Soccer Fellowship Report [6th October]

It was a really hot afternoon. The ground was dry and it was scorching. Nonetheless, the enthusiasts in the Fellowship duly turned up, about 20 in total, to contest with one another under the sun. John led in devotion before the start of the play. He shared on the topic of contentment with the scripture reference being Philippians chapter 4, verses 11 - 13, which says "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."

Bangshi & Raymond walking onto the field


Daniel practicing some kicks before the match

After devotion, the teams were formed for the kick-off. In the first half, it appeared that the Whites would always be a step behind the Blues. The warning signs were there when many misplaced passes by the Whites were swept up by the Blue midfielders. The first goal came when Kevin was not quick enough to control a square pass from Bevan and the ever-prowling Choon Heng was there to steal the ball and score from a one-on-one situation with White keeper Maurice. From there, the Blues built on their speed down the flanks and in an almost similar situation, Jingzhong was able to find himself with only Maurice to beat, to make it 2-0. The Whites were not learning from their sloppy passing and inability to move the ball up the field consistently. The Blues' 3rd goal was another carbon-copy of the first 2. Moving the ball down the middle and outrunning the White defenders, it was Kee Min's turn to round Maurice and slot the ball into an empty net. It was only after being 3 goals down that the Whites started to recover and press for some goals. After some sustained pressure and 2 corners, a well-flighted ball from Damien's corner found Daniel unmarked to head strongly into the net. With further pressure, the Whites came close again but the ball only found the upright! Unfortunately, the good work was undone when the Blues scored again through Choon Heng after the defence was unable to contain him a second time. With the half nearing its completion, the Whites managed to get a free-kick from a foul. Daniel stepped up and rifled the ball into the roof of the net, amidst protests that the Blues keeper Justin Luo had been impeded. However, the goal stood, making the half-time score 4-2.

In the 2nd half, the Whites looked to get back into the match, even though they were playing 1 man short after Michael Lim's departure. Switching to a more aggressive formation and pressing for the goal, the Whites put plenty of pressure on the Blues, however with little outcome as shots either went wide, or were saved by the keeper. It was thus inevitable that the Blues started scoring again, and in quick succession. Kee Min and Jingzhong both netted their seconds and John also got into the act by heading in a 7th for the Blues. It was only in the final seconds that the Whites produced a swift counter-attack. Moving the ball from defence to attack, Bangshi ran down the middle of the park to slide a pass to Kevin cutting in from the left, who was able to take the ball pass Blues keeper Raymond and end the match by scoring the final goal. Final score-

Blues 7

[Scorers- Choon Heng (2), Jingzhong (2), Kee Min (2) & John]

Whites 3

[Scorers- Daniel (2) & Kevin]