Playing a friendly match after the conclusion of the league season, ARFC put aside its disappointment in finishing as league’s runners-up by destroying a hapless social team with a 7-0 victory. The win was witnessed by Anna and Tracie, wives of Elvis and Guoxiong respectively.
There was a concern of not having enough players before the match and hence two young players, Alex and Jackson, were called up. Both of them were to go on and impressed in their debuts.
ARFC started with this line-up:
Keeper: Talented Chun Haw
Right-back: Marauding Guoxiong (Captain)
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Towering Toh
Left-back: Unbeatable Darren
Right-mid: Dynamic Soon
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Centre-mid: Combative Ron
Left-mid: Unpredictable Blackburn
Striker: Powerful Alvin
Striker: Speedy Hee
Subs:
Steely Tze Ern (slightly late)
Talisman Derrick (late)
Alex
Jackson
Absent:
Wonder Wayne
ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
Hard-man Tjioe
Dependable Jinzhong
Sublime Khim
Long-throw specialist Norman
Precocious En Dian
Nippy Kenny
ARFC came out of the block with fury as epitomized by both Hee and Alvin who closed down their defence no end. Immediately Hee drew a foul outside the box but Sebastian skied his shot.
ARFC then went on to create a glut of chances but was foiled by some lucky saves from their keeper who seemed to be always at the right place and right time.
Particularly, Soon and Alvin both missed great chances, with Toh and Derrick also coming close with headers from corners.
Tze Ern and Derrick then took over from Alvin and Blackburn respectively. With about 7 mins to go, Alvin came back no and replaced Hee upfront.
ARFC finally achieved a break-through thanks to a marauding run down the right flank from Captain-of-the-day Guoxiong. He played the ball to Derrick on the right, made an overlapping run, and received the return ball from Derrick. In full flight, Guoxiong looked up and sent in a precise cross right onto the head of Alvin whose powerful header was saved by their keeper but he was unable to prevent the loose ball from spinning into the net. 1-0 and this was Alvin’s 163rd ARFC goal.
Immediately after the goal, the referee blew for half-time.
In the 2nd half, Jackson came on for Elvis while Alex replaced Ron.
ARFC doubled its lead just 77 seconds into the 2nd half. Chun Haw’s superb long kick ala Pepe Reina found the feet of Alvin who was closely shackled by their tough defender. Unperturbed, Alvin laid the ball to Derrick on the right and he picked his spot to beat their keeper for his 51st ARFC goal. 2-0
Within seconds, ARFC scored its 3rd goal in the match courtesy of yet another Toh header. Blackburn’s marvelous corner to the far post looked to be headed to either Darren or Toh but to Darren’s credit, he did not challenge for the ball after hearing a shout from Toh who was behind him. The rest is history as Toh planted a firm header into the bottom right corner for his 55th ARFC goal, and probably more than 50 goals were from headers!! 3-0.
Toh’s goal was also ARFC’s 1300th goal in its illustrious history.
Alex then made his contribution when he made a great run down the right touch-line, drawing a defender with him. Hearing a call from Derrick, Alex back-heeled to Derrick who was then clumsily upended by the same defender. The penalty-taking duty was then given to Darren who sent their keeper the wrong way with a firm placing for his 3rd ARFC goal. 4-0.
Hee then produced a C. Ronaldo-like free-kick when his superb curling ball was so well-executed and powerful that their keeper was rooted to the spot and could not even see the ball almost bursting the net. 5-0 and Hee’s goal was his 82nd which moved him level with Sebastian at joint-4th top scorer chart.
ARFC notched its 6th goal when Sebastian tried to play a wall pass with Blackburn by running down the right flank after passing to him. However, Blackburn did not return the ball and instead rolled his shot just inside the keeper’s post for a world-class finish that reminded everyone of a certain Messi. 6-0 and this was Blackburn’s 108th ARFC goal.
Derrick then scored his 2nd goal in the match after he met Alvin’s laser-sharp corner with a header that flew into the net. It was really impressive considering that Derrick actually took his spectacles out before the header!! 7-0 and this was Derrick’s 52nd ARFC goal.
ARFC then had more chances to chalk up a higher score-line. First, Guoxiong, who replaced Sebastian at centre-mid, turned and drilled his powerful low shot just wide. Then, he completely lost his footing after receiving a square ball from derrick on the right.
This was a total mis-match as the opponents were totally and completely overwhelmed by ARFC’s flowing football and passing. This performance was also one of the best in recent times.
There is no Man-of-the-Match given as every warrior did very well. A complete team effort, especially we did not lose our shape and focus throughout the match though we were going for more goals.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
ARFC top-10 leading scorers
Haron - 176
Alvin - 162
Blackburn - 102
Sebastian - 82
Hee - 81
Robin - 69
Tjioe - 57
Toh - 54
Derrick - 50
Guigui - 49
Alvin - 162
Blackburn - 102
Sebastian - 82
Hee - 81
Robin - 69
Tjioe - 57
Toh - 54
Derrick - 50
Guigui - 49
Friendly match details on 26 Feb 2012
26 Feb 2012 (Sun)
3 pm = 1500 hrs
Bedok Green Sec (artificial pitch)
3 pm = 1500 hrs
Bedok Green Sec (artificial pitch)
Derrick hits half-century mark in ARFC's emphatic victory
ARFC rounded off its league season after chalking up an emphatic 7-2 victory over YVFC. The scorers are Alvin (4 goals), and one each from Derrick, Soon and Hee.
The victory saw 2 land-marks achieved - Derrick's 50th goal for ARFC which earned him a trophy to be given out later and Alvin further consolidates his lead in the hat-trick table with his 15th career hat-trick for ARFC. Alvin's latest feat was also the 1st hat-trick by any ARFC warrior.
The victory saw 2 land-marks achieved - Derrick's 50th goal for ARFC which earned him a trophy to be given out later and Alvin further consolidates his lead in the hat-trick table with his 15th career hat-trick for ARFC. Alvin's latest feat was also the 1st hat-trick by any ARFC warrior.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
League Match details - 19 Feb 2012
19 Feb 2012 (Sun)
5 pm = 1700 hrs
Fuchun Sec Sch (think in Woodlands area)
Last league match of the season!!
5 pm = 1700 hrs
Fuchun Sec Sch (think in Woodlands area)
Last league match of the season!!
ARFC in yet another lacklustre showing
In an inconsequential match against Flamengo FC, ARFC put up an uninspiring display in the 1-1 draw at the very big field at Chestnut Drive Sec Sch.
Thankfully for ARFC, Ron and Derrick made last-min appearances to make it just 11 warriors for the match.
ARFC started with this line-up:
Keeper: Talented Chun Haw
Right-back: Combative Ron
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: Unpredictable Blackburn
Striker: Wonder Wayne
Striker: Speedy Hee
Subs:
Nil
Absent:
Steely Tze Ern
ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
Hard-man Tjioe
Powerful Alvin
Marauding Guoxiong
Dependable Jinzhong
Sublime Khim
Long-throw specialist Norman
Precocious En Dian
Nippy Kenny
ARFC could not really get its engine going and struggled to create decent chances though both Wayne and Hee worked their socks off closing down the opponents. Over at the defence, Ron and Darren worked extremely hard at shutting down their wingers.
In the 17th min, Sebastian’s corner was met by Toh who just sent his powerful header wide.
ARFC then conceded a goal. 0-1
ARFC soon drew level when the impressive Derrick was clumsily brought down in the top right-hand edge of the penalty box. Designated penalty-taker of the day Derrick dusted himself off the ground and drilled his low shot straight down the middle for his 49th ARFC goal. 1-1
His goal also moved him ahead of Khim (48 goals) and level with Jeffrey.
In the 2nd half, ARFC continued its lame display though the defence did extremely well by smothering all threats posed by the opponents. Besides coming up with a few chances, Chun Haw also impressed with his long direct kicks upfield.
Wayne then showcased his footwork when he twice eluded their defenders with successive pull-backs. Unfortunately, he could not get a decent connection on his shot and the chance was lost.
Derrick then wriggled his way down the right flank before crossing the ball which sailed over their defence. Soon dashed in from deep and connected with a powerful header. Unluckily, his header struck the cross-bar and bounced out of danger.
ARFC then had Chun Haw to thank for when he came up with a splendid world-class one-handed save to preserve the draw.
Although a slight improvement from last week’s showing, ARFC was nevertheless lacklustre especially in the final third of the pitch though I think the blame should not be on the forwards as the midfielders did not really do its part to support them.
Perhaps if Alvin was playing, ARFC would fare better as the big field would really play to Alvin’s strength.
Man-of-the-Match is jointly given to Ron and Darren.
Thankfully for ARFC, Ron and Derrick made last-min appearances to make it just 11 warriors for the match.
ARFC started with this line-up:
Keeper: Talented Chun Haw
Right-back: Combative Ron
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: Unpredictable Blackburn
Striker: Wonder Wayne
Striker: Speedy Hee
Subs:
Nil
Absent:
Steely Tze Ern
ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
Hard-man Tjioe
Powerful Alvin
Marauding Guoxiong
Dependable Jinzhong
Sublime Khim
Long-throw specialist Norman
Precocious En Dian
Nippy Kenny
ARFC could not really get its engine going and struggled to create decent chances though both Wayne and Hee worked their socks off closing down the opponents. Over at the defence, Ron and Darren worked extremely hard at shutting down their wingers.
In the 17th min, Sebastian’s corner was met by Toh who just sent his powerful header wide.
ARFC then conceded a goal. 0-1
ARFC soon drew level when the impressive Derrick was clumsily brought down in the top right-hand edge of the penalty box. Designated penalty-taker of the day Derrick dusted himself off the ground and drilled his low shot straight down the middle for his 49th ARFC goal. 1-1
His goal also moved him ahead of Khim (48 goals) and level with Jeffrey.
In the 2nd half, ARFC continued its lame display though the defence did extremely well by smothering all threats posed by the opponents. Besides coming up with a few chances, Chun Haw also impressed with his long direct kicks upfield.
Wayne then showcased his footwork when he twice eluded their defenders with successive pull-backs. Unfortunately, he could not get a decent connection on his shot and the chance was lost.
Derrick then wriggled his way down the right flank before crossing the ball which sailed over their defence. Soon dashed in from deep and connected with a powerful header. Unluckily, his header struck the cross-bar and bounced out of danger.
ARFC then had Chun Haw to thank for when he came up with a splendid world-class one-handed save to preserve the draw.
Although a slight improvement from last week’s showing, ARFC was nevertheless lacklustre especially in the final third of the pitch though I think the blame should not be on the forwards as the midfielders did not really do its part to support them.
Perhaps if Alvin was playing, ARFC would fare better as the big field would really play to Alvin’s strength.
Man-of-the-Match is jointly given to Ron and Darren.
Tuesday, February 07, 2012
League Match details - 12 Feb 2012
12 Feb 2012 (Sun)
5 pm = 1700 hrs
Chestnut Drive Sec Sch (ARTIFICIAL PITCH)
At No. 58 Chestnut Drive (should be near Upper Bukit Timah Road/ Bukit Panjang Road area)
Opponent is Flamengo FC.
5 pm = 1700 hrs
Chestnut Drive Sec Sch (ARTIFICIAL PITCH)
At No. 58 Chestnut Drive (should be near Upper Bukit Timah Road/ Bukit Panjang Road area)
Opponent is Flamengo FC.
Monday, February 06, 2012
ARFC survived WORST-ever first-half performance to secure 2nd place in league
Putting up its arguably the worst 1st half performance of all time, ARFC struggled under the searing heat but still found enough in its tank to dismiss the tough challenge of Unido FC 2-1 courtesy of stellar performances from both Darren and Blackburn.
Prior to the match, ARFC received a huge boost when Tjioe announced his availability in his FB (Face Book – not Fuck Buddy) and Twitter which drew another 77 secondary school gals from Pierce Sec Sch.
ARFC also sprang a surprise when Haron was deployed as centre-mid in place of Soon.
ARFC started with this line-up:
Keeper: Wonder Wayne
Right-back: Marauding Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Hard-man Tjioe
Left-back: Unbeatable Darren
Right-mid: Talisman Derrick
Centre-mid: ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
Centre-mid: Steely Tze Ern
Left-mid: Unpredictable Blackburn
Striker: Powerful Alvin (captain)
Striker: Speedy Hee
Subs:
Dynamic Soon
Influential Sebastian (late)
Towering Toh (very late)
Absent:
Talented Chun Haw
Dependable Jinzhong
Sublime Khim
Long-throw specialist Norman
Combative Ron
Precocious En Dian
Nippy Kenny
Unido FC was clearly eager to avenge its previous 1-4 loss to ARFC and was really well-prepared and determined to go. With a right game-plan, Unido FC had the upper hands but luckily stand-in keeper Wayne and his defence held firm.
ARFC only had a decent chance when Hee sped his way down the left flank but his cut-back was not picked up by any warrior.
Soon and Sebastian then took over from Alvin and Blackburn.
In the 27th min, Guoxiong succumbed to an ankle injury and was replaced by Blackburn. Tze Ern then took a knock at his back and was replaced by Alvin.
With such a poor 1st half performance, it was no surprise that ARFC was subjected to a chorus of boos and whistles by the fanatical 77,777 fans.
Toh finally arrived and took his place as stopper with Tjioe taking a well-earned break.
In the 2nd half, ARFC played so much better and soon took the lead just 7 mins into the half courtesy of yet another tried-and-tested set-piece routine. From a free-kick, Sebastian’s perfectly-flighted ball into the 6-yard box was picked up by who else but Toh who connected with a glancing header to beat their keeper easily for his 54th ARFC goal. 1-0 and Toh’s goal further cemented his legendary status as ARFC’s highest-scoring defender.
Toh’s goal seemed to galvanise ARFC and at the same time deflate Unido FC. ARFC then produced several passing movements which drew applause from the crowd.
ARFC carved out a few chances from set-pieces but could not capitalize on them. Darren’s missile-like long throws were also extremely threatening.
Tze Ern was then a recipient of a delicious outside foot diagonal ball from Derrick but he headed the ball out when he could have brought the ball down given the acres of space he had.
ARFC soon doubled the lead after Soon pressured the opponent and won the ball. Soon conjured a cross-cum-shot that their keeper could not get a hold of and spilled the ball into the net. Own goal or Soon’s goal?
After a careful 7-hour deliberation by ARFC’s Board of Directors and FIFA, it was decided that Soon was to be credited with a goal and it was his 39th ARFC goal. 2-0
ARFC then conceded a goal. 2-1
Unido FC tried to find an equalizer but was thwarted by the best defensive performance from Blackburn at right-back.
Man-of-the-Match is jointly given to Darren and Blackburn with Elvis coming close.
Special mention to both Wayne and Haron as well for volunteering as keeper for each half.
Prior to the match, ARFC received a huge boost when Tjioe announced his availability in his FB (Face Book – not Fuck Buddy) and Twitter which drew another 77 secondary school gals from Pierce Sec Sch.
ARFC also sprang a surprise when Haron was deployed as centre-mid in place of Soon.
ARFC started with this line-up:
Keeper: Wonder Wayne
Right-back: Marauding Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Hard-man Tjioe
Left-back: Unbeatable Darren
Right-mid: Talisman Derrick
Centre-mid: ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
Centre-mid: Steely Tze Ern
Left-mid: Unpredictable Blackburn
Striker: Powerful Alvin (captain)
Striker: Speedy Hee
Subs:
Dynamic Soon
Influential Sebastian (late)
Towering Toh (very late)
Absent:
Talented Chun Haw
Dependable Jinzhong
Sublime Khim
Long-throw specialist Norman
Combative Ron
Precocious En Dian
Nippy Kenny
Unido FC was clearly eager to avenge its previous 1-4 loss to ARFC and was really well-prepared and determined to go. With a right game-plan, Unido FC had the upper hands but luckily stand-in keeper Wayne and his defence held firm.
ARFC only had a decent chance when Hee sped his way down the left flank but his cut-back was not picked up by any warrior.
Soon and Sebastian then took over from Alvin and Blackburn.
In the 27th min, Guoxiong succumbed to an ankle injury and was replaced by Blackburn. Tze Ern then took a knock at his back and was replaced by Alvin.
With such a poor 1st half performance, it was no surprise that ARFC was subjected to a chorus of boos and whistles by the fanatical 77,777 fans.
Toh finally arrived and took his place as stopper with Tjioe taking a well-earned break.
In the 2nd half, ARFC played so much better and soon took the lead just 7 mins into the half courtesy of yet another tried-and-tested set-piece routine. From a free-kick, Sebastian’s perfectly-flighted ball into the 6-yard box was picked up by who else but Toh who connected with a glancing header to beat their keeper easily for his 54th ARFC goal. 1-0 and Toh’s goal further cemented his legendary status as ARFC’s highest-scoring defender.
Toh’s goal seemed to galvanise ARFC and at the same time deflate Unido FC. ARFC then produced several passing movements which drew applause from the crowd.
ARFC carved out a few chances from set-pieces but could not capitalize on them. Darren’s missile-like long throws were also extremely threatening.
Tze Ern was then a recipient of a delicious outside foot diagonal ball from Derrick but he headed the ball out when he could have brought the ball down given the acres of space he had.
ARFC soon doubled the lead after Soon pressured the opponent and won the ball. Soon conjured a cross-cum-shot that their keeper could not get a hold of and spilled the ball into the net. Own goal or Soon’s goal?
After a careful 7-hour deliberation by ARFC’s Board of Directors and FIFA, it was decided that Soon was to be credited with a goal and it was his 39th ARFC goal. 2-0
ARFC then conceded a goal. 2-1
Unido FC tried to find an equalizer but was thwarted by the best defensive performance from Blackburn at right-back.
Man-of-the-Match is jointly given to Darren and Blackburn with Elvis coming close.
Special mention to both Wayne and Haron as well for volunteering as keeper for each half.
Thursday, February 02, 2012
League Match details - 05 Feb 2012
05 Feb 2012 (Sun)
3 pm = 1500 hrs
Pierce Sec Sch (near Bishan area, I think)
Opponent is Unido FC
3 pm = 1500 hrs
Pierce Sec Sch (near Bishan area, I think)
Opponent is Unido FC
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