Friendly match .vs. RLC Report [17th Jan]

There was another good turn-out (22 players) for the 2nd friendly of the year. With more players getting fitter and able to play more minutes per match, this might be the last 'combined' friendly before both Agape Cup teams have separate friendlies in the coming weeks.

Our opponents, RiverLife Church (RLC) had arranged the friendly and we thank them for their hospitality and making all the necessary preparations (field, referee etc...). They are also in the midst of preparing for this year's Agape Cup and the friendly was their 1st of the year.

PMC's team was split into the 2 prospective teams for Agape Cup 2010 - 'Young Legs' and 'Old Legs'. The Young Legs started the match first and gave a good account of themselves in the 22 mins that they were on the pitch. The tried to play a passing game and threatened from set-pieces. It was from one of these in the 8th minute that a floated ball from Marcus found Yi Jun's head as he ghosted into the box. His headed flick gave the RLC keeper no chance. PMC 1, RLC 0. Falling behind inspired RLC to press for an equaliser and most of their good moves went through their African #8 who was everywhere on the pitch. With plenty of possession, they threatened with some shots and crosses into the box. Soon, their breakthrough arrived when Mike Chua (GK) was unable to hold onto a stiff shot, parrying it into the path of the RLC forward who made no mistake. PMC 1, RLC 1. It was close to the middle of the 1st half and the Old Legs were preparing to come on. However, just before that happened, the Young Legs gave away possession in their own half, allowing RLC's #8 to shoot pass Mike into the bottom corner. With PMC down 2-1, the Old Legs came on to see what they could do. Unfortunately, all the Old Legs did was hold out until half-time. Having not yet warmed up, it was mostly defensive work for the rest of the half. There were perhaps only 1 or 2 forays forward, but that was it.

After the half-time teamtalk, the Young Legs took the field to get PMC back into the match. Again, teamwork was good with nice passing and hardwork by Rusydi and Kee Min in midfield. However, some dubious offside calls robbed PMC of clear-cut chances. RLC was also left with long shots, although they did enjoy a slightly larger share of possession. With the score still at 2-1 to RLC, the Old Legs trudged on to give a better account of themselves, which they definitely did. Having the larger part of the possession and numerous forays on goal, the Old Legs showed how a simple approach of early balls in from the right wing gave RLC many problems. A couple of chances fell into the path of Steve, Andy Chua and John Chia, but all that came out of it was the ball hitting the crossbar. The cruel aspect of soccer was seen when with the few chances RLC had, they scored 2 goals. The first was from a free-kick when a floated ball left both the defence and Mike indecisive, leaving the RLC forward to nod the ball into the net. The second saw a weak defesive clearance find its way to RLC's #8 who fired home from inside the 18-yard box. Final score - PMC 1, RLC 4.

It was another good run-out. The post-match session focused on building an awareness of positional intelligence and keeping possession. Kee Min closed in prayer, thanking God for keeping all of us injury-free.