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.