Opening its Veterans match schedule in 2024, ARFC Veterans came back from 2 goals down on 3 occasions to force a thrilling 4-4 draw against OVA Veterans at the Victoria School pitch on 23 Jun 2024 at 5 pm.
ARFC Veterans was supported by:
Joy, Kai, Ellie, Ella and Levi – Kenny’s family
Tiara, Dylan and Gina – Elvis’ kids
Clara – Guoxiong’s princess
GK – Derrick
RB – Guoxiong
CB – Elvis
CB – Toh
LB – Darren
RM – Raymond
CM – Soon
CM – Sebastian
LM – Tze Ern
SC – Kenny
SC – Haron
Subs:
Toh
Allan (guest player)
Rashid (arrived during half time break)
Disaster struck ARFC Veterans when it conceded a goal almost straight from the kick-off. 0-1
ARFC Veterans did not panic and Haron executed a sumptuous volley from outside the box which was narrowly over the bar.
ARFC Veterans then gave away a penalty which was converted. 0-2
In the 15th min, ARFC Veterans pulled a goal back when Guoxiong found space down the right flank before whipping in a threatening cross into the box. Kenny then flicked the ball on and Soon headed the ball back across goal. Raymond reacted quickest when he prodded the ball over their GK for his 26th ARFC goal. 1-2 now.
With this goal, Raymond extended his lead as the ARFC Veterans top scorer with 19 goals.
ARFC Veterans then conceded another soft goal to trail 1-3.
In the 33rd min, ARFC Veterans pulled another goal back with a fantastic team move. From the middle of the park, Sebastian switched the ball to the right for Allan who then sent a perfect ball down the right flank for Guoxiong. Guoxiong fizzed in a sizzling ball which eluded their defence but Kenny was just 0.007 seconds later in connecting with the ball with the goal at his mercy. Thankfully, Soon picked up the ball on the left and lofted the ball back into the penalty box which struck the hand of their defender. Penalty!
Sebastian stepped up to fire the spot-kick to the usual spot past their GK but the referee ordered a re-take as Raymond had encroached into the box. No worries at all as Sebastian delivered an almost carbon copy of the first kick with his re-take that beat their GK who dived the right way.
2-3 now and this was Sebastian’s 130th ARFC goal, with 13 goals coming from Veterans matches.
Right on the stroke of half time, ARFC Veterans conceded yet another soft goal to trail 2-4 at half-time.
In the 2nd half, Rashid took to the field and made instant impact.
In the 45th min, Haron was fouled outside the box. From the ensuing free-kick from about 37 metres, Rashid thumped in a vicious ball that had goal screaming all the way!! True enough, their GK was beaten for Rashid’s 3rd ARFC goal, with this being his first goal for Veterans matches. 3-4 now!
Rashid then outdo himself 5 mins later with an even better free-kick. Guoxiong was fouled on the right just past the half-way line. From almost at the right line about 40 meters away from goal, Rashid produced an outrageous curling ball that sail past everyone and landed at the far corner of the goal, bearing an uncanny resemblance to Ronaldinho’s goal against England in the 2002 World Cup!!!
4-4 now and this was Rashid’s 4th ARFC goal.
Clearly fired up by Rashid’s brace, ARFC Veterans moved up a gear to grab the winner.
First, Tze Ern’s corner was headed away by their defender. With a deft first touch, Sebastian brought the high ball down expertly before placing the ball about 0.77 mm over the bar.
Next, Haron, who has been impressive all day with his link-up play, latched on to Darren’s through ball down the left. Their GK charged out but his clearance was blocked by Haron. With the loose ball rolling to the left of the box, Raymond swooped in like an eagle but his well-placed shot was diverted by the toes of the opponent and hit the post before bouncing out of play! Super unlucky!
Derrick then came to the rescue when he produced a world-class save by sticking out a strong hand to palm a powerful looping shot over the bar. Unbelievable save!
ARFC Veterans continued to create a few more chances but just could not get the winning goal and could only settle with a 4-4 draw.
It was great to see ARFC Veterans not giving up despite trailing by 2 goals on 3 separate occasions. Kudos to all for coming to play, and play with their hearts out!
These are the top 5 scorers for all 36 ARFC Veterans Matches only:
Raymond - 19 goals
Haron - 15 goals
Darren - 13 goals
Sebastian - 13 goals
Soon - 12 goals
Next, Haron, who has been impressive all day with his link-up play, latched on to Darren’s through ball down the left. Their GK charged out but his clearance was blocked by Haron. With the loose ball rolling to the left of the box, Raymond swooped in like an eagle but his well-placed shot was diverted by the toes of the opponent and hit the post before bouncing out of play! Super unlucky!
Derrick then came to the rescue when he produced a world-class save by sticking out a strong hand to palm a powerful looping shot over the bar. Unbelievable save!
ARFC Veterans continued to create a few more chances but just could not get the winning goal and could only settle with a 4-4 draw.
It was great to see ARFC Veterans not giving up despite trailing by 2 goals on 3 separate occasions. Kudos to all for coming to play, and play with their hearts out!
These are the top 5 scorers for all 36 ARFC Veterans Matches only:
Raymond - 19 goals
Haron - 15 goals
Darren - 13 goals
Sebastian - 13 goals
Soon - 12 goals
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