Friendly Match Report [28th April]

It rained earlier in the day, but by match time, the rain had cleared and the good weather on display throughout the game equaled the performance of the Pentecost Reds in their match against ECG.

In the first 15 minutes of the match, attack after attack was made on ECG’s half. From kick-off, the hunger shown by the Pentecost Reds for that elusive first goal was made all the more evident as there was hardly a foray made into Pentecost penalty box during this period. The defensive four of Samuel, Adrian and Mark, marshaled by Jimmy made sure of this from the word go!

From a throw-in by Damien in the early minutes, Glenn dummied the defender marking him, but alas also skied his shot with only the keeper and post to beat. A shot from Daniel also trickled wide of the left post after some very impressive moves from the defenders to their forwards. A free-kick from Glenn, which was won by Damien, also saw the first yellow card given to James (who along with Kevin & Gabriel, were playing for their ECG team). Unfortunately, the free kick was cleared to safety by the opposition. A free kick minutes later by Timothy had the keeper beaten all the way, but was unfortunate to hit the woodwork and bounce away to safety.

Midway through the first half, ECG slowly started to get their game plan together and made a few attacks into the Pentecost half. Two ECG free-kicks put pressure on the Pentecost Reds, one placed over the bar, and the other blocked by the defensive wall. However, none of the attacks really troubled Pentecost keeper Jeremy too much. Several careless and mistimed tackles made by both sides raised a few eyebrows and harsh words, but these were quickly checked by a very able and competent referee, who did not stand for any nonsense or dissident shown. Stout defending from ECG and Pentecost Reds throughout the half also ensured that the goals were not forthcoming and that the score would remain 0-0 at half time.

The second half started with both teams evenly matched as they tried figuring out ways to breach the defensive wall put in place by both set of defenders. The ECG full-backs Daniel and Shaokang kept the Reds wingers well in check throughout the match. It was a fortunate minute that turned the game in favour of the Pentecost Reds. A corner from Timothy had bounced off an ECG player and appeared to trickle into the ECG net, but the referee did not award the goal, but another corner instead. This resulted in the opener when Timothy placed an in-swinging corner straight into the ECG goal to put PMC 1-0. This was exactly what was needed to open the game up. After the restart, a further setback for ECG was to take place when during a cross, their keeper Steven, was injured and had to be carried off after trying to bravely prevent a shot taken by Choon Heng after a neat cross from John. ECG had restarted the match looking to pull the game level, only to find James having to play in goal and received another rude shock when they conceded a 2nd goal through the head of their defender Darren after an aggressive attack down their right flank.

Further fatigue and injuries to the different players made substitutions necessary and as the teams started tiring. This was when ECG sensed the opportunity to get back into the match. Midfielder Per weaved his way through the Reds midfield and brilliantly laid on a defence-splitting pass to Xianglong, who made no mistake by firing a stiff shot into the Pentecost Reds net. With the score 2-1 in the dying minutes, ECG pressed on to find the equaliser, but to no avail. The Pentecost Reds held on to make their 2-1 victory something to savour.

Pentecost Reds 2

[Scorers- Timothy Loke & Darren (o.g.)]

ECG 1

[Scorer- Xianglong]

Pentecost Reds Team
1. Jeremy Tan 4. Mark Leong 6. Maurice Lim 8. Justin Luo 12. John Chia 13. Samuel Eyo 14. Glenn See Toh 17. Damien Chua 18. Raymond Chang 19. Adrian Phuah 20. Michael Chua 23. Jimmy Phuah 24. Timothy Loke 25.Choo Jingzhong 26. Rusydi 27.Daniel Low 28. Peh Choon Heng -. Joel Tan

Pentecost Reds Captain, Glenn See Toh & Timothy Loke