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.
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