Playing its 1st-ever ESPZEN FA Cup match, ARFC produced a disciplined and controlled display to edge out Hibernians Social FC 1-0 courtesy of a brilliant goal from the sizzling Kenny. The victory also preserved ARFC’s unbeaten 4-match streak in 2011.
The match was played at Temasek SS which was witnessed by the new-blonde Tracie (babelicious wife of Guoxiong), Brenden and 77,777 fans.
ARFC was rocked by the late- withdrawal of Soon who was ill but still made his way down to support the team. Kudos to him! However, Soon’s absence was more than make up by the appearance of Khim whose presence immediately lifted the team.
As Chun Haw was late, Derrick kindly agreed to be keeper till his arrival.
ARFC started with this 4-5-1 line-up:
Keeper: Talisman Derrick
Right-back: Marauding Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Combative Ron
Left-back: Unbeatable Darren
Right-mid: Unpredictable Blackburn
Centre-mid: Steely Tze Ern
Centre-mid: Wonder Wayne
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Nippy Kenny
Striker: Powerful Alvin (captain)
Subs:
Hard-man Tjioe
Towering Toh (late)
Sublime Khim (late)
Talented Chun Haw (late)
Absent:
Dynamic Soon (ill)
Dependable Jinzhong
ARFC Scoring Legend Haron (work)
Long-throw specialist Norman
Speedy Hee (work)
Precocious En Dian (injured)
In the pre-match briefing, Sebastian cautioned that the opponents would be shouting and protesting at every decisions made by referee which is typical of a Caucasian team. True enough, the opponents were to protest at every available opportunity throughout the match. Thankfully, ARFC kept its cool and focused on the match itself.
In the 17th min, Blackburn’s corner was met by Tze Ern but he nodded narrowly wide.
7 mins later, ARFC took the lead. Kenny’s venomous corner, measured at 377.77 km/hr, was flicked on by their defender into his own net. Fantastic corner!
(Note: After last night’s emergency board meeting, the ARFC Board of Directors have decided to credit the goal to Kenny which is his 11th ARFC goal)
Chun Haw then arrived to be in goal with Derrick moving to right-mid while Blackburn made way.
Tjioe and Toh then replaced Sebastian and Ron respectively. Khim also came in for Wayne.
In the 2nd half, the opponents tried to find its way back into the match but were thwarted by the collective effort of every warriors.
In the 67th min, Khim showcase his magical skills when he wriggled his way past 2 defenders almost at the left touch-line, in a move very similar to Redondo’s skills in Real Madrid’s champions league match against Man Utd in 1999 when Man Utd was completely destroyed! Looking up, Khim pulled the ball back for Alvin but despite frantic calls from Sebastian who was free on the right, Alvin dragged his shot wide. Unlucky!
In the 77th min, Kenny was clearly brought down in the box but the referee waved away strong appeals from ARFC. Totally unlucky!
Kenny looked to have wrapped things up 7 mins later. His long shot from the distance at the left looked to be headed for the top left-hand corner until their keeper produced a flying save ala Pepe reina to push the ball out for a corner. Superly unlucky!
Chun Haw then matched his opposite number’s effort when he also produced a world-class flying save to preserve ARFC’s lead which ARFC held on to the end.
Again, ARFC produced yet another team effort and tigerish performance. Every warrior worked hard for each other which is the way to go.
Review for each warrior:
Chun Haw – Talent is clearly there and helped to keep a clean sheet. Hope he can continue his development and play for ARFC even when he becomes a national player!
Guoxiong and Darren – I don’t think their wingers got past our full-backs at all! Wonderful defenders ala Cafu and Carlos.
Elvis – Totally commanding display. Did not put a foot wrong throughout.
Ron and Toh – Like a steel shield in front of Elvis.
Tze Ern, Tjioe and Sebastian – Worked tirelessly to protect ARFC’s defence. Tjioe was a constant irritation for the opponents which is good to distract them.
Wayne – Best display in a ARFC shirt thus far. Delivered what is asked from him despite being played in an unaccustomed centre mid role in the first half.
Khim – I have already run out of superlatives to describe this player. Possibly the best player to turn out for ARFC
Blackburn – Did well for this match.
Derrick – excellent wing play yet again. Also did well with his antics which served to irritate and distract the opponents.
Alvin – Really a captain’s performance with his relentless and tireless harassment of their defence. Only lacked a goal to show for his effort.
Kenny - My joint Man-of-the-Match together with Alvin. His pace and skills were a delight to watch.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
ARFC maintains 100% record in 2011
Playing under cool weather on the Tampines SAFRA artificial pitch, ARFC maintained its 100% in 2011 with a hard-fought 4-2 victory over Yahoo! In front of 77,777 fans which included Irene (Alvin’s beau), Lingzhi (Ron’s wife) and Soon’s daughter.
Once again, Derrick kindly agreed to be keeper for 1st half.
ARFC started with this 4-4-2 line-up:
Keeper: Talisman Derrick
Right-back: Unpredictable Blackburn
Sweeper: Adrian Quek (guest player)
Stopper: Combative Ron
Left-back: Wonder Wayne
Right-mid: Steely Tze Ern
Centre-mid: Hard-man Tjioe
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Nippy Kenny
Striker: Powerful Alvin (captain)
Striker: ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
Subs:
Towering Toh (late)
Dynamic Soon (late)
Long-throw specialist Norman (late)
Absent:
Dependable Jinzhong
Unbeatable Darren
Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Marauding Guoxiong
Speedy Hee
Precocious En Dian
Sublime Khim
Talented Chun Haw
ARFC dominated proceedings in the opening 17 mins with Alvin, Kenny and Haron particularly impressive. Just 7 mins into the match and with the fans still trickling into the stadia, ARFC fired the first salvo courtesy of Haron. Alvin’s wonderful dipping corner to the near post saw Haron somehow just dipped his head low and connected the ball which beat their keeper at the near post! An amazing goal which Tim Cahill would very proud of! 1-0 and this was Haron’s 168th ARFC goal.
Haron could have easily netted a hat-trick within 17 mins. In quick succession, he fired narrowly (just 0.77 mm from the post) wide on both occasions after being put through on goal.
ARFC then somehow conceded a goal. 1-1
ARFC regained the lead 7 mins later. Kenny’s ball saw Alvin speeding down the left flank all the way into the penalty box and Haron also arrived at the far post at the same time. Looking up, Alvin squared the ball across but before the ball could reach Haron, their defender thumped the ball into his own net. 2-1 and this was the 23rd own goals conceded by ARFC’s opponents.
ARFC could have put the result beyond doubt when yet another Alvin’s laser-like corner looked to be met by Toh. Happening probably for the 1st time, Toh somehow missed connecting but the ball fell kindly to Haron who was just 0.77 mm out from the 6-yard box. With their keeper already gone walk-about, Haron sliced his shot and was cleared on the line by their defender. Unlucky!
Tze Ern was next to miss when his header from Blackburn’s corner flew 1.77 mm wide.
ARFC quickly made amends when within 7 mins from the re-start, it scored its 3rd goal in the match. Tjioe, who again impressed, send in a long diagonal ball to the left flank which saw Soon breaking their off-side trap. Bringing the ball forward, Soon faced their keeper and easily dispatched the ball past him for his 35th ARFC goal. After his goal, Soon immediately sprinted to his daughter and gave her 77 kisses. 3-1 now.
The opponents then pulled a goal back 3-2.
Blackburn then turned back the clock 10 years back when he made a lung-bursting run from almost his right back position all the way to the right flank and earned a corner! Amazing feat for the oldest ARFC warrior!!
Mins later, Blackburn was brought down in the box but the referee waved away the appeals.
ARFC was then down to 10 warriors after Tjioe was given his marching orders in the 70th min after chalking up 2 yellow cards. Though it was just a friendly, the opponents did NOT sportingly ask ARFC to restore to 11 warriors as the usual practice in friendly matches.
Alvin was then left upfront alone with Kenny switching to left flank.
However, ARFC showed its resolve and every warrior pulled together and defended stoutly.
Haron repeated Ron’s heroics in the previous match when he dived full length ala Pepe Reina to push a venomous shot for a corner. World-class save!
In the 77th min, ARFC buried the match when their defender tried to clear the ball but only succeeded in kicking it to Alvin. Accepting the invitation gleefully, Alvin powered in a shot with this outside right foot to net his 134th ARFC goal. 4-2. As with Soon, Alvin also dashed straight to his wife Irene and gave her 77 kisses.
This was a team effort and every warrior played their hearts and guts out. All were impressive but my Man-of-the-Match jointly goes to Blackburn (who really played like a demon possessed) and Alvin (for his relentless effort in closing down their defenders, his goal and his 2 assists).
Once again, Derrick kindly agreed to be keeper for 1st half.
ARFC started with this 4-4-2 line-up:
Keeper: Talisman Derrick
Right-back: Unpredictable Blackburn
Sweeper: Adrian Quek (guest player)
Stopper: Combative Ron
Left-back: Wonder Wayne
Right-mid: Steely Tze Ern
Centre-mid: Hard-man Tjioe
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Nippy Kenny
Striker: Powerful Alvin (captain)
Striker: ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
Subs:
Towering Toh (late)
Dynamic Soon (late)
Long-throw specialist Norman (late)
Absent:
Dependable Jinzhong
Unbeatable Darren
Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Marauding Guoxiong
Speedy Hee
Precocious En Dian
Sublime Khim
Talented Chun Haw
ARFC dominated proceedings in the opening 17 mins with Alvin, Kenny and Haron particularly impressive. Just 7 mins into the match and with the fans still trickling into the stadia, ARFC fired the first salvo courtesy of Haron. Alvin’s wonderful dipping corner to the near post saw Haron somehow just dipped his head low and connected the ball which beat their keeper at the near post! An amazing goal which Tim Cahill would very proud of! 1-0 and this was Haron’s 168th ARFC goal.
Haron could have easily netted a hat-trick within 17 mins. In quick succession, he fired narrowly (just 0.77 mm from the post) wide on both occasions after being put through on goal.
ARFC then somehow conceded a goal. 1-1
ARFC regained the lead 7 mins later. Kenny’s ball saw Alvin speeding down the left flank all the way into the penalty box and Haron also arrived at the far post at the same time. Looking up, Alvin squared the ball across but before the ball could reach Haron, their defender thumped the ball into his own net. 2-1 and this was the 23rd own goals conceded by ARFC’s opponents.
ARFC could have put the result beyond doubt when yet another Alvin’s laser-like corner looked to be met by Toh. Happening probably for the 1st time, Toh somehow missed connecting but the ball fell kindly to Haron who was just 0.77 mm out from the 6-yard box. With their keeper already gone walk-about, Haron sliced his shot and was cleared on the line by their defender. Unlucky!
Tze Ern was next to miss when his header from Blackburn’s corner flew 1.77 mm wide.
ARFC quickly made amends when within 7 mins from the re-start, it scored its 3rd goal in the match. Tjioe, who again impressed, send in a long diagonal ball to the left flank which saw Soon breaking their off-side trap. Bringing the ball forward, Soon faced their keeper and easily dispatched the ball past him for his 35th ARFC goal. After his goal, Soon immediately sprinted to his daughter and gave her 77 kisses. 3-1 now.
The opponents then pulled a goal back 3-2.
Blackburn then turned back the clock 10 years back when he made a lung-bursting run from almost his right back position all the way to the right flank and earned a corner! Amazing feat for the oldest ARFC warrior!!
Mins later, Blackburn was brought down in the box but the referee waved away the appeals.
ARFC was then down to 10 warriors after Tjioe was given his marching orders in the 70th min after chalking up 2 yellow cards. Though it was just a friendly, the opponents did NOT sportingly ask ARFC to restore to 11 warriors as the usual practice in friendly matches.
Alvin was then left upfront alone with Kenny switching to left flank.
However, ARFC showed its resolve and every warrior pulled together and defended stoutly.
Haron repeated Ron’s heroics in the previous match when he dived full length ala Pepe Reina to push a venomous shot for a corner. World-class save!
In the 77th min, ARFC buried the match when their defender tried to clear the ball but only succeeded in kicking it to Alvin. Accepting the invitation gleefully, Alvin powered in a shot with this outside right foot to net his 134th ARFC goal. 4-2. As with Soon, Alvin also dashed straight to his wife Irene and gave her 77 kisses.
This was a team effort and every warrior played their hearts and guts out. All were impressive but my Man-of-the-Match jointly goes to Blackburn (who really played like a demon possessed) and Alvin (for his relentless effort in closing down their defenders, his goal and his 2 assists).
Monday, January 10, 2011
Mid-week Friendly Match @ Tampines SAFRA @ 7 pm
Dear warriors,
We are playing friendly match against Yahoo on 12 Jan 2011 (Wed) @ 7 pm @ Tampines SAFRA.
Please try your best to be there as we are taking our new jerseys and are taking a team photo.
In case our new jerseys are not ready, please also bring the RED jerseys along.
Thanks and hope to see all of you.
We are playing friendly match against Yahoo on 12 Jan 2011 (Wed) @ 7 pm @ Tampines SAFRA.
Please try your best to be there as we are taking our new jerseys and are taking a team photo.
In case our new jerseys are not ready, please also bring the RED jerseys along.
Thanks and hope to see all of you.
ARFC continues winning start in 2011
In match against the SJI Alumni at the magnificent artificial pitch at Catholic Junior College, ARFC continued its unbeaten run in 2011 with a well-taken 2-0 victory in front of 77,777 fans which included Anna, Tracie and Irene, WAGS of Elvis, Guoxiong and Alvin respectively.
Prior to the start, ARFC was hit with the last-min withdrawal of stand-in keeper, Chun Haw. Thankfully, Derrick volunteered to be the 1st half keeper.
ARFC started with this 4-4-2 line-up:
Keeper: Talisman Derrick
Right-back: Unpredictable Blackburn
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Towering Toh
Left-back: Wonder Wayne
Right-mid: Marauding Guoxiong
Centre-mid: Hard-man Tjioe
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Dynamic Soon
Striker: Powerful Alvin
Striker: Speedy Hee (captain)
Subs:
Precocious En Dian
Sublime Khim
Combative Ron
Steely Tze Ern
Absent:
Dependable Jinzhong
Talented Chun Haw
Unbeatable Darren
Nippy Kenny
ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
Long-throw specialist Norman
ARFC was quicker off the blocks and dominated proceedings in the opening exchange. Tjioe worked particularly hard to close down the opponents while Guoxiong was having a field day down the right flank.
ARFC took the lead in the 17th min. Hee was fouled near the left touch-line and Sebastian stepped up to take the free-kick. As the opponents were expecting the ball to be aimed at jumpers like Toh, Tjioe and En Dian, Sebastian’s laser-like ball found the head of the on-rushing Soon who simply needed to glance the ball in for his 34th ARFC goal. 1-0.
ARFC nearly took the lead just 7 mins later. From Guoxiong’s right flank cross, Alvin flicked on the ball which found En Dian at the left side. Bringing the ball down, En Dian unleashed a powerful volley which their impressive keeper could only parry out. The ball went loose to the right side and Guoxiong immediately dashed in and side-footed the ball goal-wards. The whole world was expecting a goal and even Guoxiong was ready to celebrate but their keeper miraculously recovered from his diving position to push the ball out for a corner. A world-class save which was to be matched by Ron’ save later in the 2nd half.
Alvin also nearly ended his 7-match goal-scoring drought when Hee release him with an exquisite ball and Alvin duly thumped the ball home. Unfortunately, the referee correctly ruled out the goal for off-side.
Disaster struck ARFC soon. En Dian challenged for a loose ball but collapsed in a heap as he activated an old left-knee injury and had to be carried out. (Note: I have checked with him last night and so far there is no fracture, dislocation or brokage.)
Ron. Having replaced Toh earlier, then fired high and wide from Alvin’s neat lay-off.
Half-time 1-0
In the 2nd half, Ron took over the keeper’s position.
Strangely enough, ARFC’s performance in the opening 20 mins of the 2nd half was atrocious and was repeatedly pegged back. Once again, Elvis, much aided by Toh, led the defence well.
In the 57th min, Derrick put Alvin through on goal but the latter’s touch was a tad too heavy and their keeper managed to smoother his shot.
In the 67th min, Khim executed a Xavi-like through ball when in a sliding position, he played in a nice low rolling ball for Hee to run from deep. The pace of Khim’s ball was really precise and world-class but Hee was brought down outside the box. Amazingly, the referee did not dismiss their defender. From the free-kick, Derrick spurned the chance when he tried to play a quick free-kick but Alvin was caught off-side.
The moment then arrived for Ron to produce a Pepe Reina save. The opponent powered in a low shot that looked destined for the bottom left corner. Ron belied his age (and belly) when he quickly got down well to parry the ball out and before they can follow-up, Ron quickly got up from his lying position and hold the ball. Totally world-class which David Lee would be very proud of.
ARFC finally scored its 2nd goal in the match. Blackburn’s corner was floated high into the air in the 6-yard area. Toh steadied himself and before his head even connected the ball, everybody in the world was already expecting a goal. True enough, Toh’s forehead obliged and powered in for his 45th ARFC goal. 2-0.
Toh’s goal also brought him level with Khim at joint-9th position in the ARFC all-time scorers’ list. Just for information, the top-5 scorers are:
(i) Haron – 167 goals;
(ii) Alvin – 133 goals;
(iii) Blackburn – 94 goals;
(iv) Hee – 80 goals; and
(v) Sebastian – 76 goals.
Man-of-the-Match jointly goes to Elvis, Hee and Ron.
Prior to the start, ARFC was hit with the last-min withdrawal of stand-in keeper, Chun Haw. Thankfully, Derrick volunteered to be the 1st half keeper.
ARFC started with this 4-4-2 line-up:
Keeper: Talisman Derrick
Right-back: Unpredictable Blackburn
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Towering Toh
Left-back: Wonder Wayne
Right-mid: Marauding Guoxiong
Centre-mid: Hard-man Tjioe
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Dynamic Soon
Striker: Powerful Alvin
Striker: Speedy Hee (captain)
Subs:
Precocious En Dian
Sublime Khim
Combative Ron
Steely Tze Ern
Absent:
Dependable Jinzhong
Talented Chun Haw
Unbeatable Darren
Nippy Kenny
ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
Long-throw specialist Norman
ARFC was quicker off the blocks and dominated proceedings in the opening exchange. Tjioe worked particularly hard to close down the opponents while Guoxiong was having a field day down the right flank.
ARFC took the lead in the 17th min. Hee was fouled near the left touch-line and Sebastian stepped up to take the free-kick. As the opponents were expecting the ball to be aimed at jumpers like Toh, Tjioe and En Dian, Sebastian’s laser-like ball found the head of the on-rushing Soon who simply needed to glance the ball in for his 34th ARFC goal. 1-0.
ARFC nearly took the lead just 7 mins later. From Guoxiong’s right flank cross, Alvin flicked on the ball which found En Dian at the left side. Bringing the ball down, En Dian unleashed a powerful volley which their impressive keeper could only parry out. The ball went loose to the right side and Guoxiong immediately dashed in and side-footed the ball goal-wards. The whole world was expecting a goal and even Guoxiong was ready to celebrate but their keeper miraculously recovered from his diving position to push the ball out for a corner. A world-class save which was to be matched by Ron’ save later in the 2nd half.
Alvin also nearly ended his 7-match goal-scoring drought when Hee release him with an exquisite ball and Alvin duly thumped the ball home. Unfortunately, the referee correctly ruled out the goal for off-side.
Disaster struck ARFC soon. En Dian challenged for a loose ball but collapsed in a heap as he activated an old left-knee injury and had to be carried out. (Note: I have checked with him last night and so far there is no fracture, dislocation or brokage.)
Ron. Having replaced Toh earlier, then fired high and wide from Alvin’s neat lay-off.
Half-time 1-0
In the 2nd half, Ron took over the keeper’s position.
Strangely enough, ARFC’s performance in the opening 20 mins of the 2nd half was atrocious and was repeatedly pegged back. Once again, Elvis, much aided by Toh, led the defence well.
In the 57th min, Derrick put Alvin through on goal but the latter’s touch was a tad too heavy and their keeper managed to smoother his shot.
In the 67th min, Khim executed a Xavi-like through ball when in a sliding position, he played in a nice low rolling ball for Hee to run from deep. The pace of Khim’s ball was really precise and world-class but Hee was brought down outside the box. Amazingly, the referee did not dismiss their defender. From the free-kick, Derrick spurned the chance when he tried to play a quick free-kick but Alvin was caught off-side.
The moment then arrived for Ron to produce a Pepe Reina save. The opponent powered in a low shot that looked destined for the bottom left corner. Ron belied his age (and belly) when he quickly got down well to parry the ball out and before they can follow-up, Ron quickly got up from his lying position and hold the ball. Totally world-class which David Lee would be very proud of.
ARFC finally scored its 2nd goal in the match. Blackburn’s corner was floated high into the air in the 6-yard area. Toh steadied himself and before his head even connected the ball, everybody in the world was already expecting a goal. True enough, Toh’s forehead obliged and powered in for his 45th ARFC goal. 2-0.
Toh’s goal also brought him level with Khim at joint-9th position in the ARFC all-time scorers’ list. Just for information, the top-5 scorers are:
(i) Haron – 167 goals;
(ii) Alvin – 133 goals;
(iii) Blackburn – 94 goals;
(iv) Hee – 80 goals; and
(v) Sebastian – 76 goals.
Man-of-the-Match jointly goes to Elvis, Hee and Ron.
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
Friendly match this Sunday (09 Jan 2011)
Friendly match details:
09 Jan 2011 (Sun)
3 pm = 1500 hrs
Catholic Junior College (can park in the school compound)
Bring both colours.
Please e-mail Sebastian of your availability.
09 Jan 2011 (Sun)
3 pm = 1500 hrs
Catholic Junior College (can park in the school compound)
Bring both colours.
Please e-mail Sebastian of your availability.
Monday, January 03, 2011
ARFC finally defeated The OC
ARFC got off to a great start in 2011 when Haron’s expertly-taken brace enabled ARFC to chalk up a well-earned 2-1 win The OC. It is also ARFC’s 1st-ever victory over the young and dynamic opponents. The triumph was witnessed by 77,777 fans including including Anna and Tracie, WAG of Elvis and Guoxiong respectively.
Prior to the start, Sebastian announced the match would be FOC if we can overcome The OC. The announcement seemed to have added some fire in some of our pot-bellies.
However, bad news greeted ARFC as both Soon and En Dian went to the wrong venue and were hence late for the match.
ARFC started with this 4-4-2 line-up:
Keeper: Talented Chun Haw
Right-back: Marauding Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Towering Toh
Left-back: Unbeatable Darren
Right-mid: Nippy Kenny
Centre-mid: Hard-man Tjioe
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Speedy Hee
Striker: Powerful Alvin (captain)
Striker: ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
Subs:
Dynamic Soon (late)
Precocious En Dian (late)
Long-throw specialist Norman
Unpredictable Blackburn
Wonder Wayne
Absent:
Sublime Khim
Dependable Jinzhong
Talisman Derrick
Combative Ron
Steely Tze Ern
ARFC was looking to continue its good performance from last week and to clinch 2nd place in the D2D League. In the 7th min, Alvin’s wonderfully-lofted corner kick was met powerfully by Toh. To the disappointment of everybody, Toh sent his header straight to the keeper’s arms.
ARFC was then put on the back-foot by The OC after the latter produced their slick passing and movement. However, ARFC stood firm and the defence really stood out.
ARFC conceded a goal in the 27th min. 0-1
After a “hair-drying half-time pep talk, ARFC warriors came out with fury and pegged The OC back. In the 47th min, ARFC equalized.
A ball was drilled down the left flank where Wayne did extremely well to hold on to the ball while waiting for support and for our strikers to take up positions in the box. As expected, Soon duly arrived and from Wayne’s lay-off, Soon floated in a high curling ball with his left foot and eluded every opposing defenders. Before the ball could drop to the ground, in came Haron from the right to volley in a first-time shot ala Marco Van Basten for his 166th ARFC goal. A truly world-class goal that signaled a return to form by Haron. 1-1
In the 57th min, Haron nearly added a second goal. From Sebastian’s corner, both Toh and En Dian met the ball but the keeper parried the ball out. In a flash, Haron latched on to the loose ball but inexplicably lifted the ball over the bar. Unlucky miss!
ARFC scored the winning goal in the 77th min. From Darren’s long throw-in from the left, Blackburn executed a bicycle kick ala Jurgen Klinsmann and the ball flew over the entire defence to the right. Again, Haron showed predatory instinct when he came in from the blind side and again thumped the ball low into the net ala Dirk Kuyt for his 167th ARFC goal. 2-1 and the whole stadia went delirious!
ARFC held out to notch a well-deserved and hard-fought victory.
Even though Haron was the hero with both goals, total credit must be given to the whole team for yet another team performance. Particularly, ARFC’s defence, led by Toh, was totally world-class. Elvis marshaled well and Toh was totally dominating both on the ground and in the air. Guoxiong and Darren never gave their wingers a chance at all. Soon was also very impressive with his incessant pressing and industry. Tjioe, Sebastian and later on Blackburn did their best in helping out the defence.
Hee and Wayne also did very well in the 2nd half with their covering of full-backs which is very important in maintaining the shape of the team, while Kenny, Norman and En Dian were at their usual best. Alvin tried his best to tire out their defence and should be commended, while Haron of course benefitted from the distractions provided by Alvin, Kenny and En Dian to their defence and came up with the goods.
Man-of-the-Match is given to Toh with match rating of 9.777 though both Soon and Darren came close with same rating of 9.77.
Prior to the start, Sebastian announced the match would be FOC if we can overcome The OC. The announcement seemed to have added some fire in some of our pot-bellies.
However, bad news greeted ARFC as both Soon and En Dian went to the wrong venue and were hence late for the match.
ARFC started with this 4-4-2 line-up:
Keeper: Talented Chun Haw
Right-back: Marauding Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Towering Toh
Left-back: Unbeatable Darren
Right-mid: Nippy Kenny
Centre-mid: Hard-man Tjioe
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Speedy Hee
Striker: Powerful Alvin (captain)
Striker: ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
Subs:
Dynamic Soon (late)
Precocious En Dian (late)
Long-throw specialist Norman
Unpredictable Blackburn
Wonder Wayne
Absent:
Sublime Khim
Dependable Jinzhong
Talisman Derrick
Combative Ron
Steely Tze Ern
ARFC was looking to continue its good performance from last week and to clinch 2nd place in the D2D League. In the 7th min, Alvin’s wonderfully-lofted corner kick was met powerfully by Toh. To the disappointment of everybody, Toh sent his header straight to the keeper’s arms.
ARFC was then put on the back-foot by The OC after the latter produced their slick passing and movement. However, ARFC stood firm and the defence really stood out.
ARFC conceded a goal in the 27th min. 0-1
After a “hair-drying half-time pep talk, ARFC warriors came out with fury and pegged The OC back. In the 47th min, ARFC equalized.
A ball was drilled down the left flank where Wayne did extremely well to hold on to the ball while waiting for support and for our strikers to take up positions in the box. As expected, Soon duly arrived and from Wayne’s lay-off, Soon floated in a high curling ball with his left foot and eluded every opposing defenders. Before the ball could drop to the ground, in came Haron from the right to volley in a first-time shot ala Marco Van Basten for his 166th ARFC goal. A truly world-class goal that signaled a return to form by Haron. 1-1
In the 57th min, Haron nearly added a second goal. From Sebastian’s corner, both Toh and En Dian met the ball but the keeper parried the ball out. In a flash, Haron latched on to the loose ball but inexplicably lifted the ball over the bar. Unlucky miss!
ARFC scored the winning goal in the 77th min. From Darren’s long throw-in from the left, Blackburn executed a bicycle kick ala Jurgen Klinsmann and the ball flew over the entire defence to the right. Again, Haron showed predatory instinct when he came in from the blind side and again thumped the ball low into the net ala Dirk Kuyt for his 167th ARFC goal. 2-1 and the whole stadia went delirious!
ARFC held out to notch a well-deserved and hard-fought victory.
Even though Haron was the hero with both goals, total credit must be given to the whole team for yet another team performance. Particularly, ARFC’s defence, led by Toh, was totally world-class. Elvis marshaled well and Toh was totally dominating both on the ground and in the air. Guoxiong and Darren never gave their wingers a chance at all. Soon was also very impressive with his incessant pressing and industry. Tjioe, Sebastian and later on Blackburn did their best in helping out the defence.
Hee and Wayne also did very well in the 2nd half with their covering of full-backs which is very important in maintaining the shape of the team, while Kenny, Norman and En Dian were at their usual best. Alvin tried his best to tire out their defence and should be commended, while Haron of course benefitted from the distractions provided by Alvin, Kenny and En Dian to their defence and came up with the goods.
Man-of-the-Match is given to Toh with match rating of 9.777 though both Soon and Darren came close with same rating of 9.77.
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