Saturday, September 06, 2014

ARFC in unlucky 1-1 draw


Despite an imperious display by Elvis and Toh, ARFC was let down by poor finishing in a 1-1 draw with Pioneer FC, the same opponent whom we lost 3-4 despite leading 3 times on 08 Jun 2014. 

ARFC was only supported by Melissa, rumoured-to-be Mrs Alan Chua soon.

ARFC started with this line-up:

Keeper - Dependable Jinzhong
Right-back - Combative Ron
Sweeper - Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper - Towering Toh
Left-back - Unbeatable Darren  
Left-mid - Speedy Hee
Centre-mid - Dynamic Soon
Centre-mid - Influential Sebastian (captain)
Right-mid - Talisman Derrick
Striker - ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
Striker - Powerful Alvin

Subs:

Unpredictable Blackburn 
Weilit (guest player)

Absent:

Marauding Guoxiong
Commanding Ismail
Steely Tze Ern
Sublime Khim  
Nippy Kenny
Wonder Wayne
Impeccable How Meng
Hard-man Tjioe
Immaculate Indra
Booming Boon

ARFC started very well and kept its opponents in their own half. Particularly, Alvin created much giving their defenders a hard time.

ARFC took the lead in the 7th min. Toh, who was sweeping up all aerial balls whole day, headed a high ball back towards the opponents half. Under pressure from Soon, their keeper charged out and made a hasty clearance to the area near centre line.  From 47 metres out and with the goal gaping, Haron showed quick sense of mind by lifting the ball high towards the goal. The execution was perfect ala Xabi Alonso as the ball took a bounce and hit the roof of the net. World-class goal. 1-0 and this was Haron’s 213th ARFC goal.

Alvin could have made it two within 77 seconds. After robbing their sweeper, Alvin faced their keeper alone as their defenders were left trailing in their wake. However, Alvin hurried his shot and dragged his shot wide.

The opponents then pulled a goal back. 1-1

Elvis then tried to create chances with a couple of dribble upfield and spread several balls with his outside right foot. However, ARFC could not capitalize.

Haron nearly grabbed his brace but his shot bounced off the upright.

Toh then came close with a header.

Alvin was then released down the left flank and after drawing their impressive keeper out, Alvin squared the ball across for the on-rushing Derrick. However, their keeper got a crucial touch to divert the path of the ball which reached the back of Derrick. Derrick then tried to out-smart their keeper by attempting a back-heel which went horribly wrong as he totally mis-connect and the chance was lost.

Special word of mention to ARFC defence which kept the opponents quiet all day.

Voting results:

Toh – 10
Elvis – 8
Ron – 7
Darren – 4
Hee – 2
Soon – 2
Haron – 2
Blackburn – 1

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