ARFC in "bizarre wins" on same match day/time

For the first time in its illustrious history, ARFC played 2 opponents on the same day and time after the organizer cocked up in the organizing. As such, ARFC played a 30-min half against each opponent.


In the first match, ARFC started with this line-up:

Keeper: Dependable Jinzhong
Right-back: Marauding Guoxiong (captain)
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Towering Toh
Left-back: Combative Ron
Right-mid: Talisman Derrick
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Centre-mid: Hard-man Tjioe
Left-mid: Unbeatable Darren
Striker: Powerful Alvin
Striker: Unpredictable Blackburn

Subs:
Alex, Jasper and Weili (all guest players)

Absent:
ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
Talented Chun Haw
Dynamic Soon
Sublime Khim
Long-throw specialist Norman
Precocious En Dian
Nippy Kenny
Speedy Hee
Wonder Wayne
Steely Tze Ern
Seh Meng


ARFC nearly took the lead when Sebastian’s long floated ball from the right sailed over their keeper and almost ended up in the net.

This proved to be his last involvement as he was subjected to a crude and cruel two-footed tackle from the opponent. Medical tests done later confirmed that he would be out for at least a month.

Alex came in for Sebastian.

ARFC took the lead almost at the end of the half when Alvin chased down a long punt and after a defensive error from their sweeper, Alvin’s perseverance paid dividends when he picked up the loose ball and sent the ball past their bewildered keeper for his 168th ARFC goal. 1-0 and his goal had his watching wife, Irene, performed the Mexican waves 7 times alone.

In the “second match”, Jasper came in at left back with Ron moving up to centre mid and Tjioe asked to be rested after putting in a sterling shift. Jasper impressed by coming up with several crucial interceptions and blocks.

ARFC scored after yet another memorizing move from Derrick who is probably the most improved player in recent months. He worked his way from right wing and drifted inwards and into the penalty box. Pulling a defender to him, Derrick squared the ball across to the unmarked Alvin on the left who coolly picked his spot for his 169th ARFC goal!

This match is most noted for the superb wing play by Darren and Derrick, as well as Guoxiong’s superb over-lapping runs which we have not seen for some time. Also, Tjioe imposed his authority on the match and was totally dominant. The defence of Elvis, Toh, Ron, Jasper were also in total control, while Blackburn showed intelligence upfront and Alvin was very hardworking in closing down their defenders. Jinzhong’s long kicks were also very accurate.