running Guoxiong
Sweeper: Uncompromising Edwin
Stopper: Hardman Tjioe
Left-back: Unpredictable Blackburn
Right-mid: Mean-machine Hock
Centre-mid: Dynamic Soon
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Sublime Khim
Striker: Speedy Hee (captain)
Striker: Powerful Alvin
Subs are:
ARFC scoring legend Haron
Reliable David
Marauding Boon
Responding to Haron being named a substitute, the ARFC fans made known their feelings by giving 7 rounds of boos at Sebastian’s decision as they are not used to seeing their scoring legend not in the first eleven.
Despite being 2nd from last in the table, Monforto belied their position with their hard-work and closing down of ARFC’s warriors. In fact, Monforto dominated the early proceedings but ARFC’s defence, led superbly by Edwin, held firm.
In the 17th min, a series of inter-link play between Alvin, who put in much-improved effort, and Khim resulted in the latter breaking free in the box. Not surprisingly, Khim showed his usual composure to side-foot the ball past their despairing keeper despite 2 defenders closing down. This was Khim’s 38th ARFC goal. 1-0.
ARFC almost doubled its lead in the 17th min. Sebastian’s right-wing cross found Alvin who unleashed a half volley ala Alan Shearer. The ball looked to be headed to the back of the net but their defender deflected it out for a corner. Unlucky!!
Soon suffered a knock at the heart and was replaced by David, with Blackburn switching to stopper and Tjioe moved up to central midfield. Haron also came on to replace Alvin.
In the 2nd half, Soon replaced the tiring Tjioe. Monforto fought hard to find their equalizer and threatened with their wing-play and long-range shots. However, all their efforts came to nought as Jinzhong came up with a series of world-class saves.
Hee then took over Sebastian at right midfield as the latter was clearly out of breath.
ARFC finally doubled its lead in the 67th min after some great work by Haron who released Alvin on the right. Alvin powered clear and drilled in a grounder across the body of their keeper for his 84th ARFC goal. 2-0.
Soon missed a great chance to add to his 10 ARFC goals after great work down the right flank by Alvin in the 77th min. Alvin’s square ball was missed by everybody and the ball traveled to the unmarked Soon at the far post. However, he skied his shot ala Zulkifli Kartoyoho.
This was a match where ARFC and Monforto shared possession and dominance. Thanks in large part to ARFC’s defence, ARFC managed to keep a clean sheet. For this, the Man-of-the-Match award goes to Blackburn who was superb throughout although Edwin, Guoxiong, Khim and Hock came close.
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