Dear ARFC warriors,
Due to a spate of injuries picked up by many of us during the past few matches, I have requested the D2D organiser to grant us a break for this sunday in order for us to rest and recover.
Hence, no match this sunday but please rest and get well.
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Under-strength ARFC out-classed and crashed out of D2D Cup
In the D2D Cup quarter-final match, an under-strength ARFC was out-classed 2-6 by Luchas Locos at Bedok Green SS in front of 77,777 fans which included 3 babes – Anna, Su and Afiqah.
The loss also saw an end of ARFC’s 7-match unbeaten streak in 2011.
ARFC started with this 4-5-1 line-up:
Keeper: Guest keeper Michael
Right-back: Marauding Guoxiong (captain)
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Combative Ron
Left-back: Unpredictable Blackburn
Right-mid: Talisman Derrick
Centre-mid: Dynamic Soon
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Centre-mid: Hard-man Tjioe
Left-mid: Steely Tze Ern
Striker: Powerful Alvin
Subs:
Wonder Wayne
ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
Absent:
Towering Toh
Precocious En Dian
Unbeatable Darren
Long-throw specialist Norman
Dependable Jinzhong
Sublime Khim
Speedy Hee
Nippy Kenny
Talented Chun Haw
Things got off to a worst possible start when ARFC conceded a goal after just 7 mins.
To its credit, ARFC did not give up and equalized 7 mins later. Guoxiong was brutally hacked down when he tried to embark his trade-mark over-lapping run on the right. From the free-kick, Sebastian’s ball was hit high into the 6-yard area. Under pressure from a host of ARFC warriors like Tjioe, Ron, Derrick and Alvin, their keeper fumbled and spilled the ball into his own net for the 24th own goal to ARFC. 1-1
Wayne then took over Blackburn’s position at left back. Haron also replaced the injured Soon.
ARFC then fell behind again. 1-2.
Things started turning tragic when ARFC conceded another 2 goals to go down 1-4 at half-time.
In the 2nd half, Soon replaced Sebastian after the latter suffered a slight twist to his left ankle.
In the 2nd half, ARFC played much better. In the 57th min, Haron combined effectively with Alvin but the latter shot wide.
Blackburn then put Alvin clean through with a clever quickly-taken free-kick but again Alvin shot wide.
ARFC then concede another 2 goals. 1-6.
Michael then made 2 world-class saves.
Mins before the end, Michael threw a quick ball to Derrick who was standing at the mid right flank area. Spotting their keeper off his line, Derrick unleashed a swinging volley which saw the ball sailed over their keeper for his 33rd ARFC foal. 2-6
Derrick’s goal was similar to David Beckham’s 1997 goal against Crystal Palace which launched his stardom. Hopefully, Derrick will also go on to be as famous as Beckham.
Man-of-the-Match is Tze Ern though Ron and Guoxiong stood out too.
From this match, it was clear that ARFC missed Speedy Hee’s constant harassing of defenders. Also, Darren was a BIG miss as our left-back position was hopelessly and haplessly exposed time and again especially in the 1st half. Last but not least, ARFC really needs a keeper who can commit to the team.
The loss also saw an end of ARFC’s 7-match unbeaten streak in 2011.
ARFC started with this 4-5-1 line-up:
Keeper: Guest keeper Michael
Right-back: Marauding Guoxiong (captain)
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Combative Ron
Left-back: Unpredictable Blackburn
Right-mid: Talisman Derrick
Centre-mid: Dynamic Soon
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Centre-mid: Hard-man Tjioe
Left-mid: Steely Tze Ern
Striker: Powerful Alvin
Subs:
Wonder Wayne
ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
Absent:
Towering Toh
Precocious En Dian
Unbeatable Darren
Long-throw specialist Norman
Dependable Jinzhong
Sublime Khim
Speedy Hee
Nippy Kenny
Talented Chun Haw
Things got off to a worst possible start when ARFC conceded a goal after just 7 mins.
To its credit, ARFC did not give up and equalized 7 mins later. Guoxiong was brutally hacked down when he tried to embark his trade-mark over-lapping run on the right. From the free-kick, Sebastian’s ball was hit high into the 6-yard area. Under pressure from a host of ARFC warriors like Tjioe, Ron, Derrick and Alvin, their keeper fumbled and spilled the ball into his own net for the 24th own goal to ARFC. 1-1
Wayne then took over Blackburn’s position at left back. Haron also replaced the injured Soon.
ARFC then fell behind again. 1-2.
Things started turning tragic when ARFC conceded another 2 goals to go down 1-4 at half-time.
In the 2nd half, Soon replaced Sebastian after the latter suffered a slight twist to his left ankle.
In the 2nd half, ARFC played much better. In the 57th min, Haron combined effectively with Alvin but the latter shot wide.
Blackburn then put Alvin clean through with a clever quickly-taken free-kick but again Alvin shot wide.
ARFC then concede another 2 goals. 1-6.
Michael then made 2 world-class saves.
Mins before the end, Michael threw a quick ball to Derrick who was standing at the mid right flank area. Spotting their keeper off his line, Derrick unleashed a swinging volley which saw the ball sailed over their keeper for his 33rd ARFC foal. 2-6
Derrick’s goal was similar to David Beckham’s 1997 goal against Crystal Palace which launched his stardom. Hopefully, Derrick will also go on to be as famous as Beckham.
Man-of-the-Match is Tze Ern though Ron and Guoxiong stood out too.
From this match, it was clear that ARFC missed Speedy Hee’s constant harassing of defenders. Also, Darren was a BIG miss as our left-back position was hopelessly and haplessly exposed time and again especially in the 1st half. Last but not least, ARFC really needs a keeper who can commit to the team.
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
D2D Cup - Quarter-Final match details
06 March 2011 (Sun)
3 pm = 1500 hrs
Bedok Green Sec Sch
Opponent is Luchas Locos.
Please bring both colours.
Please e-mail Sebastian of your availability.
3 pm = 1500 hrs
Bedok Green Sec Sch
Opponent is Luchas Locos.
Please bring both colours.
Please e-mail Sebastian of your availability.
Monday, February 28, 2011
ARFC lost to handicap ruling in ESPZEN Cup
In the 2nd round of the ESPZEN Cup at the Kallang Practice Track, ARFC could not played to its usual high standard but still managed to grind out a 1-1 draw against Purple Monkey. However, due to the half goal handicap ruling, ARFC crashed out of the ESPZEN Cup.
The draw, witnessed by Anna and Kenny who was still out injured, nevertheless preserved ARFC’s unbeaten streak in 2011 with 6 wins and 1 draw out of 7 matches.
Missing a string of regulars, ARFC took to the field with only 13 warriors of which Hee was late. Once again, Tjioe gamely volunteered to be keeper.
ARFC started with this 4-5-1 line-up:
Keeper: Hard-man Tjioe
Right-back: Marauding Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Combative Ron
Left-back: Unbeatable Darren
Right-mid: Long-throw specialist Norman
Centre-mid: Dynamic Soon
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Centre-mid: Steely Tze Ern
Left-mid: Talisman Derrick
Striker: Powerful Alvin (captain)
Subs:
Speedy Hee
Unpredictable Blackburn
Nippy Kenny (cannot play due to injury)
Absent:
Towering Toh
Precocious En Dian
ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
Dependable Jinzhong
Wonder Wayne
Sublime Khim
Talented Chun Haw
ARFC did not warm-up properly and hence it was no surprise that it conceded a quick break-away goal with just 7 mins to the clock. 0-1
ARFC tried to fight its way back but was constantly subjected to niggling fouls by the opponents with Derrick, Hee and Avin the victims.
At the 20th min mark, ARFC reverted to 4-4-2 as Alvin was crowded out with Hee replacing Derrick and Blackburn taking over Sebastian.
In the 2nd half, Derrick gamely took over in goal with Tjioe moving up to centre mid.
Derrick came to ARFC’s rescue on 2 occasions when he made two one-on-one saves. Fantastic!
After much pressing, ARFC finally equalized in the 77th min. Tze Ern won a header at the left mid position and the ball went to Sebastian who switched the ball to Norman on the right. Norman played in Blackburn who was just above the centre circle position on their half. Blackburn then executed a Xavi-like piercing through ball which saw Alvin latching to the ball.
Though under pressure from their defender, Alvin took a quick touch on the ball, move a couple of steps forward and proceeded to rifle the ball into the roof of the net with his outside right foot despite at an acute angle to level the score. World-class goal which was his 138th ARFC goal. 1-1
ARFC then tried to grab the winner but to no avail.
Man-of-the-Match is clearly Ron.
After the match, a mini-tussle broke out and although Darren was playing the peace-keeper, their No. 84 was vicious and wicked enough to hit him on the face an bloodied him in the process as he suffered a deep gash below the right eye and nose was nearly broken.
At the moment, ARFC is contemplating making a police report against the No. 84 of Purple Monkey as the team felt that it was really a malicious and vicious attack on Darren which was really uncalled for.
The only problem for ARFC is always the absence of a keeper as Jinzhong is always injured and Chun Haw is recently also not always available. There may be a need to recruit a keeper who is committed to ARFC.
The draw, witnessed by Anna and Kenny who was still out injured, nevertheless preserved ARFC’s unbeaten streak in 2011 with 6 wins and 1 draw out of 7 matches.
Missing a string of regulars, ARFC took to the field with only 13 warriors of which Hee was late. Once again, Tjioe gamely volunteered to be keeper.
ARFC started with this 4-5-1 line-up:
Keeper: Hard-man Tjioe
Right-back: Marauding Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Combative Ron
Left-back: Unbeatable Darren
Right-mid: Long-throw specialist Norman
Centre-mid: Dynamic Soon
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Centre-mid: Steely Tze Ern
Left-mid: Talisman Derrick
Striker: Powerful Alvin (captain)
Subs:
Speedy Hee
Unpredictable Blackburn
Nippy Kenny (cannot play due to injury)
Absent:
Towering Toh
Precocious En Dian
ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
Dependable Jinzhong
Wonder Wayne
Sublime Khim
Talented Chun Haw
ARFC did not warm-up properly and hence it was no surprise that it conceded a quick break-away goal with just 7 mins to the clock. 0-1
ARFC tried to fight its way back but was constantly subjected to niggling fouls by the opponents with Derrick, Hee and Avin the victims.
At the 20th min mark, ARFC reverted to 4-4-2 as Alvin was crowded out with Hee replacing Derrick and Blackburn taking over Sebastian.
In the 2nd half, Derrick gamely took over in goal with Tjioe moving up to centre mid.
Derrick came to ARFC’s rescue on 2 occasions when he made two one-on-one saves. Fantastic!
After much pressing, ARFC finally equalized in the 77th min. Tze Ern won a header at the left mid position and the ball went to Sebastian who switched the ball to Norman on the right. Norman played in Blackburn who was just above the centre circle position on their half. Blackburn then executed a Xavi-like piercing through ball which saw Alvin latching to the ball.
Though under pressure from their defender, Alvin took a quick touch on the ball, move a couple of steps forward and proceeded to rifle the ball into the roof of the net with his outside right foot despite at an acute angle to level the score. World-class goal which was his 138th ARFC goal. 1-1
ARFC then tried to grab the winner but to no avail.
Man-of-the-Match is clearly Ron.
After the match, a mini-tussle broke out and although Darren was playing the peace-keeper, their No. 84 was vicious and wicked enough to hit him on the face an bloodied him in the process as he suffered a deep gash below the right eye and nose was nearly broken.
At the moment, ARFC is contemplating making a police report against the No. 84 of Purple Monkey as the team felt that it was really a malicious and vicious attack on Darren which was really uncalled for.
The only problem for ARFC is always the absence of a keeper as Jinzhong is always injured and Chun Haw is recently also not always available. There may be a need to recruit a keeper who is committed to ARFC.
Monday, February 21, 2011
ESPZEN Cup - match details
27 February 2011 (Sun)
3 pm = 1500 hrs
Kallang Practice Track (opposite our demolished National Stadium - near to McDonalds' drive-thru)
Opponent is Purple Monkey
Pls bring your NEW jerseys (both sets)
3 pm = 1500 hrs
Kallang Practice Track (opposite our demolished National Stadium - near to McDonalds' drive-thru)
Opponent is Purple Monkey
Pls bring your NEW jerseys (both sets)
ARFC run riot in new jerseys
Wearing its brand-new jerseys for the 1st time, ARFC put in a scintillating display to demolish its opponent, aptly named ‘Gelenti Kalah’, 9-0 at the Bedok Green SS pitch.
As it was the 1st time that ARFC’s new jerseys were being worn, more than 177,777 fans turned up to watch. Prior to the match, the fans also queue up to take photos with the 4 WAGs, namely, Tracie, Su, Anna and Cerine, who modeled the new jerseys. However, most of the fans actually took the opportunity to take photo with the babelicious of the babelicious, Afiqah (Haron’s daughter), who is slowly and surely growing up to be a BABE!
The victory also maintained ARFC’s 100% record in 2011 with 6 wins from as many matches.
With the exception of Kenny, all other warriors turned up for the team photo shoot including the still-injured En Dian.
ARFC started with this 4-5-1 line-up:
Keeper: Dependable Jinzhong
Right-back: Marauding Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Towering Toh
Left-back: Unbeatable Darren
Right-mid: Long-throw specialist Norman
Centre-mid: Dynamic Soon
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Talisman Derrick
Striker: Powerful Alvin
Striker: ARFC Scoring Legend Haron (captain)
Subs:
Hard-man Tjioe
Speedy Hee
Wonder Wayne
Unpredictable Blackburn
Combative Ron
Steely Tze Ern
Sublime Khim
Precocious En Dian (cannot play due to injury)
Absent:
Nippy Kenny
Talented Chun Haw
Fired up by the jerseys, ARFC served its intention just 77 seconds into the match. A great over-the-top ball from Norman saw Alvin breaking clear but his lofted ball unfortunately hit the cross-bar. Unlucky!
ARFC then opened the flood-gates in the 7th min. Guoxiong played a quick ball from his right-back position to Sebastian who then sent a swerving ball to Haron who pulled to the right wing. Haron “lobang” their sweeper, drew their keeper out before unselfishly squared to Alvin who gleefully taped into the empty net for his 137th ARFC goal. Fantastic play! 1-0
ARFC doubled its lead within mins. Darren hit a great ball down the left channel which saw Alvin galloping away. Alvin then returned the favour by crossing to Haron who made no mistake with his header from 7 yards for his 169th ARFC goal. 2-0
In the 17th min, ARFC put the result to bed. Derrick was fouled and Sebastian’s precise delivery from the free-kick was sweetly met by who else but Toh who powered the ball into the net with yet another header for his 46th ARFC goal.
Sebastian then scored a freakish goal. From Soon’s lay-off from a half-cleared corner, Sebastian took a swing with his left foot which saw the ball stayed in the air for eternity. When the ball finally dropped, it somehow dipped in between their keeper and the cross-bar for his very=apt 77th ARFC goal. 4-0
At the 20th min mark, ARFC made an unprecedented 7 substitutions with Wayne, Blackburn, Hee, Khim, Tze Ern, Tjioe and Ron taking over Darren, Guoxiong, Alvin, Derrick, Sebastian, Soon and Elvis respectively.
In the 27th min, Khim was presented with a gift when their keeper threw the ball straight at him. Needing no second invitation, Khim prodded the ball home for his 46th ARFC goal. 5-0
Norman then capped yet another impressive display when he played a quick one-two with Tjioe when gliding in to the penalty box. Facing their keeper, Norman side-footed the ball past him for his debut ARFC goal. What a great goal! 6-0
In the 57th min, Darren repeated his 1st half assist when he sent a similar ball down the left flank to Alvin. With a quick and sharp turn, Alvin powered down the left flank and squared the ball across for Derrick to side-foot the ball home for his 31st ARFC goal. 7-0
Hee could have scored but his shot hit the cross-bar. Unlucky!
Darren then became the 8th goal scorer in this match when he made an over-lapping run all the way to the left touch-line. His cross then somehow eluded everybody and nestled nicely into the far bottom corner for his 2nd ARFC goal. 8-0.
Sebastian then hit a Jamie Redknapp-like ball down the left flank which saw Soon running in from deep. From the left touch-line, Soon’s cross saw Derrick as the beneficiary as he simply touched the ball home for his 32nd ARFC goal. 9-0
Derrick could have had a hat-trick but Hee’s “fish-monger act” let Derrick down. Norman executed a clever through ball with his right outside-foot and Hee sped down the right flank. With Derrick clearly free and shouted till his throat was sore, Hee ignored him and shot wide!
Notwithstanding the opponents’ level, I must say that this is one of the best performances from ARFC in terms of team-work and willingness to work for each other. Particularly, the defence gave the opponents no chance at all by closing down on every player and shots.
To me, every warrior is Man-of-the-Match though I must say that Guoxiong, Darren and Norman really stood out.
As it was the 1st time that ARFC’s new jerseys were being worn, more than 177,777 fans turned up to watch. Prior to the match, the fans also queue up to take photos with the 4 WAGs, namely, Tracie, Su, Anna and Cerine, who modeled the new jerseys. However, most of the fans actually took the opportunity to take photo with the babelicious of the babelicious, Afiqah (Haron’s daughter), who is slowly and surely growing up to be a BABE!
The victory also maintained ARFC’s 100% record in 2011 with 6 wins from as many matches.
With the exception of Kenny, all other warriors turned up for the team photo shoot including the still-injured En Dian.
ARFC started with this 4-5-1 line-up:
Keeper: Dependable Jinzhong
Right-back: Marauding Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Towering Toh
Left-back: Unbeatable Darren
Right-mid: Long-throw specialist Norman
Centre-mid: Dynamic Soon
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Talisman Derrick
Striker: Powerful Alvin
Striker: ARFC Scoring Legend Haron (captain)
Subs:
Hard-man Tjioe
Speedy Hee
Wonder Wayne
Unpredictable Blackburn
Combative Ron
Steely Tze Ern
Sublime Khim
Precocious En Dian (cannot play due to injury)
Absent:
Nippy Kenny
Talented Chun Haw
Fired up by the jerseys, ARFC served its intention just 77 seconds into the match. A great over-the-top ball from Norman saw Alvin breaking clear but his lofted ball unfortunately hit the cross-bar. Unlucky!
ARFC then opened the flood-gates in the 7th min. Guoxiong played a quick ball from his right-back position to Sebastian who then sent a swerving ball to Haron who pulled to the right wing. Haron “lobang” their sweeper, drew their keeper out before unselfishly squared to Alvin who gleefully taped into the empty net for his 137th ARFC goal. Fantastic play! 1-0
ARFC doubled its lead within mins. Darren hit a great ball down the left channel which saw Alvin galloping away. Alvin then returned the favour by crossing to Haron who made no mistake with his header from 7 yards for his 169th ARFC goal. 2-0
In the 17th min, ARFC put the result to bed. Derrick was fouled and Sebastian’s precise delivery from the free-kick was sweetly met by who else but Toh who powered the ball into the net with yet another header for his 46th ARFC goal.
Sebastian then scored a freakish goal. From Soon’s lay-off from a half-cleared corner, Sebastian took a swing with his left foot which saw the ball stayed in the air for eternity. When the ball finally dropped, it somehow dipped in between their keeper and the cross-bar for his very=apt 77th ARFC goal. 4-0
At the 20th min mark, ARFC made an unprecedented 7 substitutions with Wayne, Blackburn, Hee, Khim, Tze Ern, Tjioe and Ron taking over Darren, Guoxiong, Alvin, Derrick, Sebastian, Soon and Elvis respectively.
In the 27th min, Khim was presented with a gift when their keeper threw the ball straight at him. Needing no second invitation, Khim prodded the ball home for his 46th ARFC goal. 5-0
Norman then capped yet another impressive display when he played a quick one-two with Tjioe when gliding in to the penalty box. Facing their keeper, Norman side-footed the ball past him for his debut ARFC goal. What a great goal! 6-0
In the 57th min, Darren repeated his 1st half assist when he sent a similar ball down the left flank to Alvin. With a quick and sharp turn, Alvin powered down the left flank and squared the ball across for Derrick to side-foot the ball home for his 31st ARFC goal. 7-0
Hee could have scored but his shot hit the cross-bar. Unlucky!
Darren then became the 8th goal scorer in this match when he made an over-lapping run all the way to the left touch-line. His cross then somehow eluded everybody and nestled nicely into the far bottom corner for his 2nd ARFC goal. 8-0.
Sebastian then hit a Jamie Redknapp-like ball down the left flank which saw Soon running in from deep. From the left touch-line, Soon’s cross saw Derrick as the beneficiary as he simply touched the ball home for his 32nd ARFC goal. 9-0
Derrick could have had a hat-trick but Hee’s “fish-monger act” let Derrick down. Norman executed a clever through ball with his right outside-foot and Hee sped down the right flank. With Derrick clearly free and shouted till his throat was sore, Hee ignored him and shot wide!
Notwithstanding the opponents’ level, I must say that this is one of the best performances from ARFC in terms of team-work and willingness to work for each other. Particularly, the defence gave the opponents no chance at all by closing down on every player and shots.
To me, every warrior is Man-of-the-Match though I must say that Guoxiong, Darren and Norman really stood out.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Friendly match - 20 Feb 2011
20 Feb 2011 (Sun)
3 pm = 1500 hrs
Bedok Green Sec Sch
Pls bring both colours.
3 pm = 1500 hrs
Bedok Green Sec Sch
Pls bring both colours.
ARFC maintains 100% record in 2011 and progresses to D2D Cup QF
Playing under searing heat at the artificial pitch at Queenstown SS, ARFC dismissed the strong challenge of FC Genesis by 2-1 to progress to the D2D Cup quarter-final.
As it was the 1st match since 23 Jan 2011, more than 100,000 fans packed the venue to support ARFC. Of course, the crowd included fervent supporter Anna, wife of Elvis.
The victory also maintained ARFC’s 100% record in 2011 with 5 wins from as many matches.
As we have no keeper, Tjioe gamely volunteered to be keeper first. Kudos to him.
ARFC started with this 4-5-1 line-up:
Keeper: Hard-man Tjioe
Right-back: Marauding Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Towering Toh
Left-back: Unbeatable Darren
Right-mid: Long-throw specialist Norman
Centre-mid: Dynamic Soon
Centre-mid: Wonder Wayne
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Unpredictable Blackburn
Striker: Powerful Alvin (captain)
Subs (all late):
Talisman Derrick
Nippy Kenny
Speedy Hee
Absent:
Combative Ron
Dependable Jinzhong
Steely Tze Ern
ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
Precocious En Dian
Sublime Khim
Talented Chun Haw
It did not take long before ARFC opened the scoring. Norman, who went on to have a fantastic outing and probably produced his best-ever performance for ARFC, chipped in a long diagonal ball from the right side over their defence. The ball was totally perfect and precise ala Glenn Hoddle and Alvin broke clear and seeing their keeper coming out, Alvin nonchalantly lifted the ball over him and into the empty net for his 135th ARFC goal. 1-0
Strangely enough, ARFC was on the back-foot after the early goal and had to rely on Tjioe’s heroic performance in goal when he produced 2 top-draw saves to preserve ARFC’s lead. One was a superb tip-over ala Pepe Reina while the other was a Peter Schmeichel-like one-on-one save. World-class!
7 mins before the end of the 1st half, ARFC doubled its lead with a dream move started from the right. Guoxiong passed the ball to Sebastian from his right-back position and continued his run. Sebastian threaded the ball to Norman who was at his right mid position. Spotting Guoxiong marauding down the right flank, Norman played him in which saw Guoxiong running with the ball down the right touch-line. Looking up, Guoxiong sent in a high deliciously-looking ball ala David Beckham which their keeper missed. Alvin showed world-class timing when he leaped and met the precise ball and nod it into the empty net for his 136th ARFC goal. 2-0 and what a dream build-up goal!
In the 2nd half, Kenny came in despite still nursing his knee injury. Kudos to him as well!
Within mins of coming on, Kenny almost put the match to bed. Alvin played him in with a reverse ball and Kenny just fired narrowly wide when the whole crowd and players were almost already celebrating a goal. Unlucky!
It was another unlucky miss moments later when Kenny’s violent shot struck the post.
After 15 mins and as agreed, Darren took over Tjioe’s keeper position and kudos to Darren for sacrificing for the team.
The opponents refused to yield and nearly pulled a goal back but their shot hit the cross-bar.
With 7 mins to go, an error by ARFC allowed the opponents to pull a goal back, setting the stage for a frantic finish.
Blackburn, however, could have put the result beyond doubt. Derrick, who also rushed down from his appointment (kudos to him too), crossed him from left wing and the ball found Blackburn who was free in the box. Instead of taking the ball first-time, Blackburn tried to stop the ball but failed and their defence then cleared the ball.
I must say that every warrior put in their heart and soul in this match and is yet another team performance that carried ARFC through.
Man-of-the-Match is jointly given to Tjioe and Norman.
As it was the 1st match since 23 Jan 2011, more than 100,000 fans packed the venue to support ARFC. Of course, the crowd included fervent supporter Anna, wife of Elvis.
The victory also maintained ARFC’s 100% record in 2011 with 5 wins from as many matches.
As we have no keeper, Tjioe gamely volunteered to be keeper first. Kudos to him.
ARFC started with this 4-5-1 line-up:
Keeper: Hard-man Tjioe
Right-back: Marauding Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Towering Toh
Left-back: Unbeatable Darren
Right-mid: Long-throw specialist Norman
Centre-mid: Dynamic Soon
Centre-mid: Wonder Wayne
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Unpredictable Blackburn
Striker: Powerful Alvin (captain)
Subs (all late):
Talisman Derrick
Nippy Kenny
Speedy Hee
Absent:
Combative Ron
Dependable Jinzhong
Steely Tze Ern
ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
Precocious En Dian
Sublime Khim
Talented Chun Haw
It did not take long before ARFC opened the scoring. Norman, who went on to have a fantastic outing and probably produced his best-ever performance for ARFC, chipped in a long diagonal ball from the right side over their defence. The ball was totally perfect and precise ala Glenn Hoddle and Alvin broke clear and seeing their keeper coming out, Alvin nonchalantly lifted the ball over him and into the empty net for his 135th ARFC goal. 1-0
Strangely enough, ARFC was on the back-foot after the early goal and had to rely on Tjioe’s heroic performance in goal when he produced 2 top-draw saves to preserve ARFC’s lead. One was a superb tip-over ala Pepe Reina while the other was a Peter Schmeichel-like one-on-one save. World-class!
7 mins before the end of the 1st half, ARFC doubled its lead with a dream move started from the right. Guoxiong passed the ball to Sebastian from his right-back position and continued his run. Sebastian threaded the ball to Norman who was at his right mid position. Spotting Guoxiong marauding down the right flank, Norman played him in which saw Guoxiong running with the ball down the right touch-line. Looking up, Guoxiong sent in a high deliciously-looking ball ala David Beckham which their keeper missed. Alvin showed world-class timing when he leaped and met the precise ball and nod it into the empty net for his 136th ARFC goal. 2-0 and what a dream build-up goal!
In the 2nd half, Kenny came in despite still nursing his knee injury. Kudos to him as well!
Within mins of coming on, Kenny almost put the match to bed. Alvin played him in with a reverse ball and Kenny just fired narrowly wide when the whole crowd and players were almost already celebrating a goal. Unlucky!
It was another unlucky miss moments later when Kenny’s violent shot struck the post.
After 15 mins and as agreed, Darren took over Tjioe’s keeper position and kudos to Darren for sacrificing for the team.
The opponents refused to yield and nearly pulled a goal back but their shot hit the cross-bar.
With 7 mins to go, an error by ARFC allowed the opponents to pull a goal back, setting the stage for a frantic finish.
Blackburn, however, could have put the result beyond doubt. Derrick, who also rushed down from his appointment (kudos to him too), crossed him from left wing and the ball found Blackburn who was free in the box. Instead of taking the ball first-time, Blackburn tried to stop the ball but failed and their defence then cleared the ball.
I must say that every warrior put in their heart and soul in this match and is yet another team performance that carried ARFC through.
Man-of-the-Match is jointly given to Tjioe and Norman.
Monday, February 07, 2011
D2D Cup match - 13 Feb 2011
Match details as follows:
13 Feb 2011 (Sun)
3 pm = 1500 hrs
Queenstown Sec Sch - artificial pitch
Opponent is FC Genesis.
Pls bring both colours.
Pls e-mail Sebastian of your availability.
13 Feb 2011 (Sun)
3 pm = 1500 hrs
Queenstown Sec Sch - artificial pitch
Opponent is FC Genesis.
Pls bring both colours.
Pls e-mail Sebastian of your availability.
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Greetings from ARFC
On behalf of ARFC, I would like to wish all warriors and their families, friends and supporters a happy and prosperous lunar new year.....
May all of you enjoy good health and wealth in the year ahead.....
May all of you enjoy good health and wealth in the year ahead.....
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