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.
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