Playing at the magnificent pitch at Westwood Sec Sch, ARFC came unstuck against a very mobile and fit Japanese team, Mogura FC, but was unfortunate to lose 1-3 on 5 Jun 2022 at 3 pm.
ARFC took to the pitch with this 4-4-1-1 line-up:
Jersey No.: | Name | Position |
13 | Talisman Derrick | Goalkeeper |
66 | Vintage Chua | Right back |
98 | Impeccable How Meng | Sweeper |
5 | Energetic Kerwin | Stopper |
6 | Unbeatable Darren | Left back |
16 | Marauding Guoxiong | Right mid |
7 | Influential Sebastian (captain) | Centre Mid |
4 | Dynamic Soon | Centre Mid |
27 | Left-foot wizard KJ | Left Mid |
23 | Talented Chun Haw | Attacking Mid |
31 | Wonder Wayne | Striker |
Substitutes: | ||
19 | Skillful Wei Lit (late) |
|
99 | Powerful Alvin (late) |
|
Missing In Action: | ||
2 | Remarkable Rashid |
|
3 | Astute-reading sweeper Elvis |
|
8 | Precocious Javier |
|
9 | ARFC Scoring Legend Haron |
|
10 | Sublime Khim |
|
11 | Speedy Hee |
|
14 | Combative Ron |
|
15 | Towering Toh |
|
17 | Nippy Kenny |
|
18 | Determined Huiming |
|
20 | Composed Eng Lai |
|
26 | Rampaging Raymond |
|
28 | Hard-man Tjioe |
|
29 | Flying Fremont |
|
77 | Dependable Jinzhong |
|
78 | Steely Tze Ern |
|
|
|
|
Special mention to Wayne who came down to play despite carrying a groin strain.
In the pre-match briefing, Sebastian cautioned that a typical Japanese team would likely be fit, full of running and good passing movements. True enough, Mogura FC displayed the above traits throughout the match.
However, ARFC was not overawed and matched the opponents pace to pace and produced some good closing down of opponents, with good covering from the midfielders, particularly from KJ.
In the 15th min, ARFC nearly took the lead from a free-kick taken by Sebastian. Darren did well to connect with a header but their GK was equal to the task with a save.
In the 17th min, Mogura FC then took the lead off a mistake from ARFC. 0-1.
3 mins later, ARFC equalised. From a Guoxiong pass into the box, Chun Haw forced a corner after his shot was blocked by their defender. From the ensuing corner from the right, Sebastian floated in a precise corner into the box and Chun Haw leaped highest to nod the ball home for his 100th ARFC goal! 1-1
The goal also allowed Chun Haw to join the prestigious ARFC Centurion Club which only has 8 warriors as follows:
1. Alvin – 338 goals
2. Haron – 274 goals
3. Blackburn – 164 goals
4. Sebastian – 123 goals
5. Hee – 117 goals
6. Derrick – 113 goals
7. Toh – 103 goals
8. Chun Haw – 100 goals
Alvin then replaced Wayne and he almost made a telling contribution but his shot was straight at their GK.
Wei Lit then came on for Guoxiong.
ARFC finished the half strongly and could have taken the lead with almost the last kick of the half. From a flowing move, Wei Lit passed to Alvin down the left channel. Alvin held the ball up well before sweeping the ball to Chun Haw who had made a run from deep ala Paul Scholes. Alas, Chun Haw’s left foot shot was under-hit and their relieved GK managed to smoother the ball.
In the 2nd half, Mogura FC slowly gained the upper hand as firstly, they had at least 7 substitutes and also appeared to be fitter than ARFC. ARFC held its shape well, with Soon playing an instrumental role.
Mogura FC then regained its lead in the 57th min. 1-2.
7 mins later, Mogura FC looked to have put the result to bed when it extended its lead. 1-3.
Derrick then kept the scoreline down with 2 crucial blocks with his legs.
At this juncture, every one thought that ARFC would be dead and buried. However, with pride at stake, all ARFC warriors then seemed to summon extra energy and pressed Mogura FC non-stop and created 3 golden chances which went abegging.
In the 70th min, Sebastian sliced through the heart of Mogura FC’s defence with his trade-mark “no-look” pass to Alvin who sprinted clear. However, Alvin’s first touch was a tad too heavy and their GK thumped the ball upfield before Alvin can fire his shot.
Then, Chun Haw broke clear down the right from Wei Lit’s clever pass. His shot was blocked by their GK and the rebound fell kindly to Chun Haw. Unfortunately, Chun Haw skewed his shot just slightly wide of the right post.
Soon then found Alvin free in the box and with just the GK to beat, Alvin inexplicably hit a tame shot that was saved by their GK’s outspread leg.
Moments later, it was 3rd time unlucky for Alvin as he was again denied by their GK. Wayne then tried to back-heel the rebound into goal but their GK recovered to pick up the ball.
Other than this 1-3 loss against Mogura FC, ARFC’s previous matches and results against the same opponents are as follows:
· 6 Sep 2015 at St. Wilfrid’s – Won 3-1 with 2 goals from Khim and 1 goal from Raymond
· 15 Oct 2017 at Bedok View SS – won 4-2 with 2 goals each from Wayne and Alvin
· 21 Jan 2018 at Yio Chu Kang SS – Lost 0-7
This was a match that ARFC did very well despite the superior fitness, passing and movements from Mogura FC.
ARFC’s efforts were really top-notch and it was certainly more satisfying for ARFC than some easy wins over other inferior opponents
Players’ ratings:
1. Derrick – Made 2-3 good saves and handling was assured. Unlucky to concede 3 goals though.
2. Chua – Despite being at least 20 years older than their fast and young left winger, Chua kept up with him even when outnumbered. Good outing!
3. How Meng – Did not give their striker any chance at all and towards the last 20 mins or so, moved slightly upfield to close down the opponents to seize the initiative.
4. Kerwin – After a slightly nervy start, Kerwin grew in strength and contained the opponents by full utilising his strength and speed. Held the fort extremely well when How Meng moved upfield in the later stages.
5. Darren – Often faced with 1-2 opponents on his flank, Darren did not let them get past him at all during the match. Joint Man-of-the-Match with Soon.
6. Guoxiong – Covered Chua well when at right mid, and matched their left winger when at right back.
7. Soon – A typical Mascherano-like display and the opponents could not cope with his pressing at all. How nice if there is one more Ah Soon in ARFC! Joint Man-of-the-Match with Darren.
8. Sebastian – Assisted Chun Haw’s 100th ARFC goal with yet another laser-sharp corner. Was severely tired out by Mogura FC’s switching and passing. Suffered a knock at his forehead which is still swollen on Monday.
9. KJ – Ran himself to the ground with good defensive and attacking performance. A brilliant display.
10. Chun Haw – All-action display and was not unlucky not to score more than his one goal. A proud milestone with his 100th ARFC goal.
11. Wayne – Did his best by holding ball well despite groin strain. Nearly scored with his back-heel in the dying moments of the match.
12. Wei Lit – Looked a bit tired but managed to mesmerise opponents with his skills and passes.
13. Alvin – Closing down of opponents and his ability to find space for himself were world-class. Really unfortunate not to score at least a goal.
