In the last match for 2010, ARFC put in a sterling display to comprehensively dismiss the tough challenge of KB United 4-1 at the magnificent artificial pitch at 1st Toa Payoh SS under the watchful eyes of 77,777 fans including Anna and Tracie, WAG of Elvis and Guoxiong respectively.
Prior to the start, the 77,777 fans treated ARFC with 77 rounds of Mexican waves at the stadia. ARFC also officially welcomed the superbly-impressive En Dian into its fold.
In addition, ARFC welcomed back Jinzhong from his long-term ankle injury.
ARFC started with this 4-4-2 line-up:
Keeper: Dependable Jinzhong
Right-back: Marauding Guoxiong (captain)
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Towering Toh
Left-back: Unbeatable Darren
Right-mid: Talisman Derrick
Centre-mid: Dynamic Soon
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Nippy Kenny
Striker: Powerful Alvin
Striker: Unpredictable Blackburn
Subs:
Steely Tze Ern (late)
Precocious En Dian
Combative Ron
Hard-man Tjioe
ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
Absent:
Sublime Khim
Long-throw specialist Norman
Wonder Wayne
Speedy Hee
ARFC was really determined to produce a good show to thank all the supporters for their unwavering support through these years and especially in 2010 when ARFC suffered its worst defeat in its illustrious history.
All starting-11 warriors were really fired up and also for fear of being replaced quickly by the substitutes’ bench where one look at the composition would send fears down the spines of any opponents including the best teams in the world now - Barcelona and Liverpool.
Guoxiong was appointed match-day captain for him to redeem himself.
ARFC served its intent as early as the 7th min. Derrick, who was constantly fouled throughout the match, played in Alvin who cleverly eluded the opposing defenders and faced their keeper. Everyone in the stadia was also preparing to celebrate but Alvin’s outside-right foot shot unfortunately rebounded off the post. Real unlucky!
Once again, Kenny and Derrick created so much havoc down both flanks but ARFC was unable to capitalize on the chances that came their way.
Jinzhong then showed the fans that he had not lost his sharpness despite his long lay-off when he got down very fast ala Pepe Reina to smoother a through ball and was kicked by the opponent. Thankfully, nothing severe came out of it.
Tze Ern and En Dian then replaced Soon and Alvin respectively. Shortly after, Haron and Tjioe came in for Blackburn and Sebastian respectively. Ron then joined the fray when he took over Toh.
ARFC finally drew first blood in the 27th min. Kenny and Haron combined to great effect down the left flank which saw Kenny sped down the bye-line to deliver a low square ball into the penalty area. Haron pressured their keeper and the ball fell loose. En Dian followed up and laid the ball for the on-rushing Derrick who expertly arched his body to thunder in a right foot shot that saw the ball laced the net like Dirk Kuyt’s goal. Fantastic strike and a good combination play by ARFC! This was Derrick’s 30th ARFC goal and ARFC’s 1170th goal since inception.
Half-time 1-0.
The half saw several reshuffles with Kenny, Derrick and Elvis taking a well-deserved rest.
Just 7 mins into the half, ARFC doubled its lead. Soon chipped in a superb ball down the left flank and in came En Dian who dashed in from deep and eluded the offside trap. En Dian then looked up and crossed in for Haron to tap into the empty net for his 163th ARFC goal. Yet another fantastic build-up goal from ARFC! 2-0
Alvin also produced a snap shot that hit the side-netting.
ARFC put the result beyond doubt in the 57th min. Again, En Dian was the architect when he sent in a cross from the left flank and amidst the chaos in the penalty area, Haron pop up to prod the ball over the line for his 164th ARFC goal. 3-0
En Dian nearly chalked up another assist when he again broke clear at the left flank. His low square ball was deliberately dummied by Haron and the ball rolled to the unmarked Derrick on the right. Just when the world is expecting a goal, Derrick inexplicably side-footed the ball into the side-netting! Amazing miss!
However, Derrick made amends for his incredible miss when he wiggled his way down the right flank and squared to Haron who completed his hat-trick with his 165th ARFC goal. 4-0
Haron’s hat-trick also fulfilled his promise to his fellow subs in the 1st half that he would net a hat-trick!!
Mins before the end, the opponents pulled a goal back. 4-1
This was possibly the best match that ARFC has produced in 2010. A near-flawless performance capped by 4 great goals, good passing and fabulous movements. Every warrior did very very well and all supported each other superbly.
But quite obviously, En Dian is the Man-of-the-Match with his 3 assists and enterprising runs down the flanks.
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