Agape Cup Match Report #2 [27th April]

With the sun shining torturously, PMC headed out to their 2nd outing in the Agape Cup. Like a fortnight ago, the worship and sharing started late and the players were “treated” to a bake in the sun reminiscent of their army days as they sang and listened to the sharing.

The PMC Soccer Team before the start of the match

At about 3.15pm, the match started right off the blocks but sadly this was only in the case of Cherith Baptist Church (CBC). Once again, PMC suffered the case of early nerves and lack of concentration as CBC took the lead within the first minute. A mazy run on the right flank by one of CBC’s wingers eluded a total of five PMC players before it led to a quick corner. PMC’s marking in the box was lackluster at best and CBC’s corner took full advantage to send a bullet header right into the left corner of the net.

The shock of going down within the first few minutes of the game sent PMC into immediate action but a further blow was waiting in the wings. At the five minute mark, the run of play found the ball in Michael’s hands (who took over as goalkeeper for this match). In a moment of sheer bewilderment, Michael threw the ball onto the ground in front of him thinking he heard the referee’s whistle for a free kick. CBC’s striker raced up and displaced the ball at the back of PMC’s net with no hesitation while the entire PMC team held their heads down in disbelief. The referee blew for kick-off and it was two nil down to PMC within five minutes.

As we have experienced on many occasions, PMC often seems to play better when they’re down. The rest of the first half saw PMC take increasing possession of the game and it was just unlucky that they could not find the back of the net with two real chances from Rusydi and Kee Min. CBC also continued their assault on the PMC goal but Michael’s deft hands kept the goal deficit at bay on more than one occasion.

Halftime score: CBC 2 – 0 PMC

Two changes were introduced at half-time with Uncle Ronnie trying to keep the overall shape of the team intact. Uncle Ronnie came out for Sheldon while Joel took up the lone striker position and Jingzhong moved back to the wing with Damien subbing out.

Straight away, the “new” PMC team seemed to take hold of the game back by the throat. Wave after wave of attack was launched against the CBC goal mouth but the crucial first goal was still elusive. Then came a brilliant counter attack move by PMC with the decisive through ball by Kevin from midfield to Rusydi on the right. Rusydi ran like a man possessed and burst through CBC’s defensive attempts to stop him, cutting in and ending with a stiff shot on goal which the CBC keeper could only parry into the back of his own goal. CBC 2 - 1 PMC.

With the momentum clearly picking up, PMC continued to have more fluid passing and better runs of play. Again, Rusydi proved to be instrumental as PMC’s second goal took shape. Rusydi took the ball on the right flank and somehow managed to find himself on the edge of the penalty box. As he drew the defenders towards him, he unselfishly cut the ball back for Kee Min to curl the ball into the left bottom corner while the CBC keeper stood motionless. CBC 2 - 2 PMC.

Both teams now stepped up their game for that winning goal with end to end plays on both sides. Several through balls were put through by PMC for Joel to chase down with one particularly close chance. Joel sprinted pass the defense for a one-on-one with the keeper only to misjudge the bounce of the ball and missed to allow the ball to drop into the hands of the keeper. Jingzhong was subsequently substituted by Bevan for a fresh pair of legs.

A late injury to Adrian through an accidental collision was PMC’s unfortunate turn in the game with the defense holding up rock solid to that point. Adrian busted his left arm quite severely and had to be substituted by Isaac. Immediately, CBC took advantage of Isaac’s “coldness” to the game with attacks down the left. Finally, CBC hit PMC on the counter attack with Isaac dealing well with the original long lob only to hold the ball too long and unfortunately clear it back to the pressuring CBC striker. The CBC striker made no mistake and drilled a low shot through the legs of Michael at the near post into the PMC goal.

The end of the match was then marred by the 'bust-up' between Bevan and the CBC striker which resulted in the referee showing the yellow card to Bevan without punishing the CBC striker, who was also culpable for the conflict. Bevan was then replaced by Glenn for the final seconds of the match. PMC tried their best to equalize yet again in the dying minutes but to no avail.

Final score: CBC 3 – 2 PMC (Rusydi, Kee Min)

By far, PMC was not the weaker side and a draw would have been a fairer score line. Unfortunately, PMC’s overall lack of match experience let us down again with the early deficit to claw back from. However, PMC displayed tremendous fighting spirit and teamwork to come back from 2-0 down and scored two well executed goals from open play. The team can only get better from here and we look forward to our 1st win of the campaign. Well done team!