ARFC Veterans' first defeat in 12 matches in 2019

Playing its 27^th Veterans match at the magnificent Our Tampines Hub pitch, ARFC Veterans finally suffered its first defeat in 2019 (out of 12 matches) after going down 1-3 to a very experienced opponents comprising several ex-internationals and many ex-league players.

Of course, ARFC Veterans’ cause was not helped by the absence of key [layers such as Soon, Raymond, Alvin, him and Tjioe which totally and seriously impacted ARFC Veterans.

ARFC Veterans was watched Tiara/Dylan (Elvis’ children), Clara (Guoxiong’s princess), Lingzhi and Rio (Ron’s wife and son) and Kaizaree Jade-Eden Tan (Sebastian’s precious).

Special mention must be accorded to Toh who turned up despite just touching down at about 3 pm plus after his attachment with Gamba Osaka.

At the request of the opponents, this match was played in 3 30-min halves.

ARFC Veterans started with this 4-4-2 line-up:

GK – Sunny

RB – Chua

Sweeper – Elvis

Stopper – Toh

LB – Eng Lai

RM – Guoxiong

CM – Sebastian (Captain)

CM – Ron

LM – Darren

SC – Haron

SC – Hee

Subs:

Huiming

Tze Ern (late)

Derrick (late)

ARFC Veterans fell behind in the 10^th min after a quick-counter attack by the opponents.  0-1

In the 2^nd 30-min half, Tze Ern nearly scored when he tested their GK from 27 metres out but the shot was just slightly over. 

Sebastian’s fierce free-kick on the right was nearly met by Toh but the opponents managed to head away.

The opponents then scored yet another quick break-away goal. 0-2

ARFC Veterans trailed further after they scored again. 0-3

Though down with numbers, ARFC Veterans did not let their heads down and instead did very well in the last 30-min half with some very good passing and attacks.  In fact, ARFC Veterans was really unlucky with a few shots at their goal.

Strangely enough, though the opponents already had a 3-goal lead, they started to resort to some very rough tackles from behind.  Tze Ern was the biggest victim when their defender charged in with high studs to floor Tze Ern, earning himself a red card.

Sportingly, ARFC Veterans allowed the opponents to bring in another player but the opponents refused to.

ARFC Veterans finally pulled a goal back after some slick passing down the left.  Darren’s cross was hit to the far post and looked destined to be met by Derrick’s head.  Their defender then shoved Derrick to the ground with his elbow, giving the referee no choice but to award a penalty.

After a few minutes of argument, Sebastian blanked out all noises and as always, drilled a low diagonal ball down to the left bottom corner for his 117^th ARFC goal. 

1-3

With this goal, Sebastian is now tied with Hee at 117 ARFC goals.

Overall, it was a very good year for ARFC Veterans which played 12 matches and won 11, scoring 43 goals and conceding only 16 goals.