League Match - 02 Jan 2012

02 Jan 2012 (Sun)
3 pm = 1500 hrs
Bedok Green Sec Sch (artificial pitch)

Opponent is Liverland FC

Wayne notched his 1st-ever ARFC hat-trick in 5-3 victory

For the 1st time since 30 Oct 2011, ARFC played a proper 11-a-side soccer match against Westminister at the brand-new artificial pitch at Premier Pitch located at Tessensohn Road on 28 Dec 2011.

Watched by Anna (wife of Elvis), Sebastian conjured up a totally unorthodox line-up with all starting 11 warriors playing out of position as follows:

Keeper: Brenden (guest keeper)
Right-back: Influential Sebastian
Sweeper: Steely Tze Ern
Stopper: Unpredictable Blackburn
Left-back: Marauding Guoxiong
Right-mid: Dynamic Soon
Centre-mid: Talisman Derrick
Centre-mid: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Left-mid: Unbeatable Darren
Striker: Wonder Wayne
Striker: Towering Toh

Subs:

Powerful Alvin (late)

Absent:

Combative Ron
Dependable Jinzhong
Hard-man Tjioe
Speedy Hee
Sublime Khim
Long-throw specialist Norman
Precocious En Dian
Nippy Kenny
Talented Chun Haw
ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
With such an unfamiliar-looking line-up, it was no surprise that ARFC took a while to settle down and quickly conceded a goal. 0-1

ARFC launched a fight-back and in the 17th min, Sebastian’s floated free-kick into the far post area hit the upright and other warriors could not capitalize on the rebound.

ARFC equalized courtesy of a determined Wayne who was in scintillating form all night. Holding off the challenge, Wayne unleashed a shot that took a wicked deflection and wrong-footed their keeper for his 3rd ARFC goal. 1-1

ARFC again fell behind mins later. 1-2

Wayne again put ARFC back on level terms with yet another determined run into the box. With the ball up in the air following some melee in the box, Wayne out-jumped their keeper to nod in his 4th ARFC goal 2-2

Brenden then came out with 2 good saves and special mention must be given to him for firstly agreeing to play guest keeper for us at the last min and also putting up a decent performance as keeper.

Alvin then came on for the tiring Guoxiong and he was shocked to find out that he would be playing at left-back. However, he gamely accepted the position in line with the unorthodox line-up. Alvin was to put in a more than decent performance as left-back and with that performance, he has established himself as the 3rd-choice left-back, after Darren and Ron.

Wayne completed his 1st-ever hat-trick in ARFC colours in the 37th min. ARFC won a free-kick and with the opponents still lining up for the wall, Wayne played the ball off Sebastian to Derrick who was already lurking in the box. Derrick duly played a wall-pass to Wayne who then glided into the box and dispatched a stiff grounder that beat their keeper for his 5th ARFC goal! 3-2

With his hat-trick, Wayne became the 20th ARFC warrior to score a hat-trick in a match. Of the 20 warriors, these are the active ARFC warriors:

Alvin (14 hat-tricks – 47 goals);
Haron (11 hat-tricks – 37 goals);
Blackburn (5 hat-tricks – 15 goals);
Hee (4 hat-tricks – 14 goals);
Sebastian (4 hat-tricks – 12 goals);
Derrick (2 hat-tricks – 9 goals);
Tjioe (2 hat-tricks – 7 goals);
Soon, Guoxiong and Wayne (1 hat-trick each – 3 goals each)

Guoxiong then came in for Toh at striker and towards the end Soon took a hit and was replaced by Toh.

In the 2nd half, ARFC resumed to its normal positioning with Wayne taking a well-earned break.

Keeper: Brenden (guest keeper)
Right-back: Marauding Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Towering Toh
Left-back: Unbeatable Darren
Right-mid: Talisman Derrick
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Centre-mid: Dynamic Soon
Left-mid: Steely Tze Ern
Striker: Unpredictable Blackburn
Striker: Powerful Alvin

Subs:

Wonder Wayne

Unsurprisingly, ARFC took complete control of proceedings in the 2nd half but was unable to turn the domination into more goals.

Off Sebastian’s throw-in, Alvin then came up with a cheeky back-flick that unfortunately struck the cross-bar.

Tze Ern then ran onto a flowing ball down the left flank and unleashed a first-timer that flew narrowly wide.

Toh also somehow misconnected with his head from Blackburn’s corner.

Wayne then replaced Blackburn and within mins of coming on, Wayne turned creator when he played the ball out wife left to Tze Ern who also had a fantastic game. Without breaking his stride, Tze Ern chipped the ball all the way from the left wing area over their keeper for his 5th ARFC goal 4-2.
ARFC then conceded a goal from an indirect free-kick. 4-3

However, ARFC regained the lead almost immediately when Tze Ern (or Darren?) lobbed a delicious ball down the left area for Alvin to power his way into the box before calmly outside-footed the ball home with his right foot for his 157th ARFC goal. 5-3

Man-of-the-Match must be given to Wayne with Tze Ern closely behind.

Night Match on 28 Dec 2011

28 Dec 2011 (Wed)
7 pm
Premier Pitch located at Tessensohn Road

Opponent is Westminister.

League Match details - 18 Dec 2011

18 Dec 2011 (Sun)
5 pm = 1700 hrs
Tanglin Sec Sch

Opponent is Liverland

(Note:  This match was called off due to water-logged pitch)

Match on 11 Dec 2011 (sun)

11 Dec 2011 (Sun)
3 pm = 1500 hrs
Compassvale Sec Sch
(hope got no rain many many)

Opponent is YVFC

Pls let TOH know if you can play.

Thanks a lot.

(Note:  This match was called off due to water-logged pitch)

04 Dec 2011 match called off due to water-logged pitch

League Match - 04 Dec 2011

04 Dec 2011 (Sun)
5 pm = 1700 hrs
Woodgrove Sec Sch (I think it's in the northern part of our lovely country)

Opponent is Flamengo FC

League match on 27 Nov 2011 cancelled due to very poor response

Our match against Jaws is cancelled due to very poor response.

League Match - 27 Nov 2011 (Sun)

27 Nov 2011 (Sun)
3 pm = 1500 hrs
Bedok Green SS

Opponent is Jaws.

Rained off

The league match against Flamengo was rained off at half-time.

In the half match, ARFC was clearly dominating play and was really unfortunate not to score.

Within 777 seconds, Guoxiong made a overlapping run down the right flank ala Dani Alves and his precise cross eluded opposing defenders. Alvin connected with a low diving-stooping header and though the ball beat their keeper and hit the inside of the right-hand post, the ball somwhoe managed to trickle out and was cleared by their defender.

ARFC squandered a few more chances and could not open the scoring and it is just as well that the match was called off so that the match can start afresh.

League Match - 20 November 2011 (Sun)

20 Nov 2011 (Sun)
5 pm = 1700 hrs
AMK Sec Sch

Flamengo United

No match on 13 Nov 2011 (Sun)

Dear all ARFC warriors,

Due to extreme hangover from Hari Raya Haji celebrations, there will be no match for ARFC for this Sunday (13 Nov 2011)....

No Match this coming Sunday (06 Nov 2011)

Due to the long weekend, there will be no match for ARFC on 06 Nov 2011.

On behalf of ARFC, I would like to wish Haron, Su and Afiqah as well as all our Muslim brothers and sisters a very Selamat Hari Raya Haji!

Cheers....

Sebastian scored ARFC's 100th goal in year 2011 in 4-1 win

Playing under extreme humid and hot weather at Bedok North SS, ARFC comprehensively dismissed the challenge of Unido FC with a score-line of 4-1.

The victory was witnessed by Anna (wife of Elvis), Lingzhi and 2 children (family of Ron) as well as about 70,000 Thais who fled from Bangkok due to the flood.

Special mention must be given to Soon who gamely took the field despite the injury. Bravery is the only word that can be used to describe him when he even chipped in with 3 headers despite all of us asking him not to challenge for high balls.

ARFC started with this 4-5-1 line-up:

Keeper: Dependable Jinzhong
Right-back: Marauding Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Towering Toh
Left-back: Unbeatable Darren
Right-mid: Talisman Derrick
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Centre-mid: Steely Tze Ern
Centre-mid: Combative Ron
Left-mid: Wonder Wayne
Striker: Powerful Alvin (captain)

Subs:

Dynamic Soon
Unpredictable Blackburn
Talented Chun Haw
ARFC Scoring Legend Haron (late)

Absent:

Hard-man Tjioe
Speedy Hee
Sublime Khim
Long-throw specialist Norman
Precocious En Dian
Nippy Kenny

ARFC did not warm up its engine enough and was under a bit of pressure at the start. No decent chances were created which was partly due to the deployment of just one striker.

But when the first real chance came, ARFC duly opened the scoring. Darren’s long ball from left back found Alvin in the box. Despite under close heavy attention, Alvin managed to get a shot in but the ball was blocked and reached Derrick in the box. Derrick immediately dispatched a low shot which took a huge wicked deflection that wrong-footed their keeper for his 46th ARFC goal1 1-0

Derrick then asked to be replaced and Soon came in.

Blackburn then saw action when he replaced the hard-working Wayne who was putting in a decent shift at left mid. Blackburn moved up front with Tze Ern moving to left mid.

Ron then took a knock from a heavy challenge and had to leave the field with Chun Haw coming in. This is also the last piece of action from Ron.

Haron then came late on in the half by replacing Tze Ern.

Just before the half ended, Chun Haw made space down the right flank but his cross was half-cleared by their defender. Sebastian picked up the ball and narrowly missed the target by 0.77 cm with his dropping shot. Unlucky!

In the 2nd half, ARFC shrugged off its cobweb by dominating play. A great ball saw Alvin powering past their defender with a sharp turn. Alvin was pulled and tugged along the way and if he had fall, it would surely be an iron-clad penalty. However, Alvin continued his surge forward and faced their keeper one-on-one but his shot was smothered by their keeper. Unlucky but what great sportsmanship!

Mins later, Derrick showed how to win a penalty when he tricked his way past their left-back and dribbled all the way into the box. Their defender then clumsily brought him down from behind giving the referee no choice but to award a penalty.

Sebastian stepped up to drill the ball down the middle for his 82nd ARFC goal. The goal was his 3rd penalty in as many matches and was also the 100th goal scored by ARFC in the year 2011.

Haron then flashed a shot just wide after a clever lay-off from Alvin.
ARFC put the result beyond doubt when Darren unleashed yet another ball down the left flank to Alvin. Alvin held on to the ball, heard a shout from Tze Ern and then square to him. Tze Ern then showed fancy footwork when he first eluded a covering defender with a inward drag-in, faced their keeper, repeated the same trick and virtually walked the ball into the empty net!! 3-0 and this was Tze Ern’s 4th ARFC goal! His goal also reminded all warriors and fans alike that he too can score from INSIDE the box as his previous 3 goals were all long-range missile shots!

ARFC had a huge scare when their corner routine struck our cross-bar!

ARFC then responded with our own corner routine when Sebastian aimed for Derrick who was lurking inside the 6-yard box. Unfortunately, Derrick’s header struck the cross-bar!

Derrick then flicked another header over the top from Sebastian’s free-kick.

ARFC then conceded a goal. 3-1

Darren and Guoxiong then left the field shortly after each other with niggling injuries.

ARFC then put the result to bed with its 4th goal. A clever ball from Soon down the right flank saw Haron chasing after the ball. Haron turned back the “lean” years when he reached the ball ahead of their keeper, rounded him and reached the right touch-line. Looking up in a calming manner, Haron chipped the ball over their keeper and there was Chun Haw who gleefully side-footed the ball and although their keeper got a hand to it, the shot was too powerfully and the ball trickled into the goal for his 3rd ARFC goal 4-1!

Except for the first 10 mins, ARFC was in total control. Attendance was good yet again and all warriors played well.

The only negative aspect is we did not keep a clean sheet.

Credit also to the opponents for being determined and stubborn in their performances.

Man-of-the-Match is jointly given to Derrick and Alvin though Tze Ern and Darren came very close.

League match - 30 Oct 2011

30 Oct 2011 (Sun)
3 pm = 1500 hrs
Bedok North Sec Sch

Opponent is Unido FC

Toh scored late winner in dramatic 5-4 win

In a dramatic match againsy Liverland FC, ARFC almost did a "Arsenal against Newcastle" but managed ti snatch a winner right at the dead with a 5-4 victory.

There was a worry on the attendance and hence Minghui was called up as a guest player. However, the worry proved unfounded as Derrick, Khim and Seh Meng made last-min appearances.

Credit also to Soon for turning up to support despite his 9-stitch injury suffered last week.

ARFC started with this line-up:

Keeper: Dependable Jinzhong
Right-back: Marauding Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Towering Toh
Left-back: Wonder Wayne
Right-mid: Talisman Derrick
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Centre-mid: Talented Chun Haw
Left-mid: Sublime Khim
Striker: Unpredictable Blackburn (captain)
Striker: Speedy Hee

Subs:

Steely Tze Ern
Hard-man Tjioe
Seh Meng
Minghui (guest player)

Absent:

ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
Powerful Alvin
Dynamic Soon
Unbeatable Darren
Combative Ron
Long-throw specialist Norman
Precocious En Dian
Nippy Kenny
The pitch was really small and more suited for 7–a-side match which affected ARFC more.

ARFC took the lead after a clever pass saw Chun Haw making a late burst into the penalty box. Chun Haw’s touch was excellent as he took it away from the defender who then clumsily brought him down.

Sebastian stepped up and though their keeper nearly got a hand to his low kick, the ball rebounded off the left-hand post into the net. 1-0 and this was Sebastian’s 81st ARFC goal, moving him up to 4th position in ARFC’s leading scorer list.

ARFC doubled its lead with arguably the best movement of the year. From the middle right, Hee received a ball from Khim on the left. Hee then played the ball out to wide left to Blackburn while Khim made a move into the middle area. Blackburn looked up and swung a ball all the way to Derrick who was at the right wing area. Concurrently, Khim was already just at the top of the penalty area with Hee close by. Without breaking the momentum, Derrick side-footed first-time to Khim who expertly chested the ball down, eluded their defender, faced their keeper and calmly dispatched the ball past him for his 48th ARFC goal. 2-0 and really a world-class goal.

With a comfortable two-goal lead, Sebastian replaced Derrick, Guoxiong, Khim and Sebastian with Minghui, Seh Meng, Tjioe and Tze Ern respectively.

Chun Haw then fired wide with a half chance after making space for himself.

Jinzhong then produced a fantastic save when he got dowj quickly to smoother a violent shot.

In the 2nd half, ARFC continued to dominate and did not take long to score its 3rd goal. Khim was fouled and Blackburn and Elvis then stood over the ball. Blackburn faked to shoot and Elvis stepped up to curl a delicious ball over the wall and the ball arched beautifully over their despairing keeper for his 13th ARFC goal! What a set-piece and Elvis ran 70 metres to celebrate the goal and Anna was spotted doing 7 rounds of Mexican waves by herself!

ARFC looked to bury the match when it scored the 4th goal soon after. The ball was played to Blackburn who galloped down the right flank. Derrick then pulled the defender inwards and Sebastian made a late dash into the left penalty box. Hearing a shout, Blackburn cross the ball and Sebastian attempted his “scissor kick” but the kick bounced into outside the 6-yard box and Derrick the popped up to nod the ball home for his 45th ARFC goal! 4-0

Strangely enough, ARFC began to lose focus by getting into unnecessary play and fouls which earned them so many free-kicks. With the small pitch, it was no surprise that they were relying on them to get goals and true enough, they slowly clawed back into the match.

They scored 4 goals in quick succession, with their 4th goal coming at the 79th min, a min before end of regulation time.

With ARFC looking to repeat Arsenal’s infamous feat against Newcastle in last season’s league match, ARFC then launched a last-ditch attack.

Hee won a foul at the left hand side of the box. Sebastian sent his ferocious curling kick that was headed away by their wall for a corner.

Not for the first time, ARFC then looked to the routine yet enormously potent corner move. Sebastian lofted the ball into the penalty area and there was who else but Toh who met the ball with his trusted forehead and thumped home the ball for his 53rd ARFC goal! 5-4

The goal sparked wild celebrations and every warrior outside the pitch took off their jerseys and waved 77 times!
Man-of-the-Match is jointly given to Sebastian and Blackburn though Khim came very close.

League Match - 23 Oct 2011

23 October 2011 (Sun)
5 pm = 1700 hrs
Kent Ridge Sec Sch

Opponent is Liverland

Soon hurt in ARFC's victory

Playing Team Buffalo for the 2nd time in the league, ARFC produced a stunning 17-min blitz to blow Team Buffalo off the park in front of Anna.

Prior to the match, ARFC received a late assistance from Weili, Rendezvous FC’s 1st choice keeper, to keep goal for us.

ARFC started with this line-up:

Keeper: Weili
Right-back: Combative Ron
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Towering Toh
Left-back: Unbeatable Darren
Right-mid: Talisman Derrick
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Centre-mid: Dynamic Soon
Left-mid: Steely Tze Ern
Striker: Powerful Alvin (captain)
Striker: ARFC Scoring Legend Haron

Subs:

Talented Chun Haw
Unpredictable Blackburn
Wonder Wayne
Speedy Hee (late)
Absent:

Sublime Khim 
Hard-man Tjioe
Dependable Jinzhong
Marauding Guoxiong
Long-throw specialist Norman
Precocious En Dian
Nippy Kenny

Right the start, ARFC did not give its opponents any breathing space at all which is epitomized by the relentless closing down of opponents by Soon and Tze Ern. Darren and Ron also kept their wingers silent throughout.

ARFC opened the scoring after just 2.7 mins. Soon and Derrick combined to harass their midfielder who lost possession. Alvin picked up the loose ball about 37 metres away from their goal and duly unleashed a stunning volley that flew over their keeper for his 156th ARFC goal. 1-0

ARFC doubled its lead after another 177 seconds. Darren’s throw-in from the left, by now a familiar sight that was extremely threatening, saw the ball landed on the feet of Alvin. With a quick turn, Alvin squared the ball across to Haron. Hearing a shout from Derrick on the right, Haron duly dummied the ball and Derrick then took his time to pick his spot to fire past their keeper for his 44th ARFC goal. 2-0

ARFC put the result beyond doubt when their sweeper clumsily clattered onto Haron in the box from a high ball. Sebastian gleefully placed the ball on the penalty spot and calmly sent their keeper the wrong way for his 80th ARFC goal. 3-0 and this goal moved him level with Hee at joint-4th highest scorer for ARFC.

With a comfortable lead, Sebastian then took a decision to rest key players by taking out Darren, Haron and Sebastian and replaced them with Wayne, Blackburn and Chun Haw respectively. Hee then came on for Alvin moments later. With the changes, ARFC lost a bit of flow but still managed to stay on top.

Weili then showed his worth when he conjured a stunning save by tipping a dipping venomous shot over the bar. Fantastic!
In the 2nd half, ARFC continued to pressure but was unable to get a 4th goal. In fact, ARFC nearly conceded a goal but was saved by Weili yet again. From a high ball, both Weili and Wayne came charging out but Wayne headed the ball backwards and the ball looked to loop over Weili. Producing a save that was similar to Gordon Banks’ save from Pele in the 1970 World Cup, Weili arched backwards, stretched out and turned the ball over the bar. Totally world-class save!!!!

From the corner, however, ARFC conceded a goal after their winger was left unmarked in the box. 3-1

Tragedy then struck ARFC when Soon suffered a huge cut above his right eye after an unfortunate heads-on collision. With his exit, ARFC warriors seemed distracted and conceded the play to its opponents.

Nevertheless, ARFC still conjured several chances but Blackburn, Chun Haw and Sebastian could not score.

The first 20 mins was one of the best displays ARFC had ever produced. The flow, movement, passing and harassment was really top-draw.
The only negative aspects were obviously the conceded goal as well as Soon’s injury.

After the match, Derrick, Alvin, Haron and Sebastian accompanied Soon to CGH when he received out-patient treatment.

Man-of-the-Match is obviously Soon though I must say Tze Ern, Darren and Ron came very close.

Tournament Match 6 details

16 October 2011 (Sun)
3 pm = 1500 hrs
Bedok View SS

Opponent is Team Buffalo.

ARFC earned narrow win with disciplined performance

Producing a very disciplined and measured display at Henderson SS in front of Anna, Tracie and Irene, ARFC eked out a hard-fought but thoroughly deserving 1-0 victory over Jaws SC. The triumph was led by Alvin’s performance as he single-handedly led from the front and epitomized by Tjioe’s muscular outing in the middle of the park.

Prior to the match, ARFC received a crushing blow when Soon failed to turn up due to last-min work. Fortunately, the loss was more or less cushioned by the last-min appearance of possibly the best ARFC warrior of all time, Khim, who just touched down from China and came straight from the airport.

ARFC started with this line-up:

Keeper: Dependable Jinzhong
Right-back: Marauding Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Towering Toh
Left-back: Unbeatable Darren
Right-mid: Talisman Derrick
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Centre-mid: Combative Ron
Left-mid: Steely Tze Ern
Striker: Powerful Alvin (captain)
Striker: Unpredictable Blackburn

Subs:

Hard-man Tjioe
Wonder Wayne
Sublime Khim (late)

Absent:

ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
Dynamic Soon
Talented Chun Haw
Long-throw specialist Norman
Speedy Hee
Precocious En Dian
Nippy Kenny

True to Sebastian’s prediction, their African striker relied heavily on his push-and-run style to try to get past our defence. However, he was thwarted by Guoxiong’s several ferocious sliding tackles ala Rob Jones, Toh’s towering presence at the heart of the defence ala Sami Hyypia and Elvis’ fantastic reading ala Alan Hansen.

Over at the left side, Darren comfortably dealt with the threat and did not even give their right winger and striker a sniff of the ball at all.

Jinzhong showed his true form when he clawed away a dangerous in-swinging corner. Darren also headed away a threatening free-kick as their striker was waiting to pounce if Darren missed the ball.

Over at the other end, Alvin caused all sorts of problems for their defence but he was not supported by Blackburn thereby giving Sebastian no option but to replace him with Wayne. Wayne’s introduction created much more pace and urgency as he chased down their defenders. Khim also came in for Tze Ern while Tjioe replaced Elvis who took a knock at the shin.

Wayne nearly opened the scoring when a corner from Sebastian was headed back by Toh (or is it Alvin?). When their keeper could not get hold of the ball and spilled it, Wayne reacted quickest but his sharp turning shot struck the up-right. Unlucky!

Derrick also created much nuisance with his wing-play which no other ARFC warrior can match. As a result, he won many fouls but ARFC was unable to capitalize.

Sebastian then found Khim with a crisp low free-kick but Khim was unable to find a footing to shoot.

Expectedly, the half ended goal-less.

In the 2nd half, Jinzhong showed all that he is now back to his very best when their striker eluded Ron and looked set to score. However, Jinzhong had other ideas when he got down sharply to turn the shot round the post for a corner. Real world class and the save was really Pepe Reina-like.

Tjioe then produced several strong probing runs into their danger area but was triple-teamed by them.

The move of the match came moments later. Khim picked up the ball at left, drifted onwards and released Wayne with a no-look reverse pass. Wayne broke the off-side trap but somehow manage to send the ball wide despite having only their keeper to beat. Unlucky but at least Wayne made the run to create another opening for himself.

Blackburn then replaced Wayne and Ron then took over Guoxiong who had a slight knock.

ARFC finally got the goal after Alvin won a free-kick out on the left. Instead of swinging the ball in for the waiting warriors especially Toh, Blackburn laid the ball to Tze Ern who crashed in a laser-like shot that landed at the top right-hand corner. What a world-class goal ala Matthew Le Tissier and I can say that no keeper in the world could keep this one. 1-0 and this was Tze Ern’s 3rd ARFC goal.

One thing to note is that all 3 of his goals were all long-range shots.

ARFC then held on to the lead to keep its first clean sheet in this tournament as well as the first for the past 8 matches. This clean is largely credited to Jinzhong, Ron, Elvis, Darren, Toh and Guoxiong.

Upfront, Alvin showed Fernando Torres on how to lead the forward line.

The victory was also ARFC’s 17th out of 30 matches, and the goal scored by Tze Ern was ARFC’s 90th goal in 2011.

Man-of-the-Match is jointly given to Jinzhong and Tjioe, with the entire ARFC defence coming a close second.

5th league match details

09 Oct 2011 (Sun)
3 pm = 1500 hrs
Henderson SS

Jaws SC is the opponent

Top 3 goal-scorers netted in ARFC's win

Playing on an extremely lousy and patched-up pitch at Northview SS in front of Anna, Tracie, Rayes, Darren and son, ARFC secured its 2nd win in the league with a 3-1 win over Flamengo FC courtesy of a goal each from its top 3 goal-scorers in the history of the team.
ARFC started with this line-up:

Keeper: Dependable Jinzhong
Right-back: Marauding Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Towering Toh (captain)
Left-back: Combative Ron
Right-mid: Talisman Derrick
Centre-mid: Dynamic Soon
Centre-mid: Talented Chun Haw
Left-mid: ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
Striker: Powerful Alvin
Striker: Unpredictable Blackburn

Subs:

Influential Sebastian (late)
Steely Tze Ern (late)
Seh Meng (guest player)

Absent:

Long-throw specialist Norman
Speedy Hee
Hard-man Tjioe
Unbeatable Darren
Sublime Khim
Wonder Wayne
Precocious En Dian
Nippy Kenny
ARFC started too gingerly and allowed the opponents to pass the ball. However, ARFC soon get into the groove but was let down by several off-sides.

Alvin fired the 1st warning shot when his curling shot from the left hit the upright. Unlucky!

ARFC soon took the lead after Haron’s reverse pass put Alvin clean through down the left. Without missing a beat, Alvin fired home for his 155th ARFC goal. 1-1

ARFC then conceded a goal. 1-1 With this goal, ARFC failed in its mission to keep a clean sheet.

This was the 60th goal conceded by ARFC in the year 2011 thus far.

Tze Ern, Seh Meng and Sebastian then took over from Blackburn, Ron and Chun Haw respectively.

ARFC regained the lead after a great cross from the left by Tze Ern saw Haron swiftly moving in to meet the ball with his head. His experience and predatory instincts were clearly on display as he spotted the keeper off his line while on the move. Haron then glanced a looping header from OUTSIDE the penalty box over their hapless keeper for his 174th ARFC goal. Fantastic! 2-1

The last time a warrior scored with a header OUTSIDE the penalty box was actually, and many would think unbelievable, Sebastian who went on to net a hat-trick on 31 Aug 2008.

The move of the match came moments later when Sebastian sent Guoxiong scurrying down the right flank. Guoxiong cross was picked up by Alvin who then quickly laid the ball low for the on-rushing Haron. Unfortunately, Haron’s well-hit left foot shot just missed the target by mere millimeters.

In the 2nd half, ARFC was still the dominant team but nearly conceded another goal. For the first time in the longest time, Sebastian used his head and cleared their vicious in-swinging corner off the line.

Jinzhong then came up with at least 2 top-draw saves from their free-kicks.

The contender for the “Miss of the Season” continued in this match after Haron’s and Blackburn’s misses.

From a high ball, Haron flicked the ball over their on-rushing keeper and both Haron and Tze Ern went for the ball. Incredulously, Tze Ern put the ball wide with the gaping goal in full sight.

Blackburn then put the result beyond doubt when he picked up a clearance from their keeper at around the half-way line. In a flash, Blackburn hit a volley that flew over their keeper and nestled nicely into the bottom right corner for his 107th ARFC goal. 3-1 and this goal was really almost similar to Stankovic’s goal for Inter Milan against (I think) Schalk) in last season’s Champions League match.

The only disappointment is ARFC still cannot keep a clean sheet.
Man-of-the-Match is jointly given to Guoxiong and Tze Ern.

4th league match details - 02 October 2011 (Sun)

02 Oct 2011 (Sun)
5 pm = 1700 hrs
Northview Sec Sch (think in Yishun area)

ARFC in unlucky draw

Playing Casanova XI for the 2nd time in the league, a sense of déjà vu occurred when ARFC again missed a glut of chances to salvage a 2-2 draw.

Prior to the match, Hee unexpectedly turned up for his 1st match in months. Credit to Ron too for playing despite carrying an illness.

ARFC started with this line-up:

Keeper: Dependable Jinzhong
Right-back: Marauding Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis (captain)
Stopper: Towering Toh
Left-back: Unbeatable Darren
Right-mid: Dynamic Soon
Centre-mid: Hard-man Tjioe
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Talented Chun Haw
Striker: Powerful Alvin
Striker: Unpredictable Blackburn

Subs:

Talisman Derrick (late)
Long-throw specialist Norman
Combative Ron
Speedy Hee

Absent:

ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
Steely Tze Ern
Sublime Khim
Wonder Wayne
Precocious En Dian
Nippy Kenny

ARFC was eager to gain revenge for its defeat to them earlier after playing with 10 warriors. However, ARFC spurned a number of good chances.

ARFC then fell behind after conceding yet another goal from a free-kick. 0-1

In the 2nd half, ARFC again had the upper hand but fell further behind from a penalty conceded. 0-2.

Strangely enough, ARFC was motivated by this set-back and did not give up. Particularly, Tjioe upped his game by producing a strong display to keep ARFC going. Ron’s biting tackles also proved a hit with the fans.

ARFC finally pulled a goal back courtesy of yet another proven route. Sebastian’s corner from the right was hit to the danger zone (between 6-yard and penalty spot) and there was Toh who came charging in to power home his 52nd ARFC goal with a header. 1-2. Toh’s goal also continued his rich vein of form as this is the 3rd consecutive match that he has scored.

From Darren’s powerful throw-in, mayhem was created in the crowded box and after the ball had stayed in the air for ages, Blackburn headed the ball back from the left touch-line to Alvin who was just 77 mm from the goal-line in the box. Reacted quickest, Alvin stooped low and nodded home his 154th ARFC goal. 2-2

ARFC could have snatched the winning goal on at least 3 occasions. First, Derrick dribbled in from the right and fired his shot just inches wide of the stanchion. Then, Soon failed to get a decent shot in after creating space in the box.

The miss of the match came from Blackburn. Sebastian’s lofted high ball eluded their last defender and the ball bounced nicely and slowly for Blackburn to be the hero. Alas, he was over-confident and incredibly placed the shot wide – a repeat of Haron’s miss last Sunday! In Harry Redknapp’s words, “even my grandmother would have scored”!!

Just seconds to the end, Blackburn and Derrick combined well in the box which saw the ball landed at the feet of Sebastian. However, Sebastian could not get a nice footing and only managed to fire in a meek shot which was collected by their keeper easily.

Though disappointed with the draw as ARFC had so many chances, there are some positives from the match. Firstly, the attendance was real good and hope that this can be maintained. Secondly, ARFC did not give up though 2 goals down and instead fight back and finished very strongly. With a bit of luck, ARFC could have ran out victors. Lastly, no ARFC warriors “f” each other with the various mistakes and misses which is nice to see.

The only negative aspect is that ARFC has not been keeping a clean sheet for the past 7 matches and conceded a total of 21 goals! (our last clean sheet was a 1-0 win over Macheda on 17 July 2011).

Hence, for the next match, let’s focus more on giving more support to our defenders which in my opinion has been very good all this while.

Man-of-the-Match is jointly given to Elvis and Ron.

3rd League Match details

25 Sep 2011 (Sun)
3 pm = 1500 hrs
Bendemeer Sec Sch

Opponent is Casanova XI (might change opponent)

Toh reaches half-century mark in league win

In a match that saw Toh notched his 50th ARFC career goals with yet another header, ARFC finally got off to a winning start after dismissing Team Buffalo 6-2 in front of Rayes, Tracie and Anna, son and wives of Derrick, Guoxiong and Elvis respectively.

Attendance for this match was much better as several warriors turned up at the 11th hour.

ARFC started with this line-up:

Keeper: Dependable Jinzhong
Right-back: Marauding Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Towering Toh
Left-back: Wonder Wayne
Right-mid: Talisman Derrick
Centre-mid: Dynamic Soon
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Sublime Khim
Striker: Powerful Alvin
Striker: Unpredictable Blackburn (captain)
Subs:

ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
Steely Tze Ern
Talented Chun Haw
Minghui (guest player)
Absent:

Unbeatable Darren
Hard-man Tjioe
Long-throw specialist Norman
Combative Ron
Speedy Hee
Precocious En Dian
Nippy Kenny

From its first meaningful attack, ARFC won a corner on the left. For the umpteenth time, Sebastian’s precise corner was met forcefully by Toh’s forehead which connected powerfully with the ball for his 50th ARFC goal! 1-0
Toh’s took him past ex-warrior Jeffrey’s 49 goals and Toh is now at 8th position, still a place behind Tjioe’s 57 ARFC goals.

According to ARFC’s archives, about 97.7777777% of Toh’s 50 goals so far were scored via headers!

Mins later, Derrick was put through by Sebastian diagonal low ball but he shot into row Z when Alvin was free to his left.

ARFC then conceded a goal from a free-kick. 1-1

ARFC then had a stroke of good luck when the ball touched Blackburn’s hands when he was bringing the ball down. However, the referee did not spot the infringement and Blackburn took a step forward before unleashing a rising diagonal shot that hit the left up-right before ending up on the right hand side of the net for his 104th ARFC goal. 2-1

Mins later, their keeper fumbled the ball from an innocuous ball and Khim scooped up the rebound and laid the ball for Blackburn to score with yet another beauty for his 105th ARFC goal. 3-1

Blackburn completed his hat-trick after Alvin again showed power and shield by gliding down the left by-line before squaring the bal across for Blackburn to score with a slice shot. 4-1.

This was Blackburn’s 5th hat-trick for ARFC but he still has a long way to match the 3 warriors in front of him – Alvin (14 hat-tricks), Haron (11 hat-tricks) and ex-warrior Robin (10 hat-tricks).

Toh then doubled his tally in the match with yet another powerful header from yet another Sebastian’s corner. The only difference to his 1st goal was this was from the right-hand side. 5-1 and this was Toh’s 51st ARFC goals, still 6 short of Tjioe’s 57 goals.

In yet another sweeping attack, Blackburn and Derrick combined down the right which saw Blackburn lofting the ball to the far post with the ball bouncing away from the keeper. Spotting their keeper coming towards him, Haron took his time and executed a looping header all the way back to the near post for his 173rd ARFC goal! 6-1

In the 2nd half, ARFC conceded another goal. 6-2.

Undeterred, ARFC continued pressing for more goals and it was really a big surprise that it did not add to its tally with so many chances created but spurned them all. The chief culprit was Haron who missed 2 great open chances when it was easier to score. Derrick also missed with a lifted ball over their keeper while Chun Haw narrowly failed to score with a header.

There was still time for Khim to entertain the 77,777 fans in the dying minutes when he showed his exquisite skills with a quick double drag-back ala Zidane to bewilder the opponents. World-class foot-work!

Every warrior played well in this match but if there is a need to give out Man-of-the-Match award, it would be jointly given to Sebastian and Blackburn.

ARFC lost in league opener

Despite dropping to the lowest division in the new D2D League season, 10-warrior ARFC could not start off on a winning note after going down 3-5 to Casanova XI at Ping Yi SS in front of Anna.

Due to the last-min pull-outs of both Chun Haw and Wayne, ARFC could only field 10 warriors which ultimately led to its downfall.

ARFC started with this line-up:

Keeper: Talisman Derrick
Right-back: Unpredictable Blackburn
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Towering Toh
Left-back: Unbeatable Darren
Right-mid: Dynamic Soon
Centre-mid: Hard-man Tjioe
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Steely Tze Ern
Striker: Powerful Alvin (captain)

Absent:
Talented Chun Haw
Long-throw specialist Norman
Combative Ron
Marauding Guoxiong
Dependable Jinzhong
Sublime Khim
Wonder Wayne
ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
Speedy Hee
Precocious En Dian
Nippy Kenny

ARFC got off to a good start when Alvin wriggled his way down the left touch-line. Hearing a call from Soon who was running in from the right, Alvin squared the ball across goal and under pressure from Soon, their defender slide the ball home for an own goal. 1-0 and this was the 27th own goal gifted by ARFC’s opponents.

However, ARFC inexplicably conceded 2 quick goals to trail 1-2.

Derrick then gave away a clear penalty but to his credit, he saved the spot-kick to keep ARFC in the match.

ARFC conjured up several chances but was unable to capitalize with Sebastian and Soon the chief culprits.

Tjioe then took over Derrick’s position as keeper for the 2nd half.

In the 2nd half, ARFC conceded another goal. 1-3.

ARFC then pulled a goal back when Sebastian sent in a floated corner which saw the ball hanging in the air. To the crowd’s expectations, Toh came charging in and thumped home yet another header ala Sami Hyypia for his 49th ARFC goal!

Toh’s goal also saw him on level terms with ex-warrior Jeffrey’s 49 goals.

ARFC then conceded another goal 2-4.

Responding, Sebastian executed a Xabi Alonso-like ball by chipping in a laser-like high through ball to Alvin who broke through, held off their covering defender before firing past their keeper for his 153rd ARFC goal! 3-4
ARFC threatened to equalize with Toh, Derrick and Soon coming real close with their headers. ARFC also saw several chances clawed away by their keeper.
ARFC then conceded another goal from a counter-attack to trail 3-5.

Despite mounting waves after waves of aerial bombardments from Darren’s Rory Delap-like throw-ins and Sebastian’s Jamie Redknapp-like high balls from dead-ball situations, ARFC could not rescue the match and lost 3-5.

This is the match where we deserved to lose not because we played badly but simply due to the 10-warrior situation. I hope that our attendance can be better in coming matches.

1st League match - 11 Sep 2011

11 Sep 2011 (Sun)
3 pm = 1500 hrs
Ping Yi SS (artificial pitch)

Opponent is Casanova XI.

New Season!!

Derrick equalled record in front of his cute son, Rayes

In a friendly match at Ping Yi SS, ARFC shrugged off last week’s demoralizing defeat with a scintillating 12-2 win over its opponent. The victory also saw Derrick equaling ARFC’s most goals in a match by a warrior – 6 goals! Derrick’s feat was witnessed by none other than his son – the very cute Rayes!

Special credit, however, must be accorded to the most hardworking and fittest warrior in ARFC’s entire history – Soon. I mentioned this because we all know that Soon regularly goes for his marathon competitions in the morning and despite so, he would always turn up for our afternoon matches. If this happens to any one of us, we would take at least 7 days’ MC after a marathon, not to mention turning up for afternoon matches. Of course, being fit is one thing but I think it is really very kind, mature, responsible and dedicated of Soon to still turn up for our matches and played his hearts and lungs out!

For this match, Soon did the same thing but I took him out because he looked tired as he woke up at 2 am earlier in the day and also the opponents are rather weak and there is no need to tired him out further.

ARFC also welcomed back Jinzhong who has been out for a few matches.

ARFC started with this line-up:

Keeper: Dependable Jinzhong
Right-back: Marauding Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Combative Ron
Left-back: Unbeatable Darren
Right-mid: Long-throw specialist Norman
Centre-mid: Dynamic Soon
Centre-mid: Steely Tze Ern
Left-mid: Talisman Derrick
Striker: Unpredictable Blackburn
Striker: Powerful Alvin (captain)

Subs:

Influential Sebastian (late)
Talented Chun Haw
Seh Meng (guest player – still negotiating weekly wages for him to join us permanently)

Absent:

Hard-man Tjioe
Sublime Khim
Wonder Wayne
Towering Toh
ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
Speedy Hee
Precocious En Dian
Nippy Kenny

Right from the kick-off, it is clear that ARFC is a far superior team than its opponents. Nevertheless, both teams still played their best.

In the 7th min, ARFC drew first blood when Alvin’s cross from the right found Derrick who duly shot home for his 38th ARFC goal. 1-0

Derrick doubled the lead when he exchanged one-two with Blackburn before moving in for the kill for his 39th ARFC goal. 2-0

Derrick then notched his 2nd ARFC hat-trick mins later. Seh Meng swung in a right-wing cross and hearing a very loud call from Derrick, Alvin let the ball run to Derrick who duly thumped home for his 40th ARFC goal and completed his hat-trick. 3-0.

The last time that Derrick scored a hat-trick was on 02 March 2008 in a 9-0 win which also saw Alvin netting 3 goals in the match.

Blackburn then got into the scoring act when he broke clear to leash home for his 101st ARFC goal. 4-0

ARFC then conceded a goal. 4-1

Clearly firing now and backed by Rayes’ cheering, Derrick scored his 4th goal in the match. From Darren’s wonderfully floated no-look high ball from his left-back position, Derrick burst through and easily beat their keeper for his 41st ARFC goal. 5-1

Straight from the re-start, Sebastian and Alvin combined to harass their players which saw Alvin easily beating their keeper for his 152nd ARFC goal. 6-1

Off yet another pressure, Blackburn scored for his 102nd ARFC goal. 7-1

Mins before the end of the half, Darren galloped his way down the left flank ala Roberto Carlos and from a very precise cross, Chun Haw ran in from deep and powered home with his head for his 1st-ever ARFC goal and thereby becoming ARFC’s youngest-ever goal-scorer! 8-1

In the 2nd half, ARFC eased up but still managed to score 4 more goals.

First, Derrick notched his 42nd ARFC goal for a 9-1 lead before the opponents pulled another goal back for 9-2.

Blackburn then completed his hat-trick when he expertly sliced the ball home all the way from the right flank area that bewildered their keeper. 10-2

This was Blackburn’s 103rd ARFC goal and his 4th-ever hat-trick for ARFC, putting him level with Jiong Jiong (ex-player), Hee and Sebastian.

Blackburn then created an opening for Chun Haw to double his ARFC tally. 11-2
The opponents pulled another goal back for 11-3 before Derrick scored his 6th and record-equaling goal for ARFC. 12-3.

Towards the end, ARFC tried to make Derrick a record by was somewhat let down by Blackburn’s rather selfish display.

Man-of-the-Match is jointly given to Tze Ern and Derrick.

Friendly match details - 04 Sep 2011

04 Sep 2011 (Sun)
3 pm = 1500 hrs
Ping Yi Sec Sch (artificial pitch)

ARFC's worst opponents since formation in Jun 1991

After a fascinating 13-2 win last week, ARFC came crashing down to earth after suffering a 2-6 defeat at Galaticos FC.

Special credit must be given to Haron who turned up despite fasting and volunteered to be keeper. Kudos to Khim too who also made a last-min appearance despite touching down from China in the wee hours earlier.

ARFC started with this line-up:

Keeper: ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
Right-back: Marauding Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Towering Toh
Left-back: Wonder Wayne
Right-mid: Dynamic Soon
Centre-mid: Combative Ron
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Sublime Khim
Striker: Unpredictable Blackburn (captain)
Striker: Powerful Alvin

Subs:

Talisman Derrick (late)
Hard-man Tjioe

Absent:

Steely Tze Ern
Unbeatable Darren
Speedy Hee
Precocious En Dian
Nippy Kenny
Long-throw specialist Norman
Dependable Jinzhong
Talented Chun Haw

The younger opponents were clearly superior to ARFC and Haron and defence managed to keep them at bay for the opening 20 mins. However, ARFC soon found itself 4 goals down before finally waking up from its slumber.

First, Tjioe’s wonderful ball from centre mid down to the left flank was latched on by Alvin who again showed his trade-mark powerful run by easily out-pacing and out-muscling their right back before unleashing a stinging grounder with his outside right foot for his 151st ARFC goal. 1-4.

Within mins ARFC pulled another goal back courtesy of Khim’s superb cross-field ball down the right flank. The ball flew over their left-back and there was Derrick who came charging in from the right. Reaching the ball ahead of their keeper, Derrick nonchalantly lifted the ball over him for his 37th ARFC goal. 2-4 and Derrick’s goal took him past Soon’s 36 goals to stay at ARFC’s 11th all-time leading scorers.

However, Derrick is still 10 goals short of Khim’s 47 goals which put him at 10th position.

ARFC conceded another goal just before half-time to trail 2-5.

Man-of-the-Match is jointly given to Ron and Khim.

Friendly match details - 28 Aug 2011

28 August 2011 (Sun)
3 pm = 1500 hrs
Naval Base SS (artificial pitch)

Blackburn becomes ARFC's 3rd centurion in crushing 13-2 D2D Cup victory

In the D2D Cup 1st round match against Quintero Utd, ARFC turned up the heat and annihilated its opponents by a huge score-line of 13-2 at the magnificent artificial pitch at Ping Yi SS.

This was a match that saw a couple of land-mark milestones for 2 warriors, namely Blackburn and Alvin.

For Blackburn, he became only the 3rd ARFC warrior (after Haron and Alvin) to notch up a century of goals when he netted his 99th and 100th ARFC goal in the match.

For Alvin, he scored 6 goals in the match to reach 150 ARFC goals and his 6-goal salvo also saw him equaled Robin’s record tally in a single match. However, Robin had done it twice before – on 05 July 1992 (14-2 win) and 10 Nov 1996 (8-1 victory).

Alvin’s feat also moved him further ahead in the hat-trick tally. Thus far, he has 14 hat-tricks (3 goals or more) with a total of 47 goals. Behind him is Haron with 11 hat-tricks (37 goals) and Robin with 10 hat-tricks (39 goals).

Prior to the match, Tjioe pulled out as he has to work as a Cosplay model (dressed up as Wayne ‘Shrek’ Rooney) at Suntec. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise as all warriors were able to play the full match.

ARFC started with this line-up:

Keeper: Talented Chun Haw
Right-back: Marauding Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Towering Toh
Left-back: Combative Ron
Right-mid: Talisman Derrick
Centre-mid: Dynamic Soon
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Steely Tze Ern
Striker: Unpredictable Blackburn (captain)
Striker: Powerful Alvin

Absent:

Hard-man Tjioe
Wonder Wayne
Sublime Khim
Unbeatable Darren
Speedy Hee
Precocious En Dian
Nippy Kenny
Long-throw specialist Norman
ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
Dependable Jinzhong

To be fair to the opponents, they only started with 9 players (though they had 11 players subsequently) and also they were on fast. Despite the dire situation they were in, they still managed to keep ARFC at bay for the opening 17 mins. Of course, ARFC warriors were also too impatient in wanting to get the opening goal and were too hurried in passing.

The floodgates finally opened in the 17th min. Ron played a great ball to Tze Ern who galloped down the left flank. His cross was collected by Blackburn who showed incredible composure to trick their keeper and defender before calmly slotting home his 99th ARFC goal. 1-0.

2 mins later, Soon found Guoxiong who lived up to his nick-name by marauding down the flank ala Dani Alves. His cross reached Alvin who looked to have lost control but somehow, their keeper spilled the ball and Alvin gleefully tapped in his 145th ARFC goal. 2-0

ARFC doubled his tally just 3 mins later when he pressured their keeper into a hasty clearance which was blocked by Alvin in the penalty box. Alvin reacted in a flash and rolled in his 146th ARFC goal. 3-0.

By now, the opponents were totally deflated and ARFC soon scored its 4th goal in the match. Derrick found space down the right flank and squared to Blackburn who again showed great composure by rounding their keeper and coolly placing the ball home for his land-mark 100th ARFC goal. 4-0

Sebastian then followed up with the 5th goal when he exchanged wall-passes with Ron and broke the off-side trap. After checking that there were no covering defenders, Sebastian took his time (nearly 7 secondss) and easily dispatched the ball past their keeper for his 79th ARFC goal. 5-0

Derrick then received a piercing ball down the right flank from Sebastian and he then drew their keeper out before squaring to Alvin who easily side-footed the ball into the empty net for his 147th ARFC goal. 6-0

Derrick turned creator again when his right wing cross eluded everyone but there was Alvin who came dashing in and from almost the left touch-line, thumped in a outside right-foot past their hapless keeper for his 148th ARFC goal. 7-0

Tze Ern then found time to pass the ball to Soon who was about 37.77 metres away from the opponents’ goal. Without hesitation, Soon executed a delicious chip ala Xabi Alonso and the ball flew over their keeper for his 36th ARFC goal. 8-0

In the second half, the opponents were clearly determined to score some goals. As almost all the ARFC warriors were too complacent, ARFC conceded a goal after just 3 mins from the re-start. 8-1.

Derrick chalked up another assist when his pass found Alvin who duly converted for his 149th ARFC goal. 9-1

Sebastian’s laser-like corner was met emphatically by Toh who came charging in and thumped in a header ala Alan Shearer that would not give any keeper in the world any chance at all. The header was also powerful that it almost burst the net and even if it has burst the net, the ball could also go on to burst the fencing at the perimeter!

This was Toh’s 48th ARFC goal. 10-1

The opponents then scored another goal 10-2.

Tze Ern capped his impressive outing when he intercepted their keeper’s clearance at the left flank. Without missing a beat, Tze Ern chipped in a left-foot curler over their keeper for his 2nd ARFC goal. 11-2.

Interestingly, Tze Ern’s 1st ARFC goal on 28 Nov 2010 at Tampines SAFRA was also similar to this goal!

After clocking so many assists in this match, Derrick finally got onto the score-sheet. Soon released him with a through ball and Derrick unleashed a crisp rasping shot that beat the keeper easily for his 36th ARFC goal. 12-2

Alvin finally equaled Robin’s feat when Sebastian fed him a reverse pass and he sped away before dispatching the ball into the far bottom right corner for his 150th ARFC goal 13-2

Just before the final whistle, Guoxiong (who had replaced Tze Ern in goal as he had too much sex the night before and was tiring), got down real well to parry a near-goal out. Fantastic save ala Pepe Reina.

Man-of-the-Match is undoubtedly Derrick.

D2D Cup details

21 August 2011 (Sun)
3 pm = 1500 hrs
Ping Yi Sec Sch (artificial pitch)

Tjioe powered ARFC's 3-1 win

After a 3-week hiatus, ARFC resumed its weekly Sunday match by comprehensively dismissing Wanderers, a team from the Equatorial Football League, 3-1 on the back of a Man-of-the-Match performance from Tjioe.

Credit to Seh Meng, Toh and Tze Ern for turning up despite playing a tough match for their team in the morning. Guoxiong also made a last-min appearance after turning down a hot date with Tracie.

ARFC started with this 10-warrior line-up first as some warriors were late:

Keeper: Powerful Alvin
Right-back: Influential Sebastian
Sweeper: Combative Ron
Stopper: Towering Toh
Left-back: Wonder Wayne
Right-mid: Dynamic Soon
Centre-mid: Steely Tze Ern
Centre-mid: Hard-man Tjioe
Left-mid: Sublime Khim
Striker: Unpredictable Blackburn (captain)

Subs (all late):

Unbeatable Darren
Talented Chun Haw
Marauding Guoxiong
Talisman Derrick
Seh Meng (guest player)

Absent:

Speedy Hee
Precocious En Dian
Nippy Kenny
Long-throw specialist Norman
ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Dependable Jinzhong
Being the first match in 3 weeks, all ARFC warriors started with plenty of fire in their bellies and quickly stamped their authority in the match with Tjioe at the heart of things. Within mins, Tjioe executed a volley that flew narrowly wide.

ARFC took the lead in the 7th min. Tjioe did well to wriggle his way into the penalty box but he was clumsily upended by their defender, giving the referee an easy decision to award a penalty. Blackburn shrugged Sebastian aside and fired past their keeper from the spot for his 97th ARFC goal. 1-0

Seh Meng then took over Alvin in goal and Alvin moved to partner Blackburn.

Sebastian then linked up well with Blackburn and chipped in a delicious-looking ball to Alvin who however came up with a meek effort under pressure from their defender.

Guoxiong then replaced Sebastian at right-back.

ARFC doubled its lead in the 20th min. Blackburn, who played really well for this match, swung in a precise cross from the right flank. Alvin connected well and showed great awareness by heading the ball back into the 6-yard area and there was Toh who scored with a brilliant stooping header for his 47th ARFC goal. 2-0 and Toh’s goal put him on level terms with Khim.

Toh’s reward for scoring? Replaced by Chun Haw immediately!

ARFC continued pressing for a 3rd goal but could not find a way despite creating several good chances. Over at our defence side, Wayne did well despite being under pressure by the opponents which seemed to put heavy emphasis on their right side.

Overall in the 1st half, Seh Meng virtually had nothing to do thanks to sterling defence work as well as the incessant closing down by Tze Ern, Soon, Khim and Tjioe.

Derrick and Darren arrived during half-time and quickly took the places of Khim and Soon respectively.

Derrick made an immediate impact when he dribbled his way into the box only to be upended by their defender. The referee correctly blew for a penalty and Blackburn stepped up again to beat their keeper at exactly the same spot. 3-0 and it was Blackburn’s 98th ARFC goal.
The opponents then pulled a goal back. 1-3

After their goal, the opponents seemed hell bent on inflicting injuries on ARFC warriors when they came up with several violent tackles, some of which were totally off-the-ball. Particularly, Alvin suffered a heavy bruise at his ankle but the referee missed the foul.

Derrcik again created another penalty when he was put through by Darren but their sweeper came sliding in and brought down Derrick. After some strong protests, Blackburn stepped up and “deliberately” drilled his shot wide. His miss caused him to miss out on repeating Liverpool legend Jan Molby’s penalty-treble feat in a 1986 league match against Coventry City.

After some more misses, ARFC had to settle for n easy 3-1 victory.

Friendly match details - 14 Aug 2011

14 August 2011 (Sun)
3 pm = 1500 hrs
Ping Yi SS

Lion-hearted performance secured 1-0 victory over Macheda

Playing on rather-poor Serangoon Sec Sch pitch, ARFC avenged its earlier defeat by Macheda by earning a hard-fought but certainly well-deserved 1-0 victory. The winning goal was scored by Derrick but ARFC secured the win thanks to a colossal performance from Ron as sweeper and Soon’s superb dynamic performance.

When the kick-off time strikes 5 pm, ARFC still only had 6 warriors but thankfully, Haron, Derrick and Seh Meng responded to the SOS call.

ARFC started with just 10 warriors as follows:

Keeper: Talented Chun Haw
Right-back: Seh Meng (guest player)
Sweeper: Combative Ron
Stopper: Towering Toh
Left-back: Unbeatable Darren
Right-mid: Long-throw specialist Norman
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Centre-mid: Dynamic Soon
Left-mid: Unpredictable Blackburn (captain)
Striker: Yao Yang (guest player)

Absent:

Wonder Wayne
Sublime Khim
Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Dependable Jinzhong
Powerful Alvin
Marauding Guoxiong
Steely Tze Ern
Speedy Hee
Hard-man Tjioe
Precocious En Dian
Nippy Kenny

ARFC Scoring Legend Haron joined in at the 10.7th min mark to partner Yao Yang upfront.
In the 17th min, ARFC nearly took the lead. Sebastian swung in a wicked free kick from the right and both Toh and Yao Yang dashed in only to just fail to connect with the ball.

Talisman Derrick finally arrived and took over Yao Yang, who worked real hard upfront, in the 20th min.

Chun Haw did well with several assured catches and saves.

In the 27th min, Sebastian’s long kick from inside his own half took a bounce inside the penalty area and nearly looped over the keeper but he turned the ball over for a corner.

Darren and Norman conjured several missile-like throw-ins but ARFC was unable to capitalize.

Haron also made space for a couple of shots but to no avail.

The half ended goalless.

In the 2nd half, Chun Haw again impressed with his assured display between the sticks.

In the 57th min, ARFC looked to have scored when Toh met Sebastian’s hanging corner to head the ball in but the referee harshly adjudged that Toh had impeded their keeper. Unlucky!

ARFC took the lead in the 67th min which started from a piece of brave header from Darren. With the ball dropping from high up inside the ARFC left midfield area, Darren put his body on the line by braving charging in and won the header from 3 opponents. The ball was received by Haron who took a quick touch before releasing Derrick with a clever through ball. Derrick took 2 touches and brought the ball all the way into their penalty area and with their keeper coming out, Derrick side-footed the ball home for his 35th ARFC goal. 1-0. Derrick’s goal also took him level on 35 goals with Soon.

The opponents tried their best to look for an equaliser but ARFC’s defence of Ron, Toh, She Meng, Darren and later on Blackburn who took over Darren held firm and repelled their attacks. Chun Haw also made a crucial diving save in the dying mins to deny them.

This was a match where all warriors displayed the true ARFC fighting spirit and all put in lion-hearted performance despite being short on numbers.

Most importantly, ARFC also showed that it can still take on youngsters.

Man-of-the-Match is given to Soon though I must say Ron and Chun Haw came real close.

League Match - 17 July 2011

17 July 2011 (Sun)
5 pm = 1700 hrs
Serangoon Sec Sch

Opponent is Macheda.

ARFC edged out SJI Alumni Team

In a thrice-changed venue match, ARFC came from behind to edge out a competitive SJI alumni team 2-1 courtesy of an immaculate performance from Khim.

The friendly match was played at the magnificent artificial pitch at Catholic Junior College and ARFC had previously defeated the same team 2-0 on 09 Jan 2011 with goals from Soon and Toh.

ARFC welcomed back Jinzhong who had finally finished his driving test and lessons. With him in goal, the defence played with much confidence.

ARFC started with this 4-4-2 line-up:

Keeper: Dependable Jinzhong
Right-back: Marauding Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Towering Toh
Left-back: Unbeatable Darren
Right-mid: Talisman Derrick
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Centre-mid: Dynamic Soon
Left-mid: Sublime Khim
Striker: Powerful Alvin (captain)
Striker: Unpredictable Blackburn

Subs:

Wonder Wayne
ARFC Scoring Legend Haron (late)
Combative Ron (late)
Brenden (guest player)

Absent:

Steely Tze Ern Speedy Hee
Long-throw specialist Norman
Hard-man Tjioe
Precocious En Dian
Nippy Kenny


ARFC started very well but was let down by the poor ball which seemed to have no air. After some agonizing 17 mins, the referee finally decided to change the ball.

The opponents scored after they broke our off-side trap. 0-1.

ARFC launched a fight-back with Khim and Derrick majestic at both flanks. After combining well with Blackburn, Khim found space but shot wide.

Derrick then wriggled his way down the right by-line but with Alvin unmarked at the far end, Derrick inexplicably drilled his cross into the side-netting.

From another attack from the left started by Khim, Soon laid the ball to Sebastian from 27.77 metres but Sebastian side-foot shot hit the cross-bar! Unlucky!

Ron then took over from Soon who seemed to be limping, Wayne also replaced the just-recovered groin victim Guoxiong and Haron took over Alvin who actually did very well.

In the 2nd half, Alvin returned in place of Blackburn while Soon resumed his position with Sebastian taking a rest. At the request of Wayne who took a slight knock, Guoxiong returned to his right-back position.

In the 47th min, Alvin’s cross from the right looked to be met with a volley from Haron but Khim intercepted with a header that flew narrowly wide. Unlucky!

Toh then headed over from a corner.

ARFC finally equalized in the 57th min. Darren picked out a half-cleared ball on the left and chipped in a cross. Their defence tried to catch Haron off-side but one of their defenders had actually played Haron on-side. Despite not fully fit as he had played a match earlier in the morning, Haron displayed quick thinking by stooping to head in the equalizer for his 172nd ARFC goal. 1-1

ARFC went ahead 7 mins later. Sebastian played a quick corner to Soon on the right and Soon then whipped in a cross that was turned into their own net by their defender for the 26th own goals conceded to ARFC 2-1.

Brenden then came on to much cheers but he only lasted about 10.77 mins.

Thanks to a brilliant performance from Darren who faced a formidable winger in their player, ARFC held on for another victory over the same opponent.

This was a match where all warriors did very well and it was really nice to see some good passing, effort and chances created.

The attendance was also good which makes things easier for all. The return of Jinzhong also proved critical as he handled their high balls with ease. The defence of Elvis, Guoxiong, Darren, Toh, Wayne and Ron was hard as rock. Soon, Sebastian and also Ron acted as a good shield and at the same time created chances for strikers. At the flanks, Khim showed why he is considered as one of the greatest ARFC warrior when he put in an immaculate display while Derrick had a field day down the right flank with his trickery and speed. Upfront, Haron used his intelligence very well despite not fully match-fit while Blackburn linked up well with the forward and Khim. Alvin was at his best with his powerful display and holding up of the ball ala Didier Drogba.

Man-of-the-Match is given to Khim.

league match - 10 July 2011

10 July 2011 (Sun)
3 pm = 1500 hrs
MacPherson Sec Sch

Opponent is Macheda.

Pls bring both colours.

Santa Claus ARFC settled for 4-4 draw

Christmas came early for Team Kangtao when ARFC gifted them 4 goals and at the same time spurned a host of chances to eventually settle for a 4-4 draw in front of 77, 777 fans including fervent supporter Anna.


The attendance for this match was really good though ARFC was dealt a crushing blow when Dani Alves-like Guoxiong pulled out during warm-up with a strained hamstring and unstable ankle. To hide his disappointment and to prevent other ARFC warriors from seeing him cry, he made the painful decision to leave the field and headed for Bishan Park to cry and look at babes running their dogs.

ARFC started with this 4-4-2 line-up:

Keeper: Brenden
Right-back: Unbeatable Darren
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Towering Toh
Left-back: Wonder Wayne
Right-mid: Steely Tze Ern
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Centre-mid: Combative Ron
Left-mid: Sublime Khim
Striker: ARFC Scoring Legend Haron (captain)
Striker: Unpredictable Blackburn

Subs:

Powerful Alvin
Dynamic Soon
Talisman Derrick
Yao Yang (guest player)
Marauding Guoxiong (pulled out before match)

Absent:

Speedy Hee
Long-throw specialist Norman
Hard-man Tjioe
Dependable Jinzhong
Precocious En Dian
Nippy Kenny

Tragedy struck ARFC within 1.77 mins. After a turn, Tze Ern aggravated his already-fragile ankle and had to leave the field with Derrick coming in. To Tze Ern’s credit, he stayed on to support the team.

In the 7th min, ARFC nearly opened the scoring when Haron wriggled his way in the penalty box and created a shooting chance. Unfortunately, his shot struck the right upright and bounced out to safety. Unlucky miss but what a skill!

Things turned double agony for ARFC when they scored from a free-kick after Brenden misjudged the ball. 0-1.

To ARFC’s credit, all warriors did not give up and were very determined to find an equalizer. In the 17th min, Alvin, having just replaced Blackburn, was released by Haron but he somehow shot wide when it was easier to score.

From Alvin’s corner, Toh headed just 0.77 mm over the bar.
ARFC finally equalized in the 37th min after Derrick turned back the years with a delicious run down the right flank. He then won and kept the ball at the by-line before squaring the ball across for Alvin to gleefully slot the ball home for his 144th ARFC goal. 1-1

Unfortunately, tragedy struck ARFC again when another mistake allowed them to score. 1-2 at half-time.

Just 7 mins into the half, a rare Sebastian mistake allowed them to pull further ahead. 1-3

Alvin missed another 2 chances but the good thing is that at least he is getting into good scoring positions.

ARFC lessened the deficit courtesy of Haron. From Darren’s missile-like throw-in, the ball bounced over the entire defence and Sebastian made amends by running to right side position and lofted the ball back into the 6-yard area. In a flash, Haron executed a Robin van Persie-like kick when he acrobatically slammed the ball home for his 171st ARFC goal. 2-3 now.
ARFC equalized for the 2nd time in the match in the 77th min. From Alvin’s pressure, their defender cleared the ball which somehow hit another defender which saw the ball ended up in the net. Comical goal and it was the 25th own goal conceded by ARFC’s opponents. 3-3

Yet another mistake saw the opponents scored again to take the lead. 3-4.

ARFC was not outdone and equalised for the 3rd time in the match with a classic goal from the much-maligned Blackburn. Alvin did well to trick his way down the left by-line and passed to Blackburn. In his usual laid-back style, Blackburn shaped to shoot but tricked their defender before curling the ball home for his 96th ARFC. 4-4.

ARFC could have snatched the winner when Khim met Sebastian’s corner with a very powerful header that was somehow kept out by their keeper.

This was a strange match where ARFC played Santa Claus by gifting them all the 4 goals. To ARFC’s credit, no warriors let their heads dropped and instead all were focused in getting goals back. With better luck and finishing, ARFC could have run out easy winners.

I want to pay special mention to the good attendance yet again.

Also, Brenden is still very new to us and he is not a keeper by training. He is simply helping us to fill the keeper position. Yes, we are disappointed by the manner in which the goals were conceded, but let’s not point the finger at Brenden. My stand is clear – you can stand in between the sticks if you want to and think you can do a better job for ARFC. By the way, Brenden also made 2 good saves in the match.
Man-of-the-Match is jointly given to Haron, Derrick and Darren though Elvis led the line very well.

ARFC crumbled in last 7 mins

Resuming its league programme, ARFC fell apart in the last 7 mins and lost 0-2 to a very young and determined Macheda under extremely hot weather at Bedok Green SS.


ARFC received a late blow when Elvis and Brendan pulled out. Thankfully, ARFC was boosted by the last-min appearance of Khim, Darren, Norman, Hee and Seh Meng.

ARFC started with this 4-5-1 line-up:

Keeper: Seh Meng (guest player)
Right-back: Marauding Guoxiong
Sweeper: Towering Toh
Stopper: Wonder Wayne
Left-back: Unbeatable Darren
Right-mid: Yao Yang (guest player)
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Centre-mid: Steely Tze Ern
Centre-mid: Combative Ron
Left-mid: Sublime Khim
Striker: Unpredictable Blackburn (captain)

Subs:

ARFC Scoring Legend Haron (late)
Speedy Hee
Long-throw specialist Norman
Talisman Derrick (turned up with less than 10 mins to go – credit to him for rushing down)

Absent:

Powerful Alvin (but turned up right at the end of match after his work - credit to him)
Dynamic Soon
Hard-man Tjioe
Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Dependable Jinzhong
Precocious En Dian
Nippy Kenny

It was clear from the start that the very hot weather would favour the younger opponents and it showed throughout with ARFC creating very few chances.

In the entire 1st half, the opponents took many shots but all were thwarted by the superb Seh Meng. The defence also stood out with Wayne particularly impressive. Ron also impressed.

In the 27th min, ARFC almost opened the scoring after some good work by Blackburn and Khim. However, Norman failed to connect to the ball and the chance goes abegging.

Tze Ern’s header also flew narrowly wide.

The 2nd half was the same story as ARFC failed to conjure up good chances for the forwards.

A great chance came ARFC’s way in the 57th min. Khim’s corner was flicked on by Hee to the unmarked Toh who was standing just outside the 6-yard box. However, Toh’s weak header was easily gathered by their keeper. In hindsight, Toh could have used his legs but he was unaware of the amount of time and space afforded to him.

Derrick then came on and immediately he was put through but he shot into the side-netting.

ARFC then conceded 2 goals in the last 7 mins to lose 0-2.

Man-of-the-Match goes to Wayne.

Credit to the good attendance too.

League match - 03 July 2011

03 July 2011 (Sun)
5 pm = 1700 hrs
Bishan Park Sec Sch (should be artificial pitch)

Opponent is Team Kangtao.

Pls bring both colours.

Good luck and thanks.

League match - 26 June 2011

26 June 2011 (Sun)
3 pm
Bedok Green Sec Sch (artificial pitch)

Opponent is Macheda.

Bring both colours.

Thanks.

ARFC cruised to victory over Republic Polytechnic staff/alumni team

Playing on a rare Monday night match at the magnificent artificial pitch at Republic Polytechnic, ARFC cruised to a 4-3 victory over the Republic Poly staff/alumni-cum-partial ARFC team in front of just 77 fans which included Anna and Soon’s lovely daughter.


After waiting for 17.77 mins, the RP team could only muster 6 players and hence ARFC loaned Toh, Ron, Haron and Derrick to them. With the loan, ARFC played with 10 warriors in this line-up:

Keeper: Brandon
Right-back: Marauding Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Seh Meng
Left-back: Unpredictable Blackburn
Right-mid: Dynamic Soon
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Centre-mid: Hard-man Tjioe
Left-mid: Steely Tze Ern
Striker: Powerful Alvin (captain)

Subs:

No subs

Loan to RP:

Towering Toh
Combative Ron
ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
Talisman Derrick

Absent:

Long-throw specialist Norman
Unbeatable Darren
Speedy Hee
Wonder Wayne
Sublime Khim
Dependable Jinzhong
Precocious En Dian
Nippy Kenny

The match was played at a leisurely pace in the opening 7 mins. The ante was upped only when Soon executed a crunching tackle on their player and every player then played to their committed selves.

ARFC fell behind in the 17th min. 0-1

ARFC did not lose heart and started to play a passing and possession game with Sebastian at the heart-beat of their moves. Tjioe, Tze Ern and Soon also put in lots of ground in covering for the defence and attack.

RFC equalized in the 27th min. Off a quick corner from Tze Ern, Blackburn whipped in a delicious cross to the far post and Seh Meng headed the ball against the bar. Alvin reacted quickest to the rebound and headed the ball goal-wards and Seh Meng was there to nod the ball in for his 1st-ever ARFC goal. 1-0

Despite conjuring several chances with slick passing movements, ARFC could not get a 2nd goal and the half ended 1-1.

One thing worth mentioning is that the RP actually played with 11 players shortly after the start but due to the hardwork put in by the 10 ARFC warriors, there was not much difference.

Derrick was then recalled to ARFC after the RP team added in 1 more player. Derrick took up right mid position with Blackburn pairing up with Alvin upfront. Seh Meng shifted to left-back with Tjioe dropping to stopper position.

ARFC continued its excellent display from the re-start.

7 mins after the re-start, ARFC took the lead. Tze Ern did well to move the ball up and spotted Alvin who called for the ball inside the box. After receiving Tze Ern’s well-timed ground pass, Alvin did an extremely sharp turn ala Fernando Torres before their defender can come near to him. Eluding the defender, Alvin proceeded to plant the ball firmly into the bottom right corner for his 143rd ARFC goal! 2-1 and their keeper was firmly rooted to his spot.

ARFC extended its lead in the 57th min after some good work down the right flank by both derrick and Guoxiong. Guoxiong held the ball well at the right touch-line while waiting for support. In a rare foray upfront, Elvis sprinted up and called for the ball. Guoxiong duly obliged and Elvis got to the ball first before their defender was late and brought Elvis down in the box, giving the referee the easiest decision to award a penalty.

It was observed that when Elvis fell to the ground, the whole polytechnic ground shake and everybody thought there was an earth-quake!

Sebastian stepepd up to take the penalty and sent their keeper the wrong way for his 78th ARFC goal. 3-1

ARFC then conceded anther goal. 3-2 now.

Derrick then hit the upright after Alvin sent him through.

The best goal of the night arrived in the 77th min after yet another slick move. Sebastian received the ball from Tze Ern about 7 metres outside the penalty box. Hearing a shout, Sebastian nonchalantly chipped the ball in and Seh Meng ran in from deep at the left area and broke their off-side trap. Seh Meng then squared the ball across goal but Blackburn was unable to reach. The ball then rolled to the far post at right side and Guoxiong dashed in from deep ala Dani Alves/Cafu and shot the ball home for his 12th ARFC goal. 4-2.

Guoxiong’s goal also moved him level with Elvis at 12 ARFC goals.

ARFC then conceded another goal near the death. 4-3.

This was a match where ARFC played the best as a team. The passing, possession and movements was similar to the Singapore U-15's display against Newcastle U-15. The fans have never seen such good passing before.

Every warrior played their hearts out and all did very very well. Also, special credit to the good attendance yet again!

Match ratings:

Brandon – Still raw for an untrained keeper but appreciate his help to be a keeper;

Guoxiong - Made so many overlapping runs ala Dani Alves or Cafu. Contributed a good goal;

Seh Meng – Played very well both as stopper and left-back.Would be an useful addition to ARFC. Scored 1st-ever ARFC goal;

Blackburn – Fantastic performance from him;

Elvis – Was very commanding and stopped many potential goal-scoring chances with his clever reading. Created a penalty as well with his rare foray upfront;

Tjioe – Best performance from him for a long time. I think the opponents were fearful of his crunching tackles;

Tze Ern – Did very well in covering the left-back on many occasions. Assisted with a goal. Often under-rated but appreciated for doing the dirty work for the team;

Soon – Set the tone at the start with a crunching tackle. Cover every inch of the pitch;

Sebastian – Inspired display and controlled proceedings from midfield.

Derrick – The team surely missed his penetrative wing play in Sunday tournament matches. Tormented their left-back no end and was really unlucky not to score;

Alvin – His goal reminded us of a certain Fernando Torres’ goal against Man Yoo. Did very well playing as a lone forward in the entire 1st half.

It would be unfair to give a Man-of-the-Match as every warrior played very well but it’s fair to say that Elvis and Tjioe really stood out.

Monday Night Friendly Match - 20 June 2011

20 June 2011 (MONDAY)
7 pm = 1900 hrs
Republic Polytechnic (artificial pitch)

Opponent is Republic Poly Staff/Alumni team

Pls bring both colours.

ARFC fell 0-3 to FC Simpang again

Taking on FC Simpang for the 2nd time in the league, ARFC suffered a 2nd half melt-down to go down 0-3 at Broadrick SS in front of usual supporters Anna and Tracie.


For the longest time, ARFC had 16 warriors present for the match which was very encouraging.

ARFC started with this 4-4-2 line-up:

Keeper: Brandon
Right-back: Marauding Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Towering Toh (captain)
Left-back: Combative Ron
Right-mid: Dynamic Soon
Centre-mid: Steely Tze Ern
Centre-mid: Hard-man Tjioe
Left-mid: Unpredictable Blackburn
Striker: Speedy Hee
Striker: Powerful Alvin

Subs:

Influential Sebastian
Unbeatable Darren (late)
Long-throw specialist Norman
Yao Yang
Seh Meng

Absent:

ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
Talisman Derrick
Wonder Wayne
Sublime Khim
Dependable Jinzhong
Precocious En Dian
Nippy Kenny

Boosted by the good attendance and eager to avenge an earlier 0-3 defeat by the same opponent, ARFC was quickest off the blocks and within seconds, Alvin and Hee combined to pressure their defence which led to an opening. Unfortunately, Hee could not get enough power behind his shot.

Tjioe then showed that despite his absence for the past few matches, he did not lose his awareness when he picked up a loose ball just inside the box ala Paul Scholes. However, he did not connect cleanly with the ball which trickled out for a goal kick.

Sebastian then replaced Blackburn and almost immediately, Sebastian’s corner found Toh’s head but he headed just over the bar.

A series of substitutions then followed with all the subs appearing.

Brandon then produced a top class one handed save ala Pepe Reina when he turned their player’s shot over the bar. What made the save incredible was the fact that their player was totally free just outside the 6-yard box.

Soon then fired over after coming in from the blind side position on the right.

Sebastian next stepped up but his free-kick could not find the target.

In the 2nd half, ARFC continued to match the opponents and Brandon again produced a world-class save with his foot ala Bruce Grobblearr when he turned their shot out for a corner.

ARFC then fell behind after FC Simpang scored directly from a corner. 0-1

ARFC could have equalized but Sebastian’s brilliant left-foot scoop shot was parried over by their impressive keeper.

ARFC fell further behind when Ron upended their striker. They then scored from the spot. 0-2

Morale dropped, ARFC quickly conceded another break-way goal to lose 0-3.

The 0-3 score-line was probably harsh to ARFC who played rather well. Special mention must be given to the good turn-out of 16 warriors. Also, Brandon deserved praise for his performance despite being a raw newbie.

Man-of-the-Match is given to Hee.

League Match - 12 June 2011 (Sun)

12 June 2011 (sun)
3 pm = 1500 hrs
Greenview Sec Sch

Opponent is FC Simpang.

Pls bring both colours.

ARFC lost to a phantom foul in penalty box

Playing for the first time at Bartley SS, ARFC fell victim to the softest-ever penalty decision awarded by any referee in the world by going down 0-1 to the energetic Samalongkok.


Before the match, ARFC was hit by very poor attendance and Sebastian’s attempts to call up many guest players were futile. Thankfully, Brandon kindly agreed to be keeper for the first time for ARFC.

ARFC started with this 4-4-2 line-up:

Keeper: Brandon
Right-back: Marauding Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Towering Toh
Left-back: Unbeatable Darren
Right-mid: Speedy Hee (captain)
Centre-mid: Steely Tze Ern
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Wonder Wayne
Striker: Unpredictable Blackburn
Striker: Powerful Alvin

Subs:

Minghui (guest player – late)
Yao Yang (guest player – late)

Absent:

ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
Combative Ron
Talisman Derrick
Sublime Khim
Dependable Jinzhong
Dynamic Soon
Hard-man Tjioe
Long-throw specialist Norman
Precocious En Dian
Nippy Kenny

It was a credit to Brandon for standing in for ARFC and he went on to produce a great performance which kept ARFC in the match.

As early as the 7th min, the opponents looked to have scored until Brandon produced a last-grasp agile save to prevent the ball from crossing the line. Wonderful goal-keeping.

Brandon then went on to produce another couple of fantastic saves.

At the other end of the pitch, Alvin, Blackburn and Hee worked tirelessly to harass their defenders while Wayne, Tze Ern and Sebastian tried their best to close down spaces.

Particularly, Alvin was very impressive with his penetrative runs down the left flank as the opponents simply could not keep up with his pace and power. On one occasion, he squared the ball across goal but no warrior was there to capitalize.

In the 17th min, Alvin’s well-floated corner was met by Toh who headed the ball against the cross-bar. The rebound was nearly latched on by Wayne but the opponents managed to clear the ball away.

In the 27th min, Sebastian picked up a cleared ball about 27 metres away from goal. However, his volley lacked power and was easily gathered by their keeper.

In the 2nd half, things were still even and ARFC warriors were clearly tiring. Thankfully, the famed ARFC defence led by Elvis held firm and the opponents were totally unable to make a break-through.

Things took a drastic turn in the 67th min with the divine help from the referee. In a scramble ball tussle in the penalty area, both Tze Ern and their striker tried to go for the ball at the same time. Both missed the ball but Tze Ern clashed legs with the striker. Incredibly and to the amazement of the world wide world, the referee blew for a phantom foul and awarded a penalty!!

I think it’s safe to say that even the opponents did not expect the penalty call and they then scored from the spot. 0-1.
I must say that this penalty is one of the world softest-ever penalty seemed since I started playing football.

Undeterred, ARFC did not allow their heads to drop and instead tried to fashion an equalizer. All warriors somehow found extra energy from nowhere and Alvin was most impressive when he tried his very best to conjure up an equalizer with his several piercing forays down the flanks with Hee supporting him ably.

In the 77th min, ARFC won a free-kick at a vantage position outside the box and Sebastian stepped up but only disappointed the fans when his curling shot was easily gathered by their keeper.

With 7 mins left, Alvin broke clear with a quick clever touch that took him away from their defender. Unluckily, their keeper dashed out quickly and block Alvin’s rasping shot with his legs.

Despite much effort, ARFC could not come up with an equalizer and lost 0-1.

This is the match where every warriors including the 3 guest players played with lots of effort and it was really unfortunate that the efforts were undone by the poorest referee decision ever since World Cup 1930.

Brandon was really colossal as keeper, Elvis led his defence of Toh, Guoxiong and Darren very well, and ARFC’s midfielders all tried their best to close down space. Up front, Hee and Blackburn really impressed.

This leaves me with Alvin. I think it’s safe to say that Alvin put in one of his best performances for ARFC and the only thing lacking was a goal from him. For that, Alvin is the Man-of-the-Match though Brandon came close.

League Match - 29 May 2011

29 May 2011 (Sun)
3 pm = 1500 hrs
Bartley Sec Sch

Opponent is Samalongkok

ARFC's late rally in vain

Taking on The OC for the 2nd time in this season, ARFC rallied but ultimately fell to a 2-5 defeat in front of 77,777 fans including Anna.

ARFC could not managed to get any stand-in keeper and as such, Ron and later on She Meng gamely volunteered to be keeper for each half despite not having any gloves on.

ARFC started with this 4-4-2 line-up:

Keeper: Combative Ron
Right-back: Marauding Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis (captain)
Stopper: Wonder Wayne
Left-back: Unbeatable Darren
Right-mid: Seh Meng (guest player)
Centre-mid: Steely Tze Ern
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Minghui (guest player)
Striker: Unpredictable Blackburn
Striker: ARFC Scoring Legend Haron

Subs:

Powerful Alvin (late)
Towering Toh (late)
Yao Yang (guest player – late)

Absent:

Talisman Derrick – suspended
Sublime Khim
Dependable Jinzhong
Speedy Hee
Dynamic Soon
Hard-man Tjioe
Long-throw specialist Norman
Precocious En Dian
Nippy Kenny

Disaster struck as early as the 7th min when a very soft shot slipped through Ron’s grasp. However, no one laid blame as Ron was playing without gloves. 0-1

ARFC nearly equalized when from Sebastian’s corner, Tze Ern leaped highest and hung in the air ala Les Ferdinand but his header looped just 0.77 metres wide.

ARFC then conceded another goal. 0-2

Toh then replaced Wayne while Alvin came on for the ineffective Blackburn. Yao Yang soon took over from Minghui who had a poor match.

Within mins, Alvin produced a long distance shot but their keeper gathered the ball safely.

Haron then showed close control to fashion a chance. He also came out with several decoy runs.

In the 2nd half, ARFC conceded another goal to trail 0-3.

All looked lost for ARFC till the 67th min thanks to large part to the determination and grit of Alvin. From a ball by both Darren and Tze Ern, Alvin chased the ball despite being in a inferior position than their defender and keeper who looked to be in pole position to smoother the ball. However, Alvin did not give up and managed to nick the ball away from them and slotted the ball home into the net guarded by 2 defenders for his 142nd ARFC goal. This was also his 4th goal in as many matches. 1-3 now.

7 mins later, Alvin was again the architect when his floating corner from the left was missed by Toh who was under close and tough challenge from their defenders. When the ball dropped into the 6-yard box, Haron showed all that despite not in the best physical condition, his sharp mind did not abandon him and he was the quickest to swoop in and sweep the ball home for his 170th ARFC goal! 2-3 and a fight-back is back on and the fans tried to rally ARFC with 77 rounds of ARFC wave.

Alas, the fightback did not materialize as ARFC conceded another 3 goals due to fatigue to lose 2-5.

Man-of-the-match is jointly given to Alvin and Darren.

League Match on 22 May 2011

22 May 2011
3 pm = 1500 hrs
Broadrick Sec Sch

Opponent is The OC.

Pls bring both colours.

ARFC fell to Team BI again

Taking on Team BI for the 7th time, ARFC still could not end its winless record against them after going down 1-3 at Siglap Sec in front of 77,777 fans including Anna and Cerine.
ARFC received 3 huge doses of boost when Darren, Khim and Ron turned up for the match.

ARFC started with this 4-4-2 line-up:

Keeper: Dependable Jinzhong
Right-back: Marauding Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Combative Ron
Left-back: Unbeatable Darren
Right-mid: Unpredictable Blackburn (captain)
Centre-mid: Steely Tze Ern
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Sublime Khim
Striker: Powerful Alvin
Striker: Speedy Hee

Subs:

Wonder Wayne
Seh Meng (guest player)

Absent:

Talisman Derrick – suspended
Dynamic Soon
Hard-man Tjioe
Towering Toh
Long-throw specialist Norman
ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
Precocious En Dian
Nippy Kenny

Knowing that Team BI is a more superior team, ARFC played with great discipline and restricted Team BI to some half-chances with Jinzhong coming out tops on several occasions.

In the 7th min, Jinzhong flung himself to his left ala Edwin Van De Sar to parry the ball out for a corner. Jinzhong also then produced 2 top-draw saves to deny Team BI from taking the lead.

Sebastian also cleared off the line ala Ashley Cole from a corner.

ARFC conceded a goal after their player rose unchallenged to nod in from a free-kick. 0-1

ARFC did not give up and tried to conjure up an equalizer. In the 27th min, Sebastian read their defender’s move well and intercepted the ball. Spotting their keeper slightly off his line, Sebastian tried to chip over their keeper but their keeper somehow managed to claw the ball to safety. Unlucky!

Alvin then turned hero with about 177 seconds to go before half-time. Anticipated their sweeper’s move, Alvin managed to nick the ball away from his feet. In his desperation, their sweeper tried his best to halt Alvin in his track but was unable to prevent the powerfully-built Alvin from speeding away. Bringing the ball all the way into the penalty box, Alvin heard a shout from Wayne who was inside the 6-yard box. However, Alvin kept his cool by slotting the ball past their despairing keeper for his 141st ARFC goal! 1-1 now and what a world-class goal ala Roger Milla in 1990 World Cup.

In the 2nd half, Team BI grew desperate and resorted to some wild shots from distance as they were unable to penetrate ARFC’s formidable defence of Elvis, Ron, Darren and Guoxiong. In fact, their playmaker tried to take Guoxiong out of the match by going in studs up but the referee failed to even blow for a foul!!!!

Guoxiong nearly produced the goal of the season when he picked up a loose ball from a half-clear ARFC corner outside the box. He faked a shot with his right foot, eluded their lunging defender and fired in with his left foot from just outside the box ala Lilian Thuram in World Cup ’98 semi-final match against Croatia. Unfortunately, the only difference is that Thuram found the net but Guoxiong’s shot was deny by their flying keeper!

Sebastian then came up with another goal-line clearance ala Ashley Cole.

ARFC continued to defend stoutly and Team BI was getting desperate and impatient. The big turning point came in the 77th min when Team BI received a BIG BIG BIG helping hands from the referee who apparently is friends with some players from Team BI.

Their ang-moh striker received the ball from his team-mate but he was clearly coming in from an off-side position. Incredulously, the referee did not blow for an off-side infringement and waved play on. The rest is history as they then scored which broke the hearts and resilience of ARFC. 1-2

Within mins and still recovering from the bad decision, ARFC conceded another goal to lose 1-3.

Despite this loss, ARFC’s entire performance can be said to be the most disciplined and controlled in recent times. Of course, the back-four was really resolute and majestic and the midfielders worked tirelessly to cover up for the defenders. ARFC’s strikers also did well to harass and created pressure on Team BI.

As I always said, as long as ARFC’s defence is Elvis, Guoxiong, Darren, Toh/Ron, ARFC would usually do well in matches.

Men-of-the-match is jointly given to Jinzhong, Alvin and ARFC’s entire back-four,