Following the victory over FC Simpang last week, ARFC went up against last season D2D Div 2 Champion, Holland Park XI, this week. Buoyed by the superb 2-1 win last week, fans were elated and they continued to turn up to show total support to ARFC, despite a change in match venue and kick-off time.
The morale of ARFC warriors were lifted when they see the return of influential player-manager Sebastian after more than a month out on fatherly duty, with the vuvuzela. The match was also witnessed by Anna and Cerine, partners of Elvis and Jinzhong respectively together with the lovely family combo, wife and daughter, Su and Atiqah of Haron.
ARFC started with this line-up:
GK - Dependable Jinzhong
RB - Hard-running Guoxiong
Sweeper - Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper - Towering Toh
LB - Unbeatable Darren
RM - Talisman Derrick
CM - Dynamic Soon
CM - Hard-man Tjioe
LM - Nippy Kenny
SC - Unpredictable Blackburn
SC - Powerful Alvin (captain)
Subs:
Influential Sebastian
ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
En Dian (guest player)
Wayne (guest player)
For the first time in God-knows how many games, ARFC was able to field the same starting line up as previous game that had done well to stamp its authority and flow in the game. Particularly, captain of the day Alvin epitomised ARFC’s high morale when he went charging at their defenders right from the kick-off. His “Didier Drogba-like” charge must have scared the hell out of their defenders.
This same line up really clicked well right from the start as within minutes of the first whistle, ARFC had the chance to take the lead in the game. The first clear cut chance fell to Toh who had gone upfield for a corner kick earlier and stayed up. The ball was chipped in from midfield over the defence and Toh did well to make space for a shot at goal. However, from 15 metres out, he could only volley the ball over the keeper and crossbar. Chance wasted.
Less than 15 minutes later, the next clear-cut chance fell to Alvin who had powered past the last defender to latch on to a through ball from the right. Facing the keeper one on one, Alvin placed the ball to the left, but the keeper was equal to it and palmed it out for a corner kick. Unlucky!
Next up in the unlucky list was Tjioe who had done well to get into the penalty box. Guoxiong continued to show his ability to send pin-point cross when he found Tjioe from way out on the right. Tjioe could have cushioned the ball down to take a clear shot at goal but his touch failed him and the ball trickled to the keeper instead.
ARFC showed the similar type of domination as seen in previous game and should have been a couple of goals up by then, if not for the woeful finishing. And as always, when you do not take your chances, you will pay for it. True enough, off a counter attack, and most probably the only significant attack by the opposition, they scored and ARFC had to start chasing after the game.
ARFC continued to dominate the game, despite being a goal down, and believed that the goal will come ultimately. However, even with the introduction of Sebastian, Haron and En Dian (guest player), ARFC can only create chances but not find the elusive goal. HT:0-1.
Even though ARFC was a goal down at half time, the team was satisfied with its dominating play and quietly confident that the all important goal will come in the 2nd half.
The 2nd half started in similar fashion as the first half, domination by ARFC. However, this time round, ARFC did manage to find the break through. Within 15 minutes of the restart, Kenny continued his tormenting of their right-back. With a sharp change of direction, Kenny beat the right back easily with his speed and sent in a cross from the by-line. The ball seemed to be too close to the keeper and he looked to have the ball, but the heavy spin in the ball deceived him and it spun between his legs. Haron showed his predatory instinct and dashed in immediately to nip the ball into the empty net for his 161st ARFC goal. 1-1. Su and Atiqah were both seen jumping up and down 9 times, celebrating with the sounding of the vuvuzela.
Finally breaking the duck, ARFC was quick to add in another goal to show its dominance. Tjioe spotted the run of Derrick on the right and send in a cross field pass into his path. Turning back the years, Derrick showed his speed by rushing down the flank and he crossed in a delicious ball onto the head of En Dian who had the easiest job of nodding it past the keeper from 2 metres out for his 3rd ARFC goal. 2-1! Comeback completed.
After going 2-1 up, ARFC continued to dominate but was unable to add on to the goals despite the many chances created. Toh, the main culprit, had another couple of chances to put the game beyond doubt but was denied by the defender at the far post and also for heading the ball over with just the keeper to beat. En Dian also had a chance to add on to the scoreline but his shot came back off the post. In the end, there was no more goals ended and the scoreline remained for another ARFC victory. FT score: 2-1 to ARFC.
Man of the Match goes to Tjioe for controlling the midfield, thwarting most of the attacks from the opponent and also creating the winning goal by sending a great ball to Derrick down the right flank. Elvis did very well too in commanding the defence.
Special mention must be given to Blackburn as he played in striker, right-mid and left-back without any complaint at all. Truly versatile and team player!!
The victory was ARFC’s 10th in 19 matches in 2010.
This is another match where all ARFC warriors showed great spirit and determination. Despite being a goal down, the warriors all showed beliefs that things can be turned around. The reason why the warriors think so was probably due to the fact that there were ample substitutes who can come in anytime and continue to dominate the game. That was why strength in numbers is important and if ARFC can have a decent attendance for any game, we will be able to give any team a tough fight.
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