Soccer Fellowship (5th November)

Soccer Fellowship is on this Saturday, 5th November at Changkat Changi Secondary School*. The session will be from 3 - 5 pm.

This will be the final Soccer Fellowship session of the year. For those who'd like some practice before PMC Cup, this pitch would be excellent for some 7-a-side games. We could do a round-robin if there are more than 2 teams present.

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 Changkat Changi Secondary School is 23 Simei Street 3. It is located within walking distance from Simei MRT Station. The entrance to the field is through a little lane between East Point Green Condominium and Changkat Changi Primary School. You can access the lane from Simei Street 3. Please refer to the map below.

Completion of PMC 11-a-side Invitational League 2011

The PMC 11-a-side Invitational League 2011 between AMC, CMC, PMC and RLC was completed on 30th October with RLC and PMC playing the final fixture at St Patrick's School. It has been an exciting 3-month campaign for all with exposure given to new players and opportunities for the team to bond and practice. The final standings see AMC top of the pile and congratulations go out to them. The top scorer for the league is Leon Tan from RLC with 5 goals.


PMC would like to thank all team managers - Rayson (AMC), Mark (CMC) and Francis (RLC) - for making this Invitational League such a successful one.

PMC 11-a-side Invitational League: RLC vs PMC (30th October)

The final match of the PMC 11-a-side Invitational League took us to St Patrick's School as no other fields were available on 30th Oct. For that, we must thank Mark Chan from CMC who made the arrangements. We were also blessed with very fine weather as we gathered at the field around 430pm. The only slight downer was that many players were unavailable either through work, family commitments, NS or illness, leaving us with a bare-bones squad. Nonetheless, the 12 players all arrived on time and had a good warm up before kick-off. Devotion was shared by Randolf from RLC, who encouraged all present to take the offer of salvation seriously.

Randolf sharing devotion

PMC players listening to devotion

Mark praying that his comeback would not end prematurely

With both GKs out, Jeremy Tan donned the gloves for the 1st half. Also Mark made an early comeback from injury to partner David in defence for the 1st time this season. The team lined up in a slightly altered 4-4-1-1 formation:

Yi Jun

Weijie

Jingzhong - Kevin - Dominic - Jacob

Damien - Mark - David - Nigel

Jeremy Tan

It took a while for the team to settle into the match, with the quick surface and speed of our opponents overwhelming us initially. The defence also was put under pressure by some quick through balls that required last minute interventions and clearances. On one of these, the ball was only cleared slightly out of the box where the RLC midfielder was able to steady himself and fire an unstoppable shot past Jeremy to put RLC 1-0. The early setback seemed to do PMC good as there was a lot more composure on the ball and nice moves down the right hand thereafter. Jacob, Weijie and Dominic were making some good forays down the right and one of these led to the equaliser when the ball found Yi Jun in the box. He turned and volleyed first time to fool the RLC GK to bring the score 1-1. The match was quite even at this stage, but a controversial moment led to the momentum shifting in RLC's favour. A long ball in the PMC box was not cleared first time and the high bouncing ball found its way in-between Mark and David, who both tried to clear with their heads. Inexplicably, the ball came off one of their bodies, but out of no where, the referee deemed that one of them had handled the ball intentionally, awarding RLC a penalty. The RLC players themselves were surprised, but their captain gladly stepped up and coolly slotted the penalty away to put RLC 2-1 up. From there, RLC took the wind in their sails and really stroked the ball aggressively to put further pressure on the PMC defence. Although some of their through passes saw their forwards caught offside, they were not to be denied, with 2 goals coming from identical circumstances. Cross-field balls were misjudged by the defenders (in part due to the evening sun shining right in the field of view of the defenders) and the RLC forward only had Jeremy to beat on both occasions to put RLC 4-1 up before the break. PMC tried to force their way back, but long shots from Dominic and a couple of free kicks barely threatened the RLC goal.

The half-time team talk by Kevin focused on keeping the ball better, involving Jingzhong more in attack and clearing the ball first time for the defence. Also, Kee Min had arrived to offer some extra legs for the 2nd half (even though he completed a 30km run earlier in the morning). The following re-jigged side took to the field for the 2nd half, with Nigel in goal:

Yi Jun

Lincoln

Jingzhong - Dominic - Kee Min - Jacob

Damien - Mark - David - Weijie

Nigel

As much as PMC tried to hold their ground in the 2nd half, RLC pretty much started where they left off, using their wingers to good effect, especially down PMC's right side. As much as the PMC defence tried, loose balls often found their way to the feet of the RLC players and their 5th goal soon arrived through much the same fashion as the 1st half, with a defence splitting pass finding a forward with only Nigel left to beat. PMC continued to try to fashion more goals, but to no avail. Things were made worse when the introduction of Jeremy as an outfield player saw it end prematurely when 2 fouls on RLC players saw him being given 2 yellow cards, and sent off. It was certainly not to be PMC's day, but that should not take anything away from a superb RLC performance of fast-paced attacking football.

PMC Cup 2011 - Registration is OPEN!

The time has come for the 6th edition of the PMC Cup. Can't remember who were the former champions of the coveted trophy since 2006? Check out the line-up below:

2006 Champion - Team Perfect 10

2007 Champion - Happy Faces

2008 Champion - The Destroyers

2009 Champion - Paper Airplane

2010 Champion - Paper Airplane

This year, PMC Cup will be returning to its roots and will be played 7-a-side on a half-field pitch. The objective of this year's PMC Cup is to encourage soccer lovers in PMC as well as regular Soccer Fellowship / Soccer Team players to interact and further strengthen the PMC Soccer Community. So don’t wait any longer, get your team together and register early!!!!

Here are the details:

Date - 19th November 2011, Saturday
Time - 3 – 6 pm
Registration Fees - $30 per team
Venue - Coral Secondary School (31 Pasir Ris St 51, Singapore 518901)
http://www.coralsec.moe.edu.sg/contactus_map_public.htm

[Important Note: At least 75% of the team must comprise PMC attendees and/or regular Soccer Fellowship / Soccer Team players]

There will be prizes for the top 4 teams and door gifts for all participants! Registration for the tournament is open from now till 13th November 2011, Sunday but please do register ASAP as we will close registration once the maximum of 8 teams has been reached.

Registration can be in 2 ways -

1. Team registration - Please send an email to maurice523@gmail.com to request for a registration form.

2. Individual registration - Please send an email with your name and age.

Register Now!

PMC 11-a-side Invitational League: PMC vs CMC (23rd October)

Absolutely beautiful weather greeted both teams as they arrived at the 'tiny' Changkat Changi pitch for PMC's 'home' match against CMC. As players were kitting up, Michael started to call players in for devotion. As a gesture of goodwill and friendship, the CMC players went round shaking hands of the PMC players. Michael shared from this edition of the Daily Bread and encouraged all who had placed their hope in Jesus Christ. Michael closed devotion with a word of prayer.

PMC players kitting up for the match

Jacob getting the match ball ready

As the pitch was deemed 'tiny' enough to be unsustainable for an 11-a-side match, the match proceeded with 9-a-side, and no offside rule. The PMC team was set-up to dominate the midfield with a 3-4-1 formation like this:

Yi Jun

Rusydi - Kevin - Kee Min - Jacob

Damien - David - Jeremy Sin

Sean

The match started with the pitch feeling tight, even though there were only 8 outfield players on each side. Also, CMC seemed to be determined to bypass central midfield altogether, by either launching a few long balls directly into the box, or playing the ball quickly to the wings for immediate crosses. All these were warning signs that were not heeded by the PMC team and within 10min, PMC conceded the 1st goal. A high ball was not cleared first time by Damien, and when Sean came off his line, the CMC striker just needed to head the ball over Sean and into the net. The early setback caused PMC to play better, with 2 good chances. First, Jacob's good run down the right wing allowed him some space to shoot, but his drive hit the crossbar. Next, Kevin and Kee Min closed down the CMC defence leading to a loose ball picked up by Kevin, but his stiff shot was directly at the CMC keeper. Having chances but not converting them (sounds like Liverpool...) came back to haunt PMC when too much space was given to a CMC midfielder to run at the defence and unleash an unstoppable shot into Sean's right side of the goal. With the team being 2-0 down, Michael made some changes with Kee Min coming off replaced by Jingzhong (who arrived after kickoff). PMC started to keep the ball better and won a corner. The corner was cleared behind and from Rusydi's 2nd corner, Jacob rose highest to head the ball into goal to bring the score to 2-1. From there, CMC continued to pressure the PMC defence with high balls, which the defence did better to clear. Yi Jun also came off for Jeremy Tan in the closing stages of the 1st half, but the score stayed at 2-1 when the whistle blew for half time.

During the half time team talk, Kevin emphasized that it was exactly the same situation as the 1st match played against CMC at St Pat's and in order to win, PMC would need to concentrate as CMC would surely not let a 2-1 half time lead slip again. The instruction was to start the match with an attacking 3-3-2 line-up to go for the early goal and put pressure on CMC. Also, the defence was advised to clear all high balls first time, and not to let the ball bounce. PMC was also further strengthened with the arrival of Martin during the break and he entered the fray in the following line-up:

Martin - Rusydi

Jingzhong - Kee Min - Jacob

Damien - David - Jeremy Sin

Sean

Within a minute of the re-start, it seemed that PMC's tactics had collapsed. A loose ball picked up by CMC in midfield saw a repeat of CMC's 2nd goal when the exact same player ran at a static PMC defence and unleashed an unstoppable shot. It was 3-1 to CMC, again identical to the previous match. Credit to the PMC players that they did not let their heads drop. Instead, relying on more passing to feet and taking advantage of Martin's experience and skill, PMC clawed back into the match 1 goal at a time. First, good work down the right by Jacob saw him play a neat pass to Martin, who held up the ball, turn his defender, then cross for an onrushing Rusydi to sidefoot a shot past the GK. Although CMC threatened through a number of high balls again, it was all PMC from there. Martin's first goal came when he latched on to a pass from Kee Min down the left and before giving any chance for the defender or GK to react, he fired an unstoppable shot with his left foot into the bottom corner of the net. Within 5min, Martin grabbed his 2nd, only this time, he had received the pass on the edge of the box and swiveled before unleashing another unstoppable shot that had the GK baffled. Lightning had indeed struck twice with PMC again coming back from 3-1 down to lead 4-3. There was even time for PMC to attack further, with CMC seemingly taking their foot off the pedal. Jeremy Tan and Lincoln also came on for Jingzhong and Kee Min respectively. No further goals were scored and the match ended in favour of PMC 4-3, continuing an unbeaten run of 4 games.

During the post-match team talk, Kevin commended the good team work and determination. He also emphasised the need to build psychological resilience during tough matches so that as a team, every player would be at the same level of concentration and be able to play for one another and not have to carry any player who was 'switched off'. Kevin closed in prayer.

Soccer Fellowship Report (15th October)

15 players turned up on a hot sunny afternoon for soccer fellowship. Ronnie started the session and gave a short devotion on the purpose of pain and suffering in our lives. The players were split into a White team and Others team with about 8 per side and with no goal keepers for both sides. As the pitch was small, play was scrappy with lots of short passing and possession soccer. The Others team started brightly and was more enthusiastic and committed in their play which resulted in them scoring freely and led the first half by 6-2 before the 2 teams went for a short break from the scorching sun.

The second half saw the White team more determined to get back into the game with their short passing play and upping the tempo of their game. Their game play worked well which saw them scoring a number of quick goals to even up the score to 8 all mid way into the second half of the game. As the hot weather took its toll on the players and tired legs becoming more evident , play was restricted to midfield with solo dribbes from players of both teams. However there was no denying the Others team which did up give up and they managed to score a few more goals to finish the game 11-9.

The session ended promptly at 5pm as signaled by the game warden and Ronnie gave a short prayer to close the session.

Reported by: Ronnie Liew

Soccer Fellowship (15th October)

Soccer Fellowship is on this Saturday, 15th October at Changkat Changi Secondary School*. 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 Changkat Changi Secondary School is 23 Simei Street 3. It is located within walking distance from Simei MRT Station. The entrance to the field is through a little lane between East Point Green Condominium and Changkat Changi Primary School. You can access the lane from Simei Street 3. Please refer to the map below.

PMC 11-a-side Invitational League: AMC vs PMC (9th October)

It had rained quite a lot the night before and many players could have wondered if the match would be called off due to a water-logged pitch. However, by late morning, the sun was shining intensely, and it remained so when both teams gathered at AMC's home ground of Fairfield Methodist School for the 'top-of-the-table' clash.

As the players kitted up and warmed-up, Rayson from AMC shared a devotion with everyone, touching on the fact that regardless of what life throws at us (even trying to 'bury as like a donkey' sometimes), we can always count on Jesus to help us through. He closed with a word of prayer, just in time, as Shah the referee showed up.

Kevin reminded the PMC team to start playing 'the correct way' from the start, instead of taking too long to settle into the match and always having to make a comeback. The following starting 11 was selected to kick-off:

Martin - Jeremy Tan

Jingzhong - Kee Min - Weijie - Jacob

Damien - David - Dominic - Jeremy Sin

Sean

Lincoln, Nigel, Yi Jun and Kevin formed the bench for the match.

The match kicked off with both teams playing some neat football with nice touches. The slightly bumpy pitch did not seem to deter both teams from playing the ball on the ground, and trying to string passes together. It was AMC who had the better chances to assert their authority initially. With the ball at his feet, AMC's left winger played a number of good balls behind the back four and into the path of the AMC striker, only for last minute interventions by David and Dominic to clear the danger. The early danger seemed to have spurred the PMC team on, as Jacob led the charge from the right wing and Martin used his skill to threaten the AMC defence. On one of Jacob's good moves down the right, his low cross found Jeremy Tan in the box and his first time effort found the corner of the net to put PMC 1-0 up. It did not take long for the AMC to kick into gear again, and the equalizer arrived within 10min. Another lofted pass behind the defence saw the AMC striker easily prod the goal past Sean with the defence rooted. With the score at 1-1, both teams tightened up their defences, and with possession quite even, there was little goalmouth action for the next 15min or so. Both teams took the opportunity to bring on fresh legs, with Yi Jun and Kevin coming on for Jeremy Tan and Weijie respectively. Within another 5min, Lincoln and Nigel came on for Jacob and Jeremy Sin respectively. The substitutions seemed to help, as PMC was able to put some pressure on the AMC goal late in the 1st half. Jingzhong and Yi Jun, both sent shots which stung the AMC GK's hands. Martin was also giving the AMC RB a torrid time, but the couple of corners he won were not converted. Just before half-time, Yi Jun decided to take matters into his own hands. Taking the ball down the left wing, he cut in and drove an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net to put PMC up 2-1 before the referee blew for half-time.



The 2nd half kicked off with a couple of changes, with the instruction being to press for a goal and keeping it tight at the back, as we knew that AMC would come at us in the 2nd half. The match started as expected, with AMC playing free flowing football and using the wings to good effect. Although they won many corners and put considerable pressure on the defence, the PMC back four stood firm and when needed to make a save, Sean was up to the task. Some of his one-handed saves were truly outstanding and definitely kept us in the lead at that stage. On the attacking end, PMC's chances were extremely limited, with nothing much threatening the AMC goal as their defence was always first to the ball. When shots were unleashed they were blocked by the defenders. At about the half-way point of the 2nd half, AMC got the equalizer they were searching for. A long cross from the left found the AMC RM completely unmarked. He was some way out but his well placed header found the top corner of the net to bring the score to 2-2. From that point, it was all to play for and the PMC team tried their best to press for the winner. The best chance the team got was from a free-kick which Lincoln sent crashing against the post. From the resulting goal-mouth scramble, no one could put the ball into the net and AMC managed to clear their lines. The match was pretty much even until the referee blew for full-time.

The match was played in good spirits, and the PMC team showed much better composure and tactical discipline. Although unable to hold its lead twice, the positive approach to the game has really been developing over the last few matches and this augurs well for the matches to come.

Soccer Fellowship Report (1st October)

A new venue in the east with no clear indication of point of entry results in many lost souls nevigating hard to find the right access. Alas, the players finally make their way through the secret entrance hidden in a narrow alley. And of course to their amazement, the pitch was an eye opener to all, hardly able to believe how small and botak the field could get.

The really small and botak pitch, with a 2-lane track around it

Besides the regular, a few long-time-no-see faces join us again in the likes of David Lim and the SA guys Benny and Lester. Jeremy opened up the session with a short devotion, a reminder that little is much with God in it. Thereafter, soccer fellowship began with the guys split into 2 colours, Reds against Others.

Jeremy sharing devotion

The usual multi-tasking of warming up and listening to devotion

1st half action

More 1st half action

As the pitch was relatively small and narrow, it seems jus nice for our attendance, with about 8 per side. Scoring is only possible inside the 6-yard box, with no goal keepers for both sides, so a pretty high scoring session was anticipated. Team others was the first to open the scoring, as a lofted ball into the 6yard box found their striker camping there to tap in. Goals were coming in quick succession, and Team others led the first half 7-3 before both teams take a break from the scorching sun.

The second half saw more short passing play, possible as the weather and tired legs are making solo dribbles more unlikely. Team Red manage to get back into the game, bringing the score to 7-5 before Team Others regain their 4 goal lead to end the game 9-5. Overall it was a pretty good run-out for everyone, as we get familiarise with this new 'home' pitch. Time on the ball is now much reduced as the space available has now been very much reduced and players are being closed down very fast. Thus a quick passing game and good finishing shot is often all thats needed to score a goal.

The session soon ended, and Jeremy closed the session with a short prayer. A reminder that PMC is playing the next competitive game against AMC come sunday, so guys please keep your fitness level up!

Adios!