Sunday, October 05, 2014

ARFC drew 2-2 on Rayes' 9th birthday



On the back of Alvin’s brace, ARFC played to a hard-fought 2-2 draw with One Utd at Anderson SS.

ARFC was supported by Ismail’s family, Shidah and Aqeel, as well Kenny’s beau, JOY, and Derrick’s son and his gang of cousins.

As Ismail was late, Derrick again volunteered to be goal-keeper.

ARFC started with this line-up:

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

Subs:

Commanding Ismail (late)
Skilful Weilit (late)
Impeccable How Meng  

Absent:

Steely Tze Ern
Speedy Hee
Influential Sebastian
Marauding Guoxiong
Sublime Khim  
Wonder Wayne
Hard-man Tjioe
Immaculate Indra
Booming Boon


The game started off nicely for ARFC with countless attacking moves especially on the left flank where Alvin was having a field day against the opponent's short n plump defender who tried to look like Edgar Davids.

From the opponent's goalkick, Toh cleared the ball to the left of the field. Alvin managed to get to the bouncing ball first and dribbled past the plump defender. The opposing keeper tried to get to ball too by coming out of his line but Alvin was quicker n managed to push the ball past him. From an acute angle of 9 degrees, Alvin managed to slot the ball home and give ARFC the lead. 1-0 and this was his 240th ARFC goal.

7 mins later, ARFC had a scare when the opponent nearly scored from a throw in. Their player managed to outjump everyone and headed towards goal. The ball hit the post and trickled along the line before Derrick scooped it to safety. The opponents were convinced that the ball had crossed the line and shouted for goal but the referee waved play on much to their dismay.

In the 29th min, Haron could have doubled the lead for ARFC. Soon beat two opposing defenders in the box and laid the ball perfectly in the middle for Haron. However, the latter surprised everyone including himself when he kicked the ball over the bar with only the keeper to beat. 7 minutes later, Haron decided to sub himself.

ARFC was made to rue the above chance missed a few minutes later when the opponent scored just before half-time. 1-1.

A mini celebration was held for Rayes during half-time. ARFC players sang the birthday song while Rayes cousins swarmed around him in commemorating his special day with a birthday cake. Derrick beamed in pride, like a father would, of his prince who turned 9 today!

ARFC started the second half with Ismail in goal and Derrick playing at the right mid. Derrick's introduction was vital as he managed to win a penalty for Apex in the 57th min. Derrick was clattered in the box by the onrushing defender who clumsily challenged him from behind. The impact of the challenge was so hard that Derrick's legs were seen flying through the air while the defender's legs were shaking uncontrollably as he went into a fit. Players from both side tried to revive him. Luckily for both players, they recovered from the impact safely and were substituted immediately as a precaution.

The defender was given a yellow card for the tackle and penalty was awarded to ARFC. From the resulting spot kick, Alvin sent the keeper the wrong way to give ARFC the lead again. 2-1 and this was Alvin’s 241st ARFC goal.

ARFC then conceded another goal in the 69th min to draw 2-2

Special thanks to Soon who continued running endlessly despite running a half-marathon in the morning, unlike Sebastian who also ran the same half marathon but did not turn up, citing tiredness. CMI TTM.

A special word of commendation to Derrick too who came for the game despite Rayes birthday, took a heavy knock and played his heart out in both defence and attack.

Voting results:

Soon – 10
Alvin – 10
Toh – 6
Darren – 5
Ron – 4
Derrick – 3
How Meng – 2
Elvis – 2


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