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.
Monday, February 28, 2011
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.....
Monday, January 24, 2011
ARFC progresses to next round of ESPZEN FA Cup
Playing its 1st-ever ESPZEN FA Cup match, ARFC produced a disciplined and controlled display to edge out Hibernians Social FC 1-0 courtesy of a brilliant goal from the sizzling Kenny. The victory also preserved ARFC’s unbeaten 4-match streak in 2011.
The match was played at Temasek SS which was witnessed by the new-blonde Tracie (babelicious wife of Guoxiong), Brenden and 77,777 fans.
ARFC was rocked by the late- withdrawal of Soon who was ill but still made his way down to support the team. Kudos to him! However, Soon’s absence was more than make up by the appearance of Khim whose presence immediately lifted the team.
As Chun Haw was late, Derrick kindly agreed to be keeper till his arrival.
ARFC started with this 4-5-1 line-up:
Keeper: Talisman Derrick
Right-back: Marauding Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Combative Ron
Left-back: Unbeatable Darren
Right-mid: Unpredictable Blackburn
Centre-mid: Steely Tze Ern
Centre-mid: Wonder Wayne
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Nippy Kenny
Striker: Powerful Alvin (captain)
Subs:
Hard-man Tjioe
Towering Toh (late)
Sublime Khim (late)
Talented Chun Haw (late)
Absent:
Dynamic Soon (ill)
Dependable Jinzhong
ARFC Scoring Legend Haron (work)
Long-throw specialist Norman
Speedy Hee (work)
Precocious En Dian (injured)
In the pre-match briefing, Sebastian cautioned that the opponents would be shouting and protesting at every decisions made by referee which is typical of a Caucasian team. True enough, the opponents were to protest at every available opportunity throughout the match. Thankfully, ARFC kept its cool and focused on the match itself.
In the 17th min, Blackburn’s corner was met by Tze Ern but he nodded narrowly wide.
7 mins later, ARFC took the lead. Kenny’s venomous corner, measured at 377.77 km/hr, was flicked on by their defender into his own net. Fantastic corner!
(Note: After last night’s emergency board meeting, the ARFC Board of Directors have decided to credit the goal to Kenny which is his 11th ARFC goal)
Chun Haw then arrived to be in goal with Derrick moving to right-mid while Blackburn made way.
Tjioe and Toh then replaced Sebastian and Ron respectively. Khim also came in for Wayne.
In the 2nd half, the opponents tried to find its way back into the match but were thwarted by the collective effort of every warriors.
In the 67th min, Khim showcase his magical skills when he wriggled his way past 2 defenders almost at the left touch-line, in a move very similar to Redondo’s skills in Real Madrid’s champions league match against Man Utd in 1999 when Man Utd was completely destroyed! Looking up, Khim pulled the ball back for Alvin but despite frantic calls from Sebastian who was free on the right, Alvin dragged his shot wide. Unlucky!
In the 77th min, Kenny was clearly brought down in the box but the referee waved away strong appeals from ARFC. Totally unlucky!
Kenny looked to have wrapped things up 7 mins later. His long shot from the distance at the left looked to be headed for the top left-hand corner until their keeper produced a flying save ala Pepe reina to push the ball out for a corner. Superly unlucky!
Chun Haw then matched his opposite number’s effort when he also produced a world-class flying save to preserve ARFC’s lead which ARFC held on to the end.
Again, ARFC produced yet another team effort and tigerish performance. Every warrior worked hard for each other which is the way to go.
Review for each warrior:
Chun Haw – Talent is clearly there and helped to keep a clean sheet. Hope he can continue his development and play for ARFC even when he becomes a national player!
Guoxiong and Darren – I don’t think their wingers got past our full-backs at all! Wonderful defenders ala Cafu and Carlos.
Elvis – Totally commanding display. Did not put a foot wrong throughout.
Ron and Toh – Like a steel shield in front of Elvis.
Tze Ern, Tjioe and Sebastian – Worked tirelessly to protect ARFC’s defence. Tjioe was a constant irritation for the opponents which is good to distract them.
Wayne – Best display in a ARFC shirt thus far. Delivered what is asked from him despite being played in an unaccustomed centre mid role in the first half.
Khim – I have already run out of superlatives to describe this player. Possibly the best player to turn out for ARFC
Blackburn – Did well for this match.
Derrick – excellent wing play yet again. Also did well with his antics which served to irritate and distract the opponents.
Alvin – Really a captain’s performance with his relentless and tireless harassment of their defence. Only lacked a goal to show for his effort.
Kenny - My joint Man-of-the-Match together with Alvin. His pace and skills were a delight to watch.
The match was played at Temasek SS which was witnessed by the new-blonde Tracie (babelicious wife of Guoxiong), Brenden and 77,777 fans.
ARFC was rocked by the late- withdrawal of Soon who was ill but still made his way down to support the team. Kudos to him! However, Soon’s absence was more than make up by the appearance of Khim whose presence immediately lifted the team.
As Chun Haw was late, Derrick kindly agreed to be keeper till his arrival.
ARFC started with this 4-5-1 line-up:
Keeper: Talisman Derrick
Right-back: Marauding Guoxiong
Sweeper: Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Stopper: Combative Ron
Left-back: Unbeatable Darren
Right-mid: Unpredictable Blackburn
Centre-mid: Steely Tze Ern
Centre-mid: Wonder Wayne
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Nippy Kenny
Striker: Powerful Alvin (captain)
Subs:
Hard-man Tjioe
Towering Toh (late)
Sublime Khim (late)
Talented Chun Haw (late)
Absent:
Dynamic Soon (ill)
Dependable Jinzhong
ARFC Scoring Legend Haron (work)
Long-throw specialist Norman
Speedy Hee (work)
Precocious En Dian (injured)
In the pre-match briefing, Sebastian cautioned that the opponents would be shouting and protesting at every decisions made by referee which is typical of a Caucasian team. True enough, the opponents were to protest at every available opportunity throughout the match. Thankfully, ARFC kept its cool and focused on the match itself.
In the 17th min, Blackburn’s corner was met by Tze Ern but he nodded narrowly wide.
7 mins later, ARFC took the lead. Kenny’s venomous corner, measured at 377.77 km/hr, was flicked on by their defender into his own net. Fantastic corner!
(Note: After last night’s emergency board meeting, the ARFC Board of Directors have decided to credit the goal to Kenny which is his 11th ARFC goal)
Chun Haw then arrived to be in goal with Derrick moving to right-mid while Blackburn made way.
Tjioe and Toh then replaced Sebastian and Ron respectively. Khim also came in for Wayne.
In the 2nd half, the opponents tried to find its way back into the match but were thwarted by the collective effort of every warriors.
In the 67th min, Khim showcase his magical skills when he wriggled his way past 2 defenders almost at the left touch-line, in a move very similar to Redondo’s skills in Real Madrid’s champions league match against Man Utd in 1999 when Man Utd was completely destroyed! Looking up, Khim pulled the ball back for Alvin but despite frantic calls from Sebastian who was free on the right, Alvin dragged his shot wide. Unlucky!
In the 77th min, Kenny was clearly brought down in the box but the referee waved away strong appeals from ARFC. Totally unlucky!
Kenny looked to have wrapped things up 7 mins later. His long shot from the distance at the left looked to be headed for the top left-hand corner until their keeper produced a flying save ala Pepe reina to push the ball out for a corner. Superly unlucky!
Chun Haw then matched his opposite number’s effort when he also produced a world-class flying save to preserve ARFC’s lead which ARFC held on to the end.
Again, ARFC produced yet another team effort and tigerish performance. Every warrior worked hard for each other which is the way to go.
Review for each warrior:
Chun Haw – Talent is clearly there and helped to keep a clean sheet. Hope he can continue his development and play for ARFC even when he becomes a national player!
Guoxiong and Darren – I don’t think their wingers got past our full-backs at all! Wonderful defenders ala Cafu and Carlos.
Elvis – Totally commanding display. Did not put a foot wrong throughout.
Ron and Toh – Like a steel shield in front of Elvis.
Tze Ern, Tjioe and Sebastian – Worked tirelessly to protect ARFC’s defence. Tjioe was a constant irritation for the opponents which is good to distract them.
Wayne – Best display in a ARFC shirt thus far. Delivered what is asked from him despite being played in an unaccustomed centre mid role in the first half.
Khim – I have already run out of superlatives to describe this player. Possibly the best player to turn out for ARFC
Blackburn – Did well for this match.
Derrick – excellent wing play yet again. Also did well with his antics which served to irritate and distract the opponents.
Alvin – Really a captain’s performance with his relentless and tireless harassment of their defence. Only lacked a goal to show for his effort.
Kenny - My joint Man-of-the-Match together with Alvin. His pace and skills were a delight to watch.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
ARFC maintains 100% record in 2011
Playing under cool weather on the Tampines SAFRA artificial pitch, ARFC maintained its 100% in 2011 with a hard-fought 4-2 victory over Yahoo! In front of 77,777 fans which included Irene (Alvin’s beau), Lingzhi (Ron’s wife) and Soon’s daughter.
Once again, Derrick kindly agreed to be keeper for 1st half.
ARFC started with this 4-4-2 line-up:
Keeper: Talisman Derrick
Right-back: Unpredictable Blackburn
Sweeper: Adrian Quek (guest player)
Stopper: Combative Ron
Left-back: Wonder Wayne
Right-mid: Steely Tze Ern
Centre-mid: Hard-man Tjioe
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Nippy Kenny
Striker: Powerful Alvin (captain)
Striker: ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
Subs:
Towering Toh (late)
Dynamic Soon (late)
Long-throw specialist Norman (late)
Absent:
Dependable Jinzhong
Unbeatable Darren
Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Marauding Guoxiong
Speedy Hee
Precocious En Dian
Sublime Khim
Talented Chun Haw
ARFC dominated proceedings in the opening 17 mins with Alvin, Kenny and Haron particularly impressive. Just 7 mins into the match and with the fans still trickling into the stadia, ARFC fired the first salvo courtesy of Haron. Alvin’s wonderful dipping corner to the near post saw Haron somehow just dipped his head low and connected the ball which beat their keeper at the near post! An amazing goal which Tim Cahill would very proud of! 1-0 and this was Haron’s 168th ARFC goal.
Haron could have easily netted a hat-trick within 17 mins. In quick succession, he fired narrowly (just 0.77 mm from the post) wide on both occasions after being put through on goal.
ARFC then somehow conceded a goal. 1-1
ARFC regained the lead 7 mins later. Kenny’s ball saw Alvin speeding down the left flank all the way into the penalty box and Haron also arrived at the far post at the same time. Looking up, Alvin squared the ball across but before the ball could reach Haron, their defender thumped the ball into his own net. 2-1 and this was the 23rd own goals conceded by ARFC’s opponents.
ARFC could have put the result beyond doubt when yet another Alvin’s laser-like corner looked to be met by Toh. Happening probably for the 1st time, Toh somehow missed connecting but the ball fell kindly to Haron who was just 0.77 mm out from the 6-yard box. With their keeper already gone walk-about, Haron sliced his shot and was cleared on the line by their defender. Unlucky!
Tze Ern was next to miss when his header from Blackburn’s corner flew 1.77 mm wide.
ARFC quickly made amends when within 7 mins from the re-start, it scored its 3rd goal in the match. Tjioe, who again impressed, send in a long diagonal ball to the left flank which saw Soon breaking their off-side trap. Bringing the ball forward, Soon faced their keeper and easily dispatched the ball past him for his 35th ARFC goal. After his goal, Soon immediately sprinted to his daughter and gave her 77 kisses. 3-1 now.
The opponents then pulled a goal back 3-2.
Blackburn then turned back the clock 10 years back when he made a lung-bursting run from almost his right back position all the way to the right flank and earned a corner! Amazing feat for the oldest ARFC warrior!!
Mins later, Blackburn was brought down in the box but the referee waved away the appeals.
ARFC was then down to 10 warriors after Tjioe was given his marching orders in the 70th min after chalking up 2 yellow cards. Though it was just a friendly, the opponents did NOT sportingly ask ARFC to restore to 11 warriors as the usual practice in friendly matches.
Alvin was then left upfront alone with Kenny switching to left flank.
However, ARFC showed its resolve and every warrior pulled together and defended stoutly.
Haron repeated Ron’s heroics in the previous match when he dived full length ala Pepe Reina to push a venomous shot for a corner. World-class save!
In the 77th min, ARFC buried the match when their defender tried to clear the ball but only succeeded in kicking it to Alvin. Accepting the invitation gleefully, Alvin powered in a shot with this outside right foot to net his 134th ARFC goal. 4-2. As with Soon, Alvin also dashed straight to his wife Irene and gave her 77 kisses.
This was a team effort and every warrior played their hearts and guts out. All were impressive but my Man-of-the-Match jointly goes to Blackburn (who really played like a demon possessed) and Alvin (for his relentless effort in closing down their defenders, his goal and his 2 assists).
Once again, Derrick kindly agreed to be keeper for 1st half.
ARFC started with this 4-4-2 line-up:
Keeper: Talisman Derrick
Right-back: Unpredictable Blackburn
Sweeper: Adrian Quek (guest player)
Stopper: Combative Ron
Left-back: Wonder Wayne
Right-mid: Steely Tze Ern
Centre-mid: Hard-man Tjioe
Centre-mid: Influential Sebastian
Left-mid: Nippy Kenny
Striker: Powerful Alvin (captain)
Striker: ARFC Scoring Legend Haron
Subs:
Towering Toh (late)
Dynamic Soon (late)
Long-throw specialist Norman (late)
Absent:
Dependable Jinzhong
Unbeatable Darren
Astute-reading sweeper Elvis
Marauding Guoxiong
Speedy Hee
Precocious En Dian
Sublime Khim
Talented Chun Haw
ARFC dominated proceedings in the opening 17 mins with Alvin, Kenny and Haron particularly impressive. Just 7 mins into the match and with the fans still trickling into the stadia, ARFC fired the first salvo courtesy of Haron. Alvin’s wonderful dipping corner to the near post saw Haron somehow just dipped his head low and connected the ball which beat their keeper at the near post! An amazing goal which Tim Cahill would very proud of! 1-0 and this was Haron’s 168th ARFC goal.
Haron could have easily netted a hat-trick within 17 mins. In quick succession, he fired narrowly (just 0.77 mm from the post) wide on both occasions after being put through on goal.
ARFC then somehow conceded a goal. 1-1
ARFC regained the lead 7 mins later. Kenny’s ball saw Alvin speeding down the left flank all the way into the penalty box and Haron also arrived at the far post at the same time. Looking up, Alvin squared the ball across but before the ball could reach Haron, their defender thumped the ball into his own net. 2-1 and this was the 23rd own goals conceded by ARFC’s opponents.
ARFC could have put the result beyond doubt when yet another Alvin’s laser-like corner looked to be met by Toh. Happening probably for the 1st time, Toh somehow missed connecting but the ball fell kindly to Haron who was just 0.77 mm out from the 6-yard box. With their keeper already gone walk-about, Haron sliced his shot and was cleared on the line by their defender. Unlucky!
Tze Ern was next to miss when his header from Blackburn’s corner flew 1.77 mm wide.
ARFC quickly made amends when within 7 mins from the re-start, it scored its 3rd goal in the match. Tjioe, who again impressed, send in a long diagonal ball to the left flank which saw Soon breaking their off-side trap. Bringing the ball forward, Soon faced their keeper and easily dispatched the ball past him for his 35th ARFC goal. After his goal, Soon immediately sprinted to his daughter and gave her 77 kisses. 3-1 now.
The opponents then pulled a goal back 3-2.
Blackburn then turned back the clock 10 years back when he made a lung-bursting run from almost his right back position all the way to the right flank and earned a corner! Amazing feat for the oldest ARFC warrior!!
Mins later, Blackburn was brought down in the box but the referee waved away the appeals.
ARFC was then down to 10 warriors after Tjioe was given his marching orders in the 70th min after chalking up 2 yellow cards. Though it was just a friendly, the opponents did NOT sportingly ask ARFC to restore to 11 warriors as the usual practice in friendly matches.
Alvin was then left upfront alone with Kenny switching to left flank.
However, ARFC showed its resolve and every warrior pulled together and defended stoutly.
Haron repeated Ron’s heroics in the previous match when he dived full length ala Pepe Reina to push a venomous shot for a corner. World-class save!
In the 77th min, ARFC buried the match when their defender tried to clear the ball but only succeeded in kicking it to Alvin. Accepting the invitation gleefully, Alvin powered in a shot with this outside right foot to net his 134th ARFC goal. 4-2. As with Soon, Alvin also dashed straight to his wife Irene and gave her 77 kisses.
This was a team effort and every warrior played their hearts and guts out. All were impressive but my Man-of-the-Match jointly goes to Blackburn (who really played like a demon possessed) and Alvin (for his relentless effort in closing down their defenders, his goal and his 2 assists).
Monday, January 10, 2011
Mid-week Friendly Match @ Tampines SAFRA @ 7 pm
Dear warriors,
We are playing friendly match against Yahoo on 12 Jan 2011 (Wed) @ 7 pm @ Tampines SAFRA.
Please try your best to be there as we are taking our new jerseys and are taking a team photo.
In case our new jerseys are not ready, please also bring the RED jerseys along.
Thanks and hope to see all of you.
We are playing friendly match against Yahoo on 12 Jan 2011 (Wed) @ 7 pm @ Tampines SAFRA.
Please try your best to be there as we are taking our new jerseys and are taking a team photo.
In case our new jerseys are not ready, please also bring the RED jerseys along.
Thanks and hope to see all of you.
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