Monday, June 29, 2009

Elvis weds Anna

On 22 Jun 09, Elvis wedded (not bedded) Anna at ROM in front of relatives, close friends and 7,777 ARFC fans........

The Prime Ministers of both Singapore and Vietnam were also present to give away IKEA vouchers of $7,777 to the lovely couple as their union has brought the relations of both countries to a new high.......

David Mak becomes father again!!!

On behalf of ARFC, our heartiest congratulations to David and Dora Mak for becoming a 2nd-time parents and Marco Mak for becoming a big brother to his sister Kalea......

Also on behalf of the Singapore Government, David and Dora Mak would be bestowed a National Day Award for lifting the national birth-rate average.....They would be given NTUC vouchers of $77 for the next 77 months.......

Alvin's brace secures ARFC victory

Powered by powerful Alvin’s (pun fully intended) brilliantly-taken brace, ARFC came from behind to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over K-1-K at Serangoon SS in front of 77,777 fans.

ARFC started with this line-up:

Keeper: Dependable Jinzhong
Right-back: Hard-running Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading Elvis
Stopper: Towering Toh (captain)
Left-back: Unpredictable Blackburn
Right-mid: Hardworking Tong
Centre-mid: Dynamic Soon
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Sublime Khim
Striker: Speedy Hee
Striker: Powerful Alvin

Subs:

Combative Ron
Hardman Tjioe

Ron was called up to assist as there were not enough warriors to form a team initially. Thankfully, Soon’s trip to Hong Kong (attachment to Happy Valley FC) was cancelled due to the flu and Guoxiong also recovered from dengue fever to take the field.

ARFC met K-1-K twice in the 3rd Division of the same league last year and both times, K-1-K provided stiff opposition. This time was no different and ARFC knew it would have its hands full playing them. True enough, the opponents impressed with some slick passing and movements and ARFC was all at seas in the opening minutes.

However, the first real threat came from ARFC after Alvin was fouled just outside the penalty box on the left. Sebastian stepped up and curled the free-kick beyond the wall but the ball struck the left-hand post and rebounded to Tong. Tong latched on to the rebound and calmly slotted home but the referee incorrectly ruled that Tong was off-side when in fact Tong had came in from an on-side position. Real unlucky!!

The opponents opened the scoring after a mix-up in the ARFC defence, resulting in Elvis netting an own goal. 0-1 which stayed as the half-time score.

ARFC was determined to put things right in the second half so as not to disappoint the fans who braved the flu to attend the match. Thus, ARFC came out with fire in their pot-bellies.

7 mins after the re-start, ARFC drew level after an exquisite slide-rule through pass to Alvin who took a touch, shrugged off their defender’s challenge and shot home with his right-outside foot for his 96th ARFC goal. 1-1

ARFC took the lead just mins later. Jinzhong, who had a superb match, punted a long kick right over their defence but Alvin still had lots to do. Using his well-trained upper muscular strength, he fended off their defender’s shirt-tugging and pulling ala Didier Drogba to fire home his 97th ARFC goal, sparking off wild celebrations in the stands. 2-1 now.

ARFC could have scored its 3rd goal but Khim was once again unlucky to struck the wood-work. Alvin could have also scored his hat-trick but his curling shot came off the post.

ARFC was indebted to Jinzhong who came up with a stunning one-hand save from their powerful drive from almost 30.7 metres. He also came up tops with a couple of great saves to preserve ARFC’s lead.

Man of the match is jointly given to Elvis (who showed us the art of great defending ala Franco Baresi with his commanding display) as well as Jinzhong whose saves were really world-class ala Gordon Banks.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

ARFC in totally undeserving loss

Playing in a 9 pm kick-off friendly match at Tampines SAFRA, ARFC suffered a totally undeserving loss to an experienced team 2-4. Despite the sleepy time, a crowd of 77,777 fans including Anna (Elvis’ beau) and Toh who was there to lend his support.

There was a frantic rush to make a team of 11 as many warriors were unavailable and hence 3 players were called up from Rendezvous FC, namely Weili, Bobby and Sng. Thankfully though, Khim, Edwin and Bernard made unexpected last-minute appearance and Weng Tuck also turned up in the 2nd half. Tong also cancelled his 7 pm just to concentrate playing for ARFC.

ARFC started with this line-up:

Keeper: Weili
Right-back: Hard-running Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading Elvis
Stopper: Sng
Left-back: Marauding Boon
Right-mid: Bobby
Centre-mid: Hard-man Tjioe
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Hardworking Tong (captain)
Striker: Uncompromising Edwin
Striker: Speedy Hee


Subs (all late):

Unpredictable Blackburn
Sublime Khim
Left-foot wizard Bernard
Weng Tuck


Despite a rather patch-up team, ARFC wasted no time in pressing for an opening goal with Hee impressing. In the 17th min, however, from their very first attack, the opponents took the lead. 0-1.

ARFC did not lose heart and looked for an equalizer only to be thwarted by opponents’sblocks and poor finishing. In the 27th min, from their second shot, the opponents incredibly scored. 0-2

ARFC again did not let these 2 setbacks affected their play and Blackburn was really unlucky to hit the wood-work. Also, Khim struck the post as well. Their defenders also came up with so many blocks.

In the 37th min, the opponents scored again from their 3rd shot!! 0-3.
Even though at 3 goals down, the fans did not jeer the warriors as they could see that ARFC was in fact playing well. This heartened the warriors and they were all determined to reduce the deficit.

True enough, ARFC pulled a goal back just 7 minutes after the re-start. Sebastian whipped a diagonal cross-field ball from the left to Blackburn who was lurking just outside the penalty box on the right. With a superb first-touch, Blackburn unleashed a shot that was so powerful that before their keeper could see it, the ball was already in the net which was almost burst by Blackburn’s venomous shot. 1-3 and it was Blackburn’s 78th ARFC goal.

ARFC pulled another goal back in the 67th min after Blackburn was felled by their clumsy defender. Sebastian stepped up and his shot was almost saved by their keeper. Thankfully, the ball squirmed under the keeper’s body to nestle nicely into the net for his 69th ARFC goal. This goal also moved him on level ground with Robin, the previous ARFC scoring great. 2-3 now.

By now, ARFC was bombarding the opponents with their clever passing, pressing and movements. The opponents simply had no answer but ARFC was denied by their defenders who all seemed to hustle in the penalty box. In other words, it was like “parking a bus in front of the goal”.

Hee’s superb volley from outside the box also just flashed narrowly over.

In the 77th min, Khim almost equalized after being put through but his shot was faintly touched on by their keeper to the post and the ball bounced out unfortunately. Super suay!!

ARFC poured forward in search of an equaliser in the dying minutes and was caught out from a counter-attack and they scored again. 2-4 is the final score.

This was a match where ARFC played extremely well and yet ended as a losing side. All warriors played fantastically, with the exception of Weili who surprisingly had an off-day.

Man-of-the-Match jointly awarded to Tong and Blackburn.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Facts on Haron's hat-tricks

Haron's 4-goal show today was the 4th time that he had scored 4 goals in a match in his illustrious ARFC career. The previous 3 times were on:

(i) 08 Oct 2000;
(ii) 12 Aug 2001;
(iii) 23 Jan 2005

The last time that Haron scored a hat-trick was on 06 Jan 2008.

Haron's feat today also allowed him to level Robin's record of 10 hat-tricks for ARFC. Alvin remains the all-time hat-trick warrior with 11 hat-tricks.

4-goal Captain Haron inspired ARFC to victory

On the back of a 4-goal salvo from ARFC Scoring Legend Haron, ARFC easily dismissed the challenge of D2D Div I team, Doraemon Warriors, 4-2 in the D2D Cup 1st round tie under the watchful eyes of 77,777 fans at Bowen Sec Sch.

The 77,777 fans and ARFC warriors received a huge shock when versatile Kiat made his appearance after MIA for many many matches. Accompanied by his lovely daughter Teajanz, Kiat was treated to 7 rounds of Mexican waves before the start of the match.


ARFC started with this line-up:

Keeper: Dependable Jinzhong
Right-back: Astute-reading Elvis
Sweeper: Uncompromising Edwin
Stopper: Towering Toh
Left-back: Unpredictable Blackburn
Right-mid: Hard-running Guoxiong
Centre-mid: Hardworking Tong
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Speedy Hee
Striker: ARFC Scoring Legend Haron (captain)
Striker: Powerful Alvin

Subs:

Dynamic Soon
Versatile Kiat


On the suggestion of Alvin, Sebastian and Haron did not pass the ball back to our half upon the kick-off. Instead, they moved forward and immediately caused panic among the opposing defence. The opponents continued to panic and an opening goal seemed inevitable.

True enough, the opening goal came in the 17th min after a brilliant move. Alvin played the ball down the left flank and Hee, being in an off-side position, moved back and did not go for the ball. Blackburn then reminded the whole world of his previous power play/pace by sprinting from his left-back position all the way to the left flank. Spotting Haron freed in the box, Blackburn rolled a perfect ball for Haron to tuck home his 145th ARFC goal. 1-0

Just 7 mins later, ARFC doubled the lead. Alvin was involved again when he threaded a very good square ball for Haron. With a world-class touch that wrong-footed their defender, Haron broke clear and headed straight into the heart of their defence. Before their keeper could react, Haron used his outside right foot to flick the ball past their despairing keeper for his 146th ARFC goal. 2-0
Haron completed his hat-trick in the 37th min after an eye-pleasing move. Exchanging a one-two with Haron, Sebastian freed himself up at the right flank and after waiting for Haron to take up position in the penalty box, fizzed in a precise cross onto Haron’s head but Haron still showed Shearer-like ability to head past their keeper for his 147th ARFC goal. 3-0

10 mins before the half ended, Kiat replaced the tiring Hee, who put in such a commanding display at left mid, and Soon also took over from Guoxiong who was slightly exhausted.

With a commanding 3-0 lead, ARFC could relax a little and Hee came back on for Haron who took a well-deserved break at half-time. Guoxiong also replaced Elvis at right-back as Elvis wanted to take a breather.

ARFC then conceded a goal after a mistake by Blackburn. 3-1.

In the 2nd half, Kiat impressed with a Ryan Giggs run down the left wing but after that, his “reserve tank” all used up and was replaced by Haron, with Hee moving back to Left mid.

In the 57th min, ARFC scored it’s 4th goal after Toh’s long clearance found Hee breaking clear at the left flank. Without hesitation, Hee spotted Haron free and squared a brilliant ball across goal and just like the 1st goal, Haron tapped the ball home for his 148th ARFC goal. 4-1.

The opponents then pulled a goal back. 4-2.

Haron could have scored his 5th goal in the match but after rounding the keeper, the ball went too far ahead and his 17 degrees angle shot was blocked by their defender for a corner. Unlucky!!

Man-of-the-Match is undoubtedly Haron. All of you know that I do not usually reward warrior based on goals scored but for this match, besides his 4 goals, Haron’s movement and positioning just reminded all and sundry of a certain Ian Rush and/or Fernando Torres……

Having said that, Sebastian, Guoxiong, Hee, Alvin, and ARFC’s central defence of Edwin, Toh and later on, Elvis played fantastically.

Saturday, June 06, 2009

Contract offer to Chun Haw

Following his impressive debut for ARFC, the ARFC Board of Directors has made an offer t0 Liew Chun Haw's parents (since Chun Haw is still a minor). The terms are:

(i) Weekly wages of $777 on a 7-year contract;
(ii) Free unlimited off-peak hours taxi-rides (courtesy of Alvin) for 7 years;
(iii) Free unlimited tuition sessions (courtesy of David) for 7 years;
(iv) Free unlimited DHL courier services (courtesy of Jinzhong) for 7 years;
(v) One set of NOKIA N8800 worth about $1,700 (courtesy of Guoxiong) for 7 years;
(vi) Free Vietnamese language lessons (courtesy of Elvis) for 7 years;
(vii) Free tennis (not penis) lessons (courtesy of Bernard) for 7 years

Chun Haw's parents will get back to ARFC in 7 days' time.....

Speedy Hee powered ARFC to 5-2 victory

Playing a friendly match under scorching weather at ITE Balestier, ARFC brushed aside the stubborn challenge of Temasek Royals 5-2 in front of 177,777 fanatical fans which included Anna and Tracie, wives-to-be of Elvis and Guoxiong respectively, Khim’s lovely wife Brenda and super-duper cute son Dylan, and some supporters from Guoxiong’s shop.

The reasons for the big turn-out of 177,777 were two-fold – Khim makes his appearance after many weeks out and also the fans got news that ARFC is planning to field its youngest-ever warrior in the form of a 13 year-old keeper, Liew Chun Haw. Yes, you heard it right – 13 year-old keeper who is very highly-rated.

ARFC started with this line-up:

Keeper: Liew Chun Haw
Right-back: Hard-running Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading Elvis
Stopper: Towering Toh
Left-back: Uncompromising Edwin
Right-mid: Dynamic Soon
Centre-mid: Hardman Tjioe (captain)
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Sublime Khim
Striker: Speedy Hee
Striker: Powerful Alvin

Subs:

Unpredictable Blackburn
Marauding Boon


Due to the extremely-hot weather, ARFC could not get its game going in the opening minutes and was rather gingerly in its passing and movement. Thankfully, ARFC’s defence held firm and did not concede any goal.

It took all of 17 mins for ARFC to settle its nerves. Captain of the day Tjioe won possession and passed to Khim who spotted Hee making a diagonal run. His pass pierced through and Hee broke clear to beat their keeper with a sliding shot for his 65th ARFC goal.

ARFC doubled its lead just mins later. Edwin (or Blackburn?) chipped in a ball to the left wing for Alvin to chase. Using a combination of power and pace, Alvin shrugged off the determined challenge of their defender and brought the ball right up to the left touch-line. His excellent square ball was perfect for Hee to run in and side-footed the ball home for his 66th ARFC goal.

Just moments before the first half, ARFC scored its 3rd goal with a classic text-book goal right from the training ground. Blackburn’s corner was headed downwards by Edwin to Alvin who was just inside the 6-yard box. With a swivel, Alvin expertly flicked the ball past their keeper for his 95th ARFC goal. 3-0


In the 2nd half, ARFC seemed to be still in dreamland and allowed the opponents to pull a goal back just 77 seconds after the re-start. 3-1.

In the 57th min, ARFC won a free-kick which was taken by Blackburn. The half-cleared ball was picked up by Hee who laid the ball to Sebastian just outside the penalty box. Without hesitation, Sebastian used his instep to “pass” the ball into the net, the ball taking 3 bounces and fooling everybody in the crowded penalty box. This was his 68th ARFC goal. 4-1

The opponents pulled another goal back after they broke our off-side trap. 4-2

ARFC scored its 5th goal after Blackburn’s precise corner was met by who else but Toh. Though in a stooping position, Toh shrugged off his marker to power home for his 33rd ARFC goal. 5-2

ARFC could have scored more goals but Alvin’s powerful shot came off the post while Soon also struck the bar.

Back to our youngest debutant Chuan Haw, he put in a very impressive debut. The 2 goals conceded were not his fault and more importantly, he came up with 2 one-on-one saves to save the tiring ARFC warriors. Also, his handling was calm and composed though his kicking needs more power. Overall, for a 13 year-old playing his first game with adults and big goal-post, it was a real impressive outing for Chun Haw.

Man-of-the-match goes to Hee who harassed their opponents no end. Also, Alvin, Toh, Elvis, Tjioe and Boon also impressed.