Soccer Fellowship Report [26th March]

Really fine weather greeted the 18 players that arrived on time for kick-off. Before that, we welcomed Jacob's colleague Auric, who was joining us for the 1st time. Yuen Wai (safely back from Japan!) led us in a time of devotion, focusing on why God allows suffering in our world, using the current Japan disaster and Jimmy's fight with Leukemia as examples. After closing his devotion in prayer, the players grouped up for kick-off.

Trying to push down the wall helps us to warm-up

Yuen Wai sharing devotion

The players grouped themselves into 2 teams of 9 - Reds .vs. Blue/Whites (BW). It was evident from the start that the teams were evenly matched in all areas of the field and the first half played out that fact. Even though ball movement was good and there were many probing moves into each other's penalty areas, both GKs had a solid game, along with their defenders. Sean, Jeremy Sin and Marcus for the BW and Kelvin, Weijie and Yuen Wai held their ground well through the whole half. Even when Dominic (Red) did put the ball in the back of the BW net, it was a result of a prior offside decision, and waived. When more players arrived to bolster each team to 12 players, space became a premium on the field on this decreased the chances of any free-flowing moves and the ball ending up in any net. The half ended at 0-0, possibly the 1st time a goal-less half was experienced at Soccer Fellowship.

After some brief team-talks led by David (BW) and Ronnie (Red), the teams trudged on the field to resume battle. Clearly both teams were out to find goals as there was much ball movement and attacking intent. Ronnie was the 1st to have a few chances fall to him, then Weijie and Daniel for the Reds, but all were not capitalised upon. For the BW, Marcus and Jingzhong drove deep into Red territory numerous times, and newcomer Benny seemed to have the ball stick at his feet when he waltzed through the defence. All these produced no goals. The breakthrough finally came when a good move between Jeremy Tan and Ronnie allowed Ronnie to find space on the left of the box and fire the ball into the bottom corner of the net. 1-0 to the Reds! As play resumed, an unfortunate incident took place when Viji (back after a 2-year break as a result of a knee problem) challenged for the ball with Jacob and injured his knee again. After a short break to attend to Viji, the BW searched for their equaliser and this came when the Red defence couldn't clear their lines, allowing Jingzhong to send a low cross into the box for Benny to stab home. It was 1-1 and game on. With the Red a man down, the BW proceeded to apply tons of pressure and were rewarded when Jacob slalomed through the defence to curl a low shot into goal. Not long after, a loose pass from Yuen Wai was pounced upon by Marcus, who had the simplest of tasks to score. With the score at 3-1, the Red tried to comeback and even things, and were able to do so, again with Ronnie and Jeremy Tan involved. It was Ronnie the provider this time as he laid on a sweet low cross for Jeremy to fire into the net. As much as the Red tried to press for the equalizer, it did not come and things finished 3-2 to BW. It was indeed a good workout for everyone.

In closing, Kevin reminded everyone to remember Viji and Jimmy in prayer. Yuen Wai closed the session with a word of prayer.

Soccer Fellowship [26th March]

Soccer Fellowship is on this Saturday, 26th March at Pasir Ris Crest Secondary School* (yes, the one in Pasir Ris!). The session will be from 3 - 5 pm.

Please bring BOTH a BRIGHT and DARK jersey so that we can split the teams evenly.

Please pray for good weather! If you suspect the session is cancelled, please check the blog/email for more information before you head for the field. Cancellation of session will be broadcast on the blog and by email immediately when we are informed by Sports Council.

*The address of Pasir Ris Crest Secondary School is 11 Pasir Ris Street 41. The entrance to the field is next to the bus-stop along Pasir Ris Drive 4. If you are driving, the car park nearest to the school field is the Multi-Storey Car Park at Block 458A. The map of the area around the school can be viewed HERE.

Agape Cup Match Report #2 - PMC .vs. PPCC [20 March 2011]

Some heavy showers over the eastern parts of Singapore which resulted in many doubts whether the rain will cancel the game. It was drizzling over at Hiding Place until about 10minutes before the 3pm kickoff.

Steve with his #1 fan

All 18 players were on time for Singspiration and Sharing. This shows the commitment towards the team and discipline to be on time.

Players participating in S&S

First Team Coach Adrian briefing us on the rules of engagement

After S&S, Adrian (First Team Coach) deployed a 4-1-4-1 team formation.

Steve

Jingzhong - Kevin - Dom - Rusydi

Kee Min

Marcus - Mark - Wei Jie - Daniel

Kelvin

The starting 11 getting ready for the referee's inspection

FIRST HALF - PMC dominated the first 15minutes in terms of possession and attack. However, PPCC started to launch a couple of attacks on their left through their key player #12 Captain. Halfway through the first half, PMC conceded a silly freekick outside the penalty box. PPCC curled the freekick into the extreme right side of the goal putting them ahead in the game.

The game got a little aggressive and a couple of arguments were exchanged between the two teams. The game was then stopped for a couple of minutes, where referee had a talk with the 2 captains. The captains then told the team to watch their cool as the referee would not hesitate to issue a yellow card for the next following offence.

Steve was working very hard alone upfront, harrassing the defence with tough tackles which he picked up a yellow card.

Another incident came when Rusydi was going for the ball when a PPCC player charged at him and another unfair tackle made from his back which ended up in a scuffle. Rusydi was then handed a yellow card for retaliation.

PMC then started to throw more attacks, where a through ball from Rusydi found Jingzhong through on goal but only to put it wide. Chance after chance started to pour in. The equaliser came when Marcus' clearance found Dom past the defence and had his shot ricochet off the post only to hit the back of the keeper and went in. After the equaliser, the PMC team start to play better and with more confidence.

The first half ended 1-1 with PMC starting the game well and ending the first half with a couple of rued chances.

The vital half-time team talk when the score was 1-1

SECOND HALF - Substitutions:
Sean on for Kelvin
Martin on for Kevin
Yi Jun on for Steve

Both sides throw man forward in search of the second goal. Yi Jun had a couple of chance through on goal, only to be ruled offside. The centre half saw more distribution and holding of ball from the Martin. PPCC made a couple of speedy attacks down the flanks which PMC defended and hold on well.

Substitution: Jacob on for Rusydi

PMC's second goal came when Daniel made a throw in on the right, which resulted in a cross and Jingzhong showed his prowess in the air by placing a beautiful looping header to the far post leaving the keeper helpless.

PMC defended well as they wanted this victory very much, seeing Jingzhong dominated his flanks and Dom making tons of box-to-box runs. Yi Jun did well upfront, making attempts on goal and holding the ball well to allow time for PMC to settle at the back.

During the post-match talk, Adrian mentioned about the way we are playing as a team, strong mentality and determination to win. Adrian also highlighted the 3 yellow cards picked up from a single game which may result in future demerit points. Martin added on saying that the mindset were all at the game level, but we have to maintain our cool and avoid making rash, unnecessary tackles.

The team would like to thank Maurice and Adrian for managing the team so well.

The team would like to thank Neil, Nigel and Joel who came down despite not being used as a sub. Also, thanks to Wei En and Michael for their support to come down and have the first-aid ready for the team.

We dedicate this win to one of the founders of PMC Soccer, Jimmy Phuah, who is fighting Leukaemia.

Report from FAA Religious Harmony Cup [12th March]

Last Saturday, the 12th of March, PMC took part in the Fandi Ahmad Academy (FAA) Religious Harmony Cup, finishing third in the group and narrowly missing out on progression to the quarter finals by a single point. Appreciation has to be shown those who came down but didn't get to play for long due to the lack of game time. Players like Samuel, David, John, Wei En and Nigel ought to be commended for their excellent attitude, making the effort to travel all the way down there and supporting the team.

The players gathering bright and early on a Saturday morning

It was a brilliant day for football but then again, which day isn't? Soccer is one of the few things in life worth waking up for and the hundreds of people who turned up punctually for the tournament at 8am paid testament to that belief. There was a festive atmosphere marking the return of Singapore's favourite footballing son, Fandi Ahmad, with party music played and laughter shared throughout the well organized tournament.

Players warming up on the artificial turf

What a beautiful day it was for football

Marcus keeping his eye on the ball

The games were played on 2 halves of the absolutely brilliant Tampines Safra artificial turf. The quality of football was very impressive as well, with a few teams putting up exemplary shows, passing and moving ala Barcelona style. Although it was a potentially divisive and hostile competition but the referees, impressively enough, were authoritative enough to prevent any fights from happening. The games were played in a strict but fair spirit. As a result, the players and audience enjoyed the proceedings.

A total of 11 players represented PMC, with Daniel managing the team as he failed to register for the tournament beforehand. PMC lost the first game 1-0 to a very technically sound team. However, PMC should have nicked a point from the game, conceding a goal that came from a hopeful throw-in into the box. Perhaps, on hindsight, fielding a 2-3-1 formation was a bit too adventurous for a 7 a side, 15 minute game. Teams tend to go all out due to the short duration of game time and the high chance that the 1 goal will decide the outcome.

Team photo with our 1st opponents

The gift exchange

After a 3 hour interval, PMC played the second game and lost by the same scoreline as the first game. This game was a kick in the teeth, given that PMC were denied a clear penalty at the end and the fortuitous nature of the goal. The right winger scuffed his cross and it landed nicely in the path of a surprised forward, who managed to poke the ball past an on rushing Kelvin.

With nothing but pride left to play for, PMC played the third game with a carefree attitude and it seemed to bring the best out of the players. Everyone focused on the game and not the result. Dominic scored from the kick off, rifling a free kick into the top corner from 30 meters out, stunning the opponents and the crowd. It was an effort that will be hard for him to replicate and a moment that he will treasure. However, what was more impressive was the fantastic performance PMC put up for the rest of the game. The other team still had a chance of qualification and they duly pressed forward. PMC soaked up the pressure fantastically and counter attacked with devastating pace. Wei Jie brought the ball out of defence confidently and was almost rewarded with a header striking the post. The final whistle was blown and PMC deservedly won the game 1-0.

We left with our heads held high, giving a good account of ourselves. It put us in good stead for this sunday's crunch match against newcomers, PPMC, who have already chalked up a 2-0 victory against COA. Come on!

The FAA PMC Team

Report by: Dominic Neo

Photos by: Samuel Eyo

Agape Cup Match Report #1 - PMC .vs. AMC2 [6th March]

Some afternoon showers in the Eastern parts of Singapore cast doubt on our 1st Agape Cup match of the season, but when the team arrived at the Hiding Place, we were greeted by dry ground and sunshine. It was perhaps coincidental that the 1st 6 players to arrive were all Liverpool fans - Steve, Michael, Maurice, Mark, Kevin and Dominic. They were hoping that it was a positive sign for the big game to be played that evening. One by one, the rest of the team arrived and all on time, gaining time to warm-up.

First Team Coach & Manager for the season

Warming up like this helps you shoot well & sting the GK's fingers

Limbering up time

Singspiration and sharing was led by PMC for the match, with Maurice leading us in song and Kevin sharing about building a solid foundation for every area of our life, be it academic, professional or spiritual. The scripture reference was Matthew 7:24-27.

After the S&S, the teams huddled together for their briefings before heading to the field for kick-off. Manager Adrian explained the philosophy of having a strong team throughout the match, and started the team in a 4-2-3-1 formation:

Kelvin

Daniel - Jeremy - Mark - Damien

Kee Min - Kevin

Jacob - Dominic - Jingzhong

Martin

It was clear from kick-off that our opponents were speedy and fit, closing us down very quickly when we had the ball. They were also confident passers, swinging the ball out wide to their wingers on many occasions, who used the space well to threaten our backline. In the first 15min, it was all AMC2. Their captain (#5) was clearly the target man, knocking on high balls and playing the ball intelligently. On one occasion, the #18 had a good chance on the right but blasted his shot against the post. As the half passed, the PMC team started to settle into the match and produced a number of good moves. On one occasion, Jacob found himself in space from a through pass by Kee Min but his shot on the right was wide. Martin and Jingzhong also combined on a couple of occasions but could not convert the chances. Soon, Jacob had to withdrawn due to illness, with Rusydi replacing him. The rest of the 1st half was a tight affair with many combative interceptions from our backline, led by Jeremy and Mark. Damien also stretched a number of times to play dangerous balls to safety. The 0-0 scoreline reflected an even half.

A number of changes were made at the half to keep the team fresh and strong. Sean came in for Kelvin as GK, after the former had an excellent half. Kevin left the field for Weijie, with Jeremy moving into DM. Steve came on for Martin, who had a hamstring pull. The 2nd half started in same fashion as the 1st, with AMC2 pressing for a goal. The team handled the pressure well and also had Sean to thank for a 'world class' save when AMC2 managed a stiff shot on goal. Mark also showcased his entire repertoire of sliding tackles. PMC then started to find their groove and won a couple of corners, as well as direct free-kicks, that Rusydi did well to keep on target. Steve had the best opportunity during the match, as his stiff shot stung the fingers of the AMC2 GK. A foot or 2 to the GK's right or left, and that would have been our 1st goal of the season. On the defensive end, some reshuffling took place after Damien had to be subbed out after an excellent match. David came on as AM, with Dom dropping to DM and Jeremy to LB. The re-shuffle held out well. The match was headed for a draw until an unfortunate goal was conceded with 5min to go. A cross from our left flank was well cleared initially, but the ball was played into the box a 2nd time. Weijie was 1st to it but his attempted clearance ricocheted off an AMC2 player and into the path of another, who made no mistake from 10 yards out. It was a bizarre goal to concede and a painful one given the circumstances. The PMC tried to find an equalizer by pressing forward, but AMC2 cleared the danger well and rejoiced at the final whistle. They knew they had gained 3 points through fortunate circumstances.

Subs and Manager watching from the shed

Match action

During the post-match talk, Adrian focused on the positives - hard work, effort, commitment and discipline. He also thanked Michael for his support as an un-used sub. We would also like to thank Wei En and Raymond who came to support the team. With 6 games to go, Martin reminded the team that we had all to play for. Adrian closed in prayer, asking for healing from all the minor injuries sustained and Jacob to recover from illness.