Friendly Match: PMC 4 -1 GIBC

PMC ran out 4-1 winners in their first friendly match of 2012 against a young GIBC side. The game was keenly contested with the scoreline somewhat flattering PMC. Nevertheless, it was a good performance by the team who won the game courtesy of 2 own goals by GIBC, Jing Zhong and Dominic.

First PMC team photo of 2012. Here's to a good year ahead!

PMC started the game with a 4-4-1-1 formation.

Yijun

Dominic

Jing Zhong - Kevin - Kee Min - Jacob

Ming Kiat - Mark - Jeremy - Daniel

Michael

In spite of the bumpy pitch, PMC controlled the game right from the off with Kee Min and Kevin sitting deep, allowing Dominic to act as the link between attack and defence. With a team consisting of players who have already played with each other for 1 or 2 years, PMC settled into a comfortable rhythm despite a 1.5 month hiatus.

PMC scored their first goal through a mistake by GIBC's right back. The young players of GIBC showed their lack of maturity with their right back getting caught in possession on the edge of their penalty box by Jing Zhong, who proceeded to beat the goalkeeper at the far post. 1-0 to PMC.

After the goal, PMC let their foot off the gas and let GIBC back into the game, who managed to hit the goal post on a few occasions. The equalizer came via a swift counter-attack although PMC had a strong case of offside that was turned down by the referee. GIBC's right winger picked up the ball on the edge of his penalty box from a PMC corner and sprinted up the field, linking up well with their striker who slipped the ball through the defence for the right winger who was a step ahead of the defensive line to slip the ball underneath Michael for the equalizer.

At half time, the game was delicately poised at 1-1.

PMC started off on the back foot in the second half, having to withstand heavy pressure from GIBC who were growing in confidence, particularly their striker who led the line well despite being up against the likes of Mark and Jeremy. However, PMC held strong and defended well and managed to take the lead via an own goal with GIBC's centre back accidentally diverting the ball past his keeper from a cross down the right flank.

From then on, PMC held a death grip on the game. A brilliant through ball from Daniel put Dominic through and he made no mistake with a first time finish past the hapless GIBC keeper. The goal put to bed any GIBC hopes of getting back into the game. From then on, it was exercise "Keep Ball" with PMC keeping possession. In the last 10 minutes of the game, PMC were gifted another goal, with the GIBC right back scoring another own goal to give PMC an unassailable 4-1 lead .

It was undoubtedly a good result for the team, especially with it being the first game many have played since the end of the year. There were many positives that can be taken away from the game although Kevin did highlight the need to try and attack while keeping possession and not holding onto the ball for the sole purpose of preventing the opposition from getting it.

All in all, it was a good workout for those who came and a huge welcome back to Justin, who returned to the fray after a long absence from the team.

By Tan Ming Kiat