Dear ARFC warriors:
There will be a friendly match this Thursday (03 Dec 09) @ 7 pm @ Tampines SAFRA. Bring both colours.
Pls e-mail Sebastian of your availability.
Thanks a lot.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
ARFC equalled its best-ever victory in 14-0 victory
Playing against 7-men (8-men for 2nd half) Nitroz, ARFC equalled its best-ever victory with a 14-0 win at the Bowen SS artificial pitch. Witnessing the record-equalling triumph were Su + Afiqah (Haron's lovely family), Ron's wife as well as Rayes, Derrick's cute son.
ARFC starting 11 were:
Dependable Jinzhong (GK);
Hard-running Guoxiong (RB)
Combative Ron (Sweeper)
Towering Toh (Stopper)
Unpredictable Blackburn (LB)
Dynamic Soon (LM)
Talisman Derrick (RM)
Influential Sebastian (CM)
Hardman Tjioe (CM)
ARFC scoring legend Haron (SC)
Powerful Alvin (SC)
Subs were speedy Hee and nippy Kenny
Haron opened the floodgates after just 3 mins courtesy of an assist by Derrick for his 152nd ARFC goal. Thereafter, the 1st-half scorers were Alvin, Toh, Tjioe, Blackburn and Sebastian for a 6-0 lead at the interval.
After the break, ARFC did not relent and scored 8 more goals through, Haron, Alvin(2), Derrick, Blackburn (2), Hee and Guoxiong who rounded off the score-line with a penalty.
After the penalty, the referee immediately stopped the match which was by then only at 60 mins or less. To its credit, ARFC accepted the decision without any slightest form of protest.
Credit should given to ARFC for not displaying a complacent attitude and most importantly, were serious in the match without any mocking or anything of that sort.
Special mention to Nitroz as well for gamesmanship and played on despite only 7 players though for the 2nd half, they had a guest goal-keeper.
Hee;s goal also finally enabled him to move past Robin at 70 goals and for that, he will be given a trophy this coming Sunday (or Thursday night at Tampines SAFRA).
Though Alvin and Blackburn scored hat-trick respectively, Man-of-the-Match must be given to Derrick for creating 5 goals in the 1st half, scoring with a header in the 2nd half and finally won the penalty which was converted by Guoxiong.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
3rd tournament match details - 29 Nov 09
29 Nov 09 (Sun)
5 pm = 1700 hrs
Bowen SS (artificial pitch at Hougang & Yio Chu Kang Road junction)
Bring both colours
Pls e-mail Sebastian of your availability.
Thanks a lot.
5 pm = 1700 hrs
Bowen SS (artificial pitch at Hougang & Yio Chu Kang Road junction)
Bring both colours
Pls e-mail Sebastian of your availability.
Thanks a lot.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
ARFC suffered last-grasp heart-breaking draw
In its 2nd league match, ARFC conceded a last-grasp equaliser to defending champions The OC for a 1-1 draw at Orchid Park SS. Witnessing the heart-breaking draw were its usual fans like, Rayes, Cerine, Anna, Tracie, Su and Afiqah.
ARFC started with this line-up:
GK - Dependable Jinzhong
RB - Hard-running Guoxiong
LB - Combative Ron
Sweeper - Astute-reading Elvis
Stopper - Towering Toh
RM - Talisman Derrick
CM - Influential Sebastian
CM - Dynamic Soon
LM - Nippy Kenny
FW - Powerful Alvin
FW - ARFC Scoring Legend Haron (captain)
Subs:
Hardworking Tong
Speedy Hee
Unpredictable Blackburn
Elegant Edwin
Bouyed by its opening league match victory, ARFC came out firing on all cylinders and immediately put The OC under intense pressure with both Alvin and Haron impressing.
The match was just 7 mins old when Haron won a free-kick just outside the penalty box. Sebastian stepped up to execute a curling ball that was expertly palmed away to safety by their keeper.
ARFC was not to be denied 7 mins later. From a long kick by the opponent, Derrick side-footed the ball back to their half which was picked up by Alvin. Holding up the ball well, Alvin spotted Soon running in from deep and paid the ball to his path. The ball looked to be covered by their defender but Soon was quickest to nick the ball away from him and thumped the ball home for his 21st ARFC goal. Wonderful goal. 1-0
ARFC then made a series of substitutions and held out for a one goal lead at half-time.
As the match progresses in the 2nd half, it was clear to all that The OC, being much younger, gradually had the upper hand with their movements and passing. However, great credit must be given to ARFC, especially its defence which was so water-tight.
With about 2 mins remaining, ARFC failed to clear a loose ball which went to their player just outside the box. He took a pot-shot that went through seas of legs in the box and the unsighted Jinzhong got a touch but was unable to prevent the ball from going in. Unlucky!! 1-1.
To be honest, this draw was a fair result but it was heart-wrenching to concede the equaliser so late in the match and also when the sky was pitch-dark.
Credit must be given to all warriors for giving their all in this match and attendance was again commendable. ARFC's defence of Elvis, Toh, Guoxiong and Ron was really superbly impressive and that was why they played throughout.
Apart from an early blunder that nearly gifted The OC a goal, Jinzhong did very well in this match. The midfielders combined rather effectively to shut them out and Haron and Blackburn gave a decent outing. Though Alvin did not register a shot in the match, he troubled their defence no end with his powerful runs and shielding.
All in all, ARFC once again played very well which augurs well for its remaining matches. Man of the Match? It's an extremely narrow fight between the 4 defenders but Ron just slightly pipped the other 3 for this award.
Monday, November 09, 2009
2nd tournament match details - 15 Nov 09
Match details:
15 Nov 2009 (Sun)
1700 hrs = 5 pm (Tjioe + Hee - pls take note)
Orchid Park SS @ Yishun Street 81
Artificial pitch = won't be postponed unless lightning
Bring both colours
Opponent is Nitroz
Pls e-mail to Sebastian of your availability.
See you all and cheers.....
15 Nov 2009 (Sun)
1700 hrs = 5 pm (Tjioe + Hee - pls take note)
Orchid Park SS @ Yishun Street 81
Artificial pitch = won't be postponed unless lightning
Bring both colours
Opponent is Nitroz
Pls e-mail to Sebastian of your availability.
See you all and cheers.....
Monday, November 02, 2009
Kenny's debut brace inspired ARFC to hard-fought victory over Oogleeee Boys
Courtesy of Kenny’s brilliantly-taken debut brace for ARFC, ARFC opened its D2D Div I league campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over a very young, fit and determined Oogleeee Boys at Ahmad Ibrahim SS.
The win was witnessed by:
Rayes (Derrick’s soooooooo-cute son);
Anna (Elvis’ wife);
Tracie (Guoxiong’s soon-to-be wife);
Cerine (Jinzhong’s new-found girlfriend);
Wife + hyper-active children of Darren.
ARFC was hit with the last-min withdrawal of Edwin who fell ill after witnessing Liverpool’s bizarre defeat by Fulham and also performed too much “luma” after that. Nevertheless, ARFC did not let the withdrawal affect their determination to secure the win.
Prior to the match, Haron was given the “Centurion Award” for chalking up 151 goals thus far over a 10-year distinguished career. Alvin is the other warrior to be in the same Centurion Club as Haron.
ARFC started with this line-up:
Keeper: Dependable Jinzhong
Right-back: Hard-running Guoxiong
Sweeper: Combative Ron
Stopper: Towering Toh
Left-back: Unbeatable Darren
Right-mid: Hardworking Tong
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Centre-mid: Hardman Tjioe
Left-mid: Talisman Derrick
Striker: Powerful Alvin (captain)
Striker: Speedy Hee
Subs:
Dynamic Soon
Nippy Kenny
Astute-reading Elvis
Unpredictable Blackburn
Gigantic Andrew
ARFC scoring legend Haron
Just one look at the subs bench would send shivers down the spines of every GOOD team in the world like Liverpool, Barcelona and Spain. We have the ARFC scoring legend Haron, Players’ Player of the year + Player of the year in Soon and Franco Baresi-like Elvis, not to mention Blackburn, Kenny and Andrew. Hence, the starting warriors were urged to give their all as the subs are all very able replacements.
Indeed, all warriors took heed and played like possessed demons by closing down and challenging for every ball. Guoxiong and Tong once again combined effectively to shut out their Indian winger though ARFC suffered some nervous moments when the Indian winger struck the post in the 7th min.
ARFC gradually took control of the match and began to crave out chances with Toh, Haron and Alvin going close. Alvin played like a true-blue captain when he caused countless problems to their defence with his power but his weak left-foot let him down.
In the 27th min came the save of the match and possibly season. The opponent took a shot from outside the box and the ball looked destined to nestle in the bottom left corner of ARFC’s goal when Jinzhong executed a full-length body dive ala Pepe Reina to touch the ball out for a corner. Super world-class save that had Cerine jumping up and down for 7 mins.
Kenny then came on and his first contribution was to unleash a fierce drive from 27 metres which their keeper saved and conceded a corner.
Sebastian also had a ferocious left foot shot which was turned over for a corner.
From the various corners and free-kicks won, ARFC was unable to make full use, mainly due to their 2 tall defenders clearing all balls pumped in.
Tjioe was booked for persistent fouling and had to be substituted for fear of a red card.
In the 2nd half, ARFC came very close to opening the scoring after Haron put Soon through who ran in from deep. After putting the ball away, the referee inexplicably blew for an off-side on Soon which angered the whole world. Clearly a poor decision but ARFC did not let this bad call affect them.
ARFC finally opened the scoring in the 77th min. Andrew, who put in a battling match, and Haron combined which led to Haron feeding Kenny through on goal. With a great first touch, Kenny moved clear of their defence and placed the ball into the car left-hand corner for his 1st-ever ARFC goal. The goal sparked off wild celebrations in the venue and all fans and warriors were behaving crazily which saw Alvin took off his jerseys and run around the field displaying his bulging muscles. 1-0.
However, ARFC conceded an equalizer 7 mins later after yet another Rory Delap-like throw-in was headed into the net past the bewildered Jinzhong. Though a bad goal to concede, it must be noted that this was probably the only occasion where ARFC’s magnificent defence failed to deal with this throw-in as advised before the match. 1-1
ARFC did not allow its head to drop and true enough, ARFC regained the lead just mins later. Soon picked up a loose ball in our half and embarked on a 27 metres run down the middle before releasing Kenny down the left flank. Without much hesitation, Kenny bettered his earlier goal when he let fly a thunderous shot from the left flank that had their keeper beaten all the way and the ball landed nicely into the top left-hand corner. 2-1.
With this goal, the fans and warriors went totally berserk and the Indian grounds-man had to calm us down by treating us to cigarettes, roti-pratas and teh-tariks.
After an eternity where the sky was totally pitch-dark and no one could see each other, the referee finally blew the final whistle.
Credit to the great attendance for this match and also Kenny’s great debut brace for ARFC. Unfortunately, all of you should know by now that Sebastian does not usually give out Man-of-the-Match Award for goal-scorers (very rarely done) and hence Kenny would have to wait to receive one.
Instead, I should say that the entire team played really well. The defence of Ron, Toh, Guoxiong, Darren and later on Elvis was totally world-class. All warriors also played their hearts out and this spirit was epitomized in the dying mins when Alvin came from nowhere to charge in and challenge for a loose ball down the right flank and eventually won a corner (or foul).
But if a MOM award is to be given, the recipients would jointly be to both Guoxiong and Darren who totally gave their wingers no chance at all.
Also, special mention to Elvis for his great understanding and sacrifice as he played the least for this match (I think). The reason for this is purely tactical as it was felt that he might struggled against this young, fit and fast team if he was to play from the start. Andrew also took a bad hit in his left-eye for his challenge for a ball though it was accidentally caused by Hee’s flailing boot. I think this should be the spirit for all ARFC warriors in matches to come – understanding and sacrifice.
The win was witnessed by:
Rayes (Derrick’s soooooooo-cute son);
Anna (Elvis’ wife);
Tracie (Guoxiong’s soon-to-be wife);
Cerine (Jinzhong’s new-found girlfriend);
Wife + hyper-active children of Darren.
ARFC was hit with the last-min withdrawal of Edwin who fell ill after witnessing Liverpool’s bizarre defeat by Fulham and also performed too much “luma” after that. Nevertheless, ARFC did not let the withdrawal affect their determination to secure the win.
Prior to the match, Haron was given the “Centurion Award” for chalking up 151 goals thus far over a 10-year distinguished career. Alvin is the other warrior to be in the same Centurion Club as Haron.
ARFC started with this line-up:
Keeper: Dependable Jinzhong
Right-back: Hard-running Guoxiong
Sweeper: Combative Ron
Stopper: Towering Toh
Left-back: Unbeatable Darren
Right-mid: Hardworking Tong
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Centre-mid: Hardman Tjioe
Left-mid: Talisman Derrick
Striker: Powerful Alvin (captain)
Striker: Speedy Hee
Subs:
Dynamic Soon
Nippy Kenny
Astute-reading Elvis
Unpredictable Blackburn
Gigantic Andrew
ARFC scoring legend Haron
Just one look at the subs bench would send shivers down the spines of every GOOD team in the world like Liverpool, Barcelona and Spain. We have the ARFC scoring legend Haron, Players’ Player of the year + Player of the year in Soon and Franco Baresi-like Elvis, not to mention Blackburn, Kenny and Andrew. Hence, the starting warriors were urged to give their all as the subs are all very able replacements.
Indeed, all warriors took heed and played like possessed demons by closing down and challenging for every ball. Guoxiong and Tong once again combined effectively to shut out their Indian winger though ARFC suffered some nervous moments when the Indian winger struck the post in the 7th min.
ARFC gradually took control of the match and began to crave out chances with Toh, Haron and Alvin going close. Alvin played like a true-blue captain when he caused countless problems to their defence with his power but his weak left-foot let him down.
In the 27th min came the save of the match and possibly season. The opponent took a shot from outside the box and the ball looked destined to nestle in the bottom left corner of ARFC’s goal when Jinzhong executed a full-length body dive ala Pepe Reina to touch the ball out for a corner. Super world-class save that had Cerine jumping up and down for 7 mins.
Kenny then came on and his first contribution was to unleash a fierce drive from 27 metres which their keeper saved and conceded a corner.
Sebastian also had a ferocious left foot shot which was turned over for a corner.
From the various corners and free-kicks won, ARFC was unable to make full use, mainly due to their 2 tall defenders clearing all balls pumped in.
Tjioe was booked for persistent fouling and had to be substituted for fear of a red card.
In the 2nd half, ARFC came very close to opening the scoring after Haron put Soon through who ran in from deep. After putting the ball away, the referee inexplicably blew for an off-side on Soon which angered the whole world. Clearly a poor decision but ARFC did not let this bad call affect them.
ARFC finally opened the scoring in the 77th min. Andrew, who put in a battling match, and Haron combined which led to Haron feeding Kenny through on goal. With a great first touch, Kenny moved clear of their defence and placed the ball into the car left-hand corner for his 1st-ever ARFC goal. The goal sparked off wild celebrations in the venue and all fans and warriors were behaving crazily which saw Alvin took off his jerseys and run around the field displaying his bulging muscles. 1-0.
However, ARFC conceded an equalizer 7 mins later after yet another Rory Delap-like throw-in was headed into the net past the bewildered Jinzhong. Though a bad goal to concede, it must be noted that this was probably the only occasion where ARFC’s magnificent defence failed to deal with this throw-in as advised before the match. 1-1
ARFC did not allow its head to drop and true enough, ARFC regained the lead just mins later. Soon picked up a loose ball in our half and embarked on a 27 metres run down the middle before releasing Kenny down the left flank. Without much hesitation, Kenny bettered his earlier goal when he let fly a thunderous shot from the left flank that had their keeper beaten all the way and the ball landed nicely into the top left-hand corner. 2-1.
With this goal, the fans and warriors went totally berserk and the Indian grounds-man had to calm us down by treating us to cigarettes, roti-pratas and teh-tariks.
After an eternity where the sky was totally pitch-dark and no one could see each other, the referee finally blew the final whistle.
Credit to the great attendance for this match and also Kenny’s great debut brace for ARFC. Unfortunately, all of you should know by now that Sebastian does not usually give out Man-of-the-Match Award for goal-scorers (very rarely done) and hence Kenny would have to wait to receive one.
Instead, I should say that the entire team played really well. The defence of Ron, Toh, Guoxiong, Darren and later on Elvis was totally world-class. All warriors also played their hearts out and this spirit was epitomized in the dying mins when Alvin came from nowhere to charge in and challenge for a loose ball down the right flank and eventually won a corner (or foul).
But if a MOM award is to be given, the recipients would jointly be to both Guoxiong and Darren who totally gave their wingers no chance at all.
Also, special mention to Elvis for his great understanding and sacrifice as he played the least for this match (I think). The reason for this is purely tactical as it was felt that he might struggled against this young, fit and fast team if he was to play from the start. Andrew also took a bad hit in his left-eye for his challenge for a ball though it was accidentally caused by Hee’s flailing boot. I think this should be the spirit for all ARFC warriors in matches to come – understanding and sacrifice.
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