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.
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