ARFC in impressive 6-3 over MOE team

Playing for the first time at the magnificent Spectra Sec Sch pitch, ARFC delivered one of its finest performances to defeat the formidable MOE team 6-3.

ARFC was supported by Dylan and Tiara (Elvis’ lively children), Reyes (Darren’s son), Clara (Guoxiong’s daughter), Germaine and Gerrard (Alvin’s kids), and best supporter Lingzhi (Ron’s wife)

ARFC started with this 4-5-1 line-up:

Jersey No.:	Name	Position
xx	Fremont (guest GK)	Goalkeeper
31	Vintage Chua	Right-back
3	Astute-reading sweeper Elvis	Sweeper
20	Composed Eng Lai	Stopper
6	Unbeatable Darren	Left-back
16	Marauding Guoxiong	Right Mid
4	Dynamic Soon	Centre Mid
7	Influential Sebastian (captain)	Centre Mid
12	Remarkable Rashid	Centre Mid
19	Skillful Weilit	Left Mid
xx	Precocious Javier	Striker
Substitutes:
11	Speedy Hee (late)
13	Energetic Kerwin (late)
14	Combative Ron (late)
99	Powerful Alvin
Missing In Action:
2	Unpredictable Blackburn
5	Impeccable How Meng
8	Talented Chun Haw
9	ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
10	Sublime Khim
15	Towering Toh
17	Nippy Kenny
18	Determined Huiming
21	Rampaging Raymond
28	Hard-man Tjioe
33	Talisman Derrick
45	Commanding Ismail
66	Wonder Wayne
77	Dependable Jinzhong
78	Steely Tze Ern

Prior to the match, Rashid warned that the MOE team is a very strong team which regularly featured amongst the winners in the Singapore Government Service Football League Div 1.  Comprising mostly PE teachers, they are very fit, young and have good players who also played for some NFL teams.

ARFC only took the lead within 7 seconds of the match.  The opponents played a careless ball to the right which was picked up by Guoxiong.  Unfortunately, Guoxiong’s cross into the box for the unguarded Javier was slightly over-hit.

ARFC took the lead in the 7^th min with a smooth move.  Receiving the ball from Chua at right back, Rashid threaded a perfectly-weight grounder down the right wing for Guoxiong to run in from deep.  From the bye-line, Guoxiong’s low cross found Soon who was just outside the 6-yard box.  Holding up the ball brilliantly, Soon waited for a call from Weilit before laying the ball on a platter for Weilit to skilfully place the ball into the bottom left corner.  1-0 and this was Weilit’s 15^th ARFC goal.

This was also Weilit’s first goal for ARFC in 2019. His last goal for ARFC came on 14 Jan 2018 in a 5-2 win over the OVA Under-40S team at Victoria School.

With this goal, Weilit also moved up on level terms with both Elvis and Ron at 15 goals for ARFC.

ARFC then doubled its lead 3 minutes later.  A sweeping move down the left saw Weilit doing a couple of step-overs before passing to Javier who was at the top of the penalty box.  Javier dragged the ball away to his right and away from the opponents before letting fly a thunderbolt from outside the box that almost burst the net, giving their GK no chance at all!  2-0 and this as Javier’s 7^th ARFC goal, level with both Eng Lai and Jinzhong.

The opponents then pulled a goal back. 2-1

Sebastian then hit a corner to his usual danger zone but without Toh’s presence, ARFC could not make it count.

ARFC restored its 2-goal cushion in the 17^th min with Guoxiong again the architect.  Galloping down the right flank time, Guoxiong’s hit a dangerous-looking low ball right across goal and Javier nipped to scored with a real cheeky back-heeled goal ala Robin van Persi that stunned all player and spectators alike.  3-1 and this was Javier’s 8^th ARFC goal.

Alvin then replaced Javier who suffered a knock at his ankle, while Hee came on for Weilit. 

2 mins later, ARFC nearly scored when Sebastian hit a precise left foot high ball over their defence.  Alvin dashed in and outmuscled their sweeper but his dinked bal over their GK was clawed away by the GK.  Unlucky.

Ron also took the place of Sebastian with Kerwin taking over Guoxiong.

With 7 mins to go before half-time, Kerwin’s pace took him past their left-back and he delivered a powerfully-hit low cross that saw Alvin lifting the ball over their GK.  With the ball in front of him and GK behind him, Alvin utilised all 777 of his upper-body muscles to hold off their GK while watching the ball slowly rolling towards the empty goal.  Suddenly from out of nowhere, Hee sped in and touched the ball home, thereby scoring his pick durian goal.  4-1 and this was Hee’s 115^th ARFC goal, same number of goals as Sebastian.

In the 2^nd half, ARFC appeared to be complacent and nearly conceded 2 goals.

ARFC then woke up and began its composure and patience play.

The opponents then scored. 4-2.

2 mins later, ARFC restored its 3-goal lead.  From Kerwin’s missile-like throw-in on the right, Alvin leaped like a salmon and despite being surrounded by 3 defenders who were all taller than him, Alvin glanced the ball home for his 317^th ARFC goal 5-2

The opponents then pulled another goal back. 5-3.

7 mins later, ARFC scored its 6^th goal of the match and also the best goal of the match.

From right-back position, Chua passed the ball back to Fremont who then turned the ball over to Darren at left-back.  Darren inched upfield and Javier was smart enough to drop deep from his striker position to ask for the ball. Darren then passed the ball to Javier who heard Guoxiong shouting for the ball.  Javier executed a superb and well-paced ball down the right and Guoxiong outran their left-back.  Everyone was anticipating a cross from Guxiong, especially with Alvin running into the box and waiting to receive the cross, Guoxiong had no other ideas as he fooled their covering defender by faking a cross and cutting in to his left foot before slotting the ball past their GK.  Simply class!  6-3 and this was Guoxiong’s 35^th ARFC goal.

ARFC then closed out the match with controlled pace and discipline.

This was a match where all ARFC warriors played very well.  Every warrior was up to his task and it was really a team effort to see off such a formidable opponents.

In goal, Fremont was solid and came up with a few assured punches despite being challenged by their strikers. Not yet Alisson’s level but certainly at Adrian’s level.

Like Alan Hansen and VVD, Elvis was really commanding as usual and led the line very well.

Eng Lai put in a typical Stephen Henchoz-like display at stopper accounted himself very well despite being up against strikers who were probably his son’s age.

Ron was uncompromising at both central mid and stopper ala Mascherano.

Chua was Rob Jones and Steve Nicol at right-back.  I did not recall a moment when their left winger got past him at all.

Darren was a combination of Jim Beglin and Andrew Robertson at left-back. Faced with their tricky right winger, Darren gave nothing away.

Kerwin was really a version of Trent-Arnold Alexander and Jason McAteer.

Guoxiong at right mid was really a monster as he played just like Dirk Kuyt.

As usual, Soon was at his Fabinho best with so many closing down and breathing down the opponents’ neck.

Rashid’s touches and passes were exactly like Shaqiri, well-measured and timed.

Weilit did well with his Steven McMananam-like performance.

Sebastian was really like Xabi Alonso with his control of the pace and supreme organisation of the team during the match.

Hee was like Mane with his incessant harassing of their defenders and came back a few times to help out with defence as well.

Alvin was like Fernando Torres (the Liverpool version, not the Chelsea one) with his maximum utilisation of both pace and power to cause all sorts of problems for their defence.

Javier is a mix between Salah and Firminho for this match.

There is no voting required for this match as ALL ARFC warriors played very well.

Sebastian's outrageous goal in 4-0 win

Probably inspired by his watching wife and daughter, Guoxiong produced a superlative performance to inspire ARFC to a 4-0 victory over a much younger and fitter Velocity FC.

ARFC was supported by Dylan and Tiara (Elvis’ lively children), Reyes (Darren’s son), Tracie and Clara (Guoxiong’s wife and daughter).

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

Jersey No.:	Name	Position
xx	Sunny	Goalkeeper
31	Vintage Chua	Right-back
3	Astute-reading sweeper Elvis	Sweeper
20	Composed Eng Lai	Stopper
6	Unbeatable Darren	Left-back
16	Marauding Guoxiong	Right Mid
4	Dynamic Soon	Centre Mid
14	Combative Ron	Centre Mid
17	Nippy Kenny	Left Mid
9	ARFC Scoring Legend Haron (captain)	Striker
99	Powerful Alvin	Striker
66	Wonder Wayne
Substitutes:
5	Impeccable How Meng (late)
7	Influential Sebastian (late)
8	Talented Chun Haw (late)
11	Speedy Hee (late)
Missing In Action:
2	Unpredictable Blackburn
10	Sublime Khim
12	Remarkable Rashid
15	Towering Toh
18	Determined Huiming
19	Skillful Weilit
21	Rampaging Raymond
28	Hard-man Tjioe
33	Talisman Derrick
45	Commanding Ismail
77	Dependable Jinzhong
78	Steely Tze Ern
xx	Kerwin
xx	Javier

ARFC started very brightly in the match with the strikers Alvin and Haron particularly lively, while Kenny and Guoxiong were creating havoc at both flanks.

ARFC was awarded a penalty in the 9^th min after Darren’s cross struck their right back’s hand.  Haron stepped up but his well-placed low shot to the right was guessed by their GK correctly as he dived low to turn the ball away for a corner.  Unlucky Haron!

After a few more attacks, ARFC opened the scoring in the 17^th min with the credit going to Guoxiong.  First, he “ole” their left back, then glided past their covering stopper and reached the bye line.  His cross reached Alvin who was surrounded by probably 4 opponents.  However, Alvin did not panic as he pushed the ball slightly to his right before placing the ball to the bottom right corner for his 316^th ARFC goal.   1-0 and what calmness.

In the 20^th min, Sebastian, Chun Haw, Hee and How Meng came on for Ron, Haron, Alvin and Guoxiong respectively.

ARFC continued its relentless assault at opponents’ goal but to no avail.

How Meng then nearly scored but his fierce piledriver from 30 metres was blocked by their defender for a throw-in.

With seconds to go, Hee looked poised to score when a cross from Chun Haw eluded the opponents at the far post.  However, Hee’s vision was impacted by the blazing sun shining at his eyes as he only managed glance his header slightly wide.

In the 2^nd half, ARFC did not take its foot off the gas as it continued to create chances after chances, and pressed the opponents at every turn.

7 mins after the restart, ARFC scored its best goal in the match.  A cross from the left was headed away by their defender about 37 metres away from goal.  Sebastian then allowed the ball to bounce once, took aim before letting fly a thunderous and perfectly-executed volley with his right foot that saw the ball sailed over their GK and dipped just right below the cross-bar.  2-0 and this was Sebastian’s 115^th ARFC goal.

The opponents looked deflated at this goal and within 2 mins, ARFC extended its lead.  Chun Haw was fouled about 37 metres from goal.  Sebastian then took a quick free-kick by threading a diagonal low ball down the right.  Soon dashed in from deep but hearing a shout from Guoxiong, who had also ran in from the right, let the ball ran through to Guoxiong.  In the meantime, Chun Haw continued his run into the box and pulled away to the far post.  Guoxiong spotted Chun Haw’s run and whipped in a low ball across the 6-yard box for Chun Haw to thump the ball home.  3-0 and this was Chun Haw’s 82^nd ARFC goal.

In the 60^th min, ARFC sealed the match off a very quick counter-attack ala Liverpool.  Sunny saved a shot and immediately hit a long high ball down the channel ala Alisson.  Kenny chased for the ball and held up the ball well.  Kenny twisted and turned their left-back before chipping a brilliant high ball to the far side.  Haron was the biggest beneficiary when he turned the ball into the unguarded net with his thigh for his 269^th ARFC goal. 4-0.

ARFC had a few more chances but just could not score again.

I wish to take this opportunity to give credit to ARFC’s defence. Elvis was really imperious as sweeper as he led the line very well and even made a foray upfront with some neat passes.

Eng Lai aided Elvis very well and closed down their striker before they had a chance to run at Elvis.

Ron came in and was fearless in his tackles, while How Meng also done well as stopper though he gave away a few careless balls.

Chua continued to defy logic and his age as their left winger could not even get past him at all. 

Darren continued to live up to his high standard even when he was faced with 2 opponents at times. 

Voting results:

Guoxiong – 10

Kenny – 5

Soon – 5

Sebastian – 5

Ron – 5

Darren – 2

How Meng – 2

Eng Lai – 1

Chun Haw – 1

Elvis – 1

Alvin – 1

Haron – 1

Darren starred in dominating 3-0 win to maintain ARFC Veterans' unbeaten run in 2019

Playing its 23^rd Veterans match on a rare Saturday 5 pm match at the far-flung Juying SS, with the surrounding terrain resembling JB, ARFC Veterans maintained its 100% record in 2019 with a dominating 3-0 victory over an Indian team.

ARFC Veterans was watched by Lingzhi (Ron’s beau), Jerald and Nicole (Toh’s kids) and Tiara/Dylan (Elvis’ children).

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

GK – Sunny (Guest GK)

RB – Huiming

Sweeper – Elvis

Stopper – Toh

LB – Chua

RM – Eng Lai

CM – Sebastian

CM – Soon

LM - Darren

SC – Haron

SC – Daniel Fonseca

Subs:

Ron (late)

Hee (late)

ARFC Veterans started brightly and Haron was especially lively when he fired successive shots at goal.  Particularly, his sharp volley from 39 metres nearly found the net but was just 0.99 cm over the cross-bar.

ARFC Veterans took the lead in the 16^th min through a fortuitous manner.  From a aerial ball about 30 metres from goal, Darren challenged for the ball and though he won the header, the opponent charged in late and resulted in a clash of head. 

The ball then bounced towards their goal and while Darren was scrubbing and massaging his head, the ball somehow bounced over their GK and into goal!  1-0 and this was Darren’s 23^rd ARFC goal, putting him on level terms with David.

While Darren’s first goal was somewhat a fluke, his second goal was certainly crafted with well-drilled passing and movement.  From his left mid position, Darren passed to Soon who held up the ball well.  Darren continued his run down the left as Soon passed the ball to Sebastian who was just inside his own half.  Reading Darren’s run perfectly, Sebastian pinged a high diagonal ball down the channel which saw Darren speeding past their right back before lofting the ball over their GK for his 24^th ARFC goal. 2-0.

With this goal, Darren is now just one goal behind Kiat’s 25 ARFC goals.

Hee and Ron then came on for Daniel Fonseca and Toh respectively.

ARFC Veterans then put the result to bed with its 3^rd goal in the 30^th min.  Winning a throw in down the left, Darren had the quick sense of mind to take a quick throw-in while Haron quickly took up position in the box.  Their defender seemed to be unaware that throw-in will never be off-side and appealed for off-side.  Haron ignored such ignorance and duly lobbed over their GK for his 268^th ARFC goal.  3-0

Eng Lai then took a fierce shot from about 27 metres on the right but their GK saved his shot.

With 7 mins to go in the first half, Darren nearly sealed his first-ever hat-trick for ARFC when he broke clear on the left before letting fly a left-foot rocket that was just 0.6 cm over the cross-bar!

In the 2^nd half, ARFC Veterans pulled back a little as the opponents seemed hell bent to kick ARFC Veterans at every opportunity with their very late tackles from behind.  Unfortunately, the referee took a blind eye to all those late and dirty fouls which only seemed to encourage the opponents further. 

Particularly, Haron, Hee, Sebastian and Eng Lai were all victims of their under-the-belt tackles.

ARFC Veterans then missed a series of chances despite very good and patient passing and movements that carved opened their defence on many occasions.

With this win, ARFC Veterans maintained its 100% record in 2019 – 8 wins out of 8 matches.

This was a match where ARFC Veterans dished out a very disciplined, patient and smooth performance. ARFC Veterans kept their tempers in check despite on the receiving end of those tackles.  

As our GK, Sunny was really dependable and he received the best compliment from the opponents during the match when one opponent shouted to his own team-mates “Don’t try such shots. Their GK very good. Cannot beat him one.”

The opponents also only had about 2 shots at our goal and the credit must really go to the defence, led superbly by Elvis, for shutting them out.  Toh was imperial in the air, while Chua, Huiming and Ron gave their wingers no room to move too.

In the midfield, Darren was a monster with his incisive runs down the left flank, while Eng Lai put in a very good display with his attacking and defending support.

As always, Soon covered every blade of the grass on the pitch by harassing at will, while Sebastian orchestrated play with very clever switching of balls and controlling the pace and rhythm of the match.

Upfront, Haron was very clever with his closing down of defenders and his movement was top-class.  Hee troubled their defence no end and won several fouls, and was really unlucky not to score.  Daniel Fonseca, despite pulling his calf slightly due to insufficient warm-up, came up with some very nice touches and one-two with the midfielders.