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.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
League Match - 17 July 2011
17 July 2011 (Sun)
5 pm = 1700 hrs
Serangoon Sec Sch
Opponent is Macheda.
5 pm = 1700 hrs
Serangoon Sec Sch
Opponent is Macheda.
Monday, July 11, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
league match - 10 July 2011
10 July 2011 (Sun)
3 pm = 1500 hrs
MacPherson Sec Sch
Opponent is Macheda.
Pls bring both colours.
3 pm = 1500 hrs
MacPherson Sec Sch
Opponent is Macheda.
Pls bring both colours.
Monday, July 04, 2011
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.
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.
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