Monday, October 26, 2009

ARFC snapped 4-match losing streak with thumping victory

On the back of a superb performance from both Tong and Guoxiong as well as a hat-trick by Alvin, ARFC snapped its 4-match losing streak by hammering Eng Lai’s team 6-1 at 1st Toa Payoh SS in front of 77,777 fans.

Witnessing the emphatic victory were Rayes (precocious son of Derrick) and Caren, 3-month pregnant babelicious wife of Sebastian who finally lent her support after god-knows-when ago.

Prior to the match, Blackburn gave out the Centurion Goal Award to Alvin and the 70-goal Award to Sebastian. Tjioe and Hee were also told that should they score one goal in this match, they would be eligible for 50-goal and 70-goal Award respectively. New recruits Kenny and Darren were also given ARFC DVD as a “welcome present”.

ARFC started with this line-up:

Keeper: Talisman Derrick
Right-back: Hard-running Guoxiong
Sweeper: Elegant Edwin
Stopper: Combative Ron
Left-back: Unpredictable Blackburn
Right-mid: Hardworking Tong (Captain)
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Centre-mid: Hardman Tjioe
Left-mid: Dynamic Soon
Striker: Powerful Alvin
Striker: Speedy Hee

Subs:

Kenny
Towering Toh (late)
Darren (late)

ARFC was determined to end its 4-match losing streak and came out charging like Spanish bulls. The match was just mins old when Guoxiong chipped in a long ball from his right-back position to put Alvin through on goal. Despite having only the keeper to beat, Alvin hesitated and their keeper made a great save. Unlucky!

7 mins later, Alvin missed yet another golden chance when Sebastian’s diagonal ball found him through on goal again. With their keeper charging out, Alvin did not use his left foot to lift the ball over him and the chance was lost.

ARFC continued to carve out and missed a couple of chances.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 17th min. Soon made a great run from the left and was clumsily upended by their defender giving the lousy referee an easy chance to point to the spot. Tjioe was cajoled to take the penalty and he duly obliged by scoring, though his spot-kick down the middle was nearly saved by their impressive keeper. 1-0 and its was Tjioe’s 50th goal for ARFC.

ARFC doubled its lead 7 mins later. Another foul on Tong, who had a great match, led to a free-kick on the right. Sebastian stepped up and his chip was chested down expertly by the in-coming Tjioe, ala Paul Scholes. With a swivel, Tjioe volleyed home, ala Paul Scholes, for his 51st ARFC goal to spark off wild celebrations. With such a swivel, it was a surprise that Tjioe did not sprain his back and it was later revealed that his 7 sessions with PDMMs had reaped dividends as his back is now stronger than his NS days!

Darren, Kenny and Toh then came on to replace Blackburn, Soon and Edwin respectively.

Darren’s first contribution led to ARFC’s 3rd goal. Off a quick throw-in by Darren, Alvin powered clear and easily beat their keeper for his 104th ARF goal. World-class finish. 3-0 now.

Just mins from the first half, Alvin got his 2nd goal in the match courtesy of a good piece of work by Hee. Hee used his world-renowned speed to sprint down the left flank and delivered a precise low cross, ala Ryan Giggs, to the free Alvin in the box. Keeping his composure, Alvin unleashed a stiff grounder that had their keeper beaten all the way. 4-0

The imperious Tong had to leave at half-time due to personal commitment. But by then, he had done enough to earn a joint Man-of-the-Match Award with Guoxiong as both of them totally dominated the right-hand side of the play.

Soon came back on to replace Tong with Edwin taking over from Ron. Tjioe volunteered to be keeper and Derrick played on the right with Soon partnering Sebastian in the middle.

ARFC turned complacent and conceded a goal. 4-1.

Waking up, ARFC scored its 5th goal in the 57th min. Toh and Blackburn exchanged a series of one-twos that had Toh powering through on the right which was a rare occurrence. Looking up, Toh saw Blackburn free on the left and his cross was duly thumped home by Blackburn for his 82nd ARFC goal.

Hee then asked to be replaced by Alvin and Alvin duly got his hat-trick after Derrick tricked his way down the right flank and squared to Alvin who gleefully shot home for his 12th ARFC hat-trick!! 6-1

Blackburn then struck the post and Derrick also had a header cannoned off the cross-bar.

With this emphatic victory, ARFC is gearing up nicely for their 1st League match this coming Sunday.

As mentioned earlier, Man-of-the-Match is jointly given to Tong and Guoxiong.

Speaking to the dethroned Miss Singapore Ris Low, who interviewed Tjioe with the group of FHM girls washing cars at the background, Tjioe was over the moon at chalking up 50 goals for ARFC. “I am absolutely delighted to join the elite band of scorers, Haron, Alvin, Blackburn, Sebastian, Robin and Hee, in achieving this feat. Now that I have hit 50 goals, I intend to reach for the 70-goal mark and for that to happen, I have to undergo more intensive sessions with the PDMMs. Then I will be BOOMZ.”

Immediately after the interview, Tjioe was spotted chatting up the 7 FHM girls……

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