Soccer Fellowship (3rd March)

We have finally managed to secure a full-sized field! Soccer Fellowship is on this Saturday, 3rd 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.

Friendly match vs HFC Report (26th February)

It was raining in some parts of the island on Sunday afternoon, causing some players to question whether the match would be on. Feelings were mixed as many players were unavailable this weekend, and a number of veterans had to come make up the numbers, including 2 friends joining the Soccer Team for the 1st time. Nonetheless the weather cleared, and weather was perfect as players arrived at Greenview Secondary to take on Harvester Football Club. The only confusion that greeted us was that the Hinghwa Methodist Church team had also turned up, and as they found out later, at the wrong field!

David & Isaiah kitting up for the match

As the players warmed up, we could see that HFC was a much changed side from the one we beat 2-1 late last year. The players were younger and there were many new faces amongst the 20 players they had. Certainly this must have been orchestrated with their participation in the ESPZen league in mind. We were also most surprised to see Benny (Brian's friend) in their ranks, and if his ability was now the new standard for HFC, we knew we would be in for a tough time. With just 13 players arriving at kick-off, the following PMC team was fielded:

Isaiah - Steve

Daniel Chen - Kevin - Kee Min - Yi Jun

Damien - David - Jeremy - Jacob

Michael

It was clear from the start that HFC was going to play possession football. Keeping the ball at their feet and passing the ball round comfortably, the PMC team spent much of the 1st few minutes keeping shape and breaking the play up. In the middle, it was clear that Benny was pulling the strings for the revamped HFC team. On the wings, HFC's wingers were speedy and tricky, but Damien and Jacob dealt with them ably. PMC was left to play a counter-attacking game with some long balls to Steve and Isaiah. Although HFC enjoyed the lion's share of possession in the 1st 20min, they could not break down the determined PMC rear-guard, which performed commendably. Michael also proved to be a safe pair of hands. However on the attack, PMC also did not offer much, with the midfield being closed down quickly. It was thus left to the long ball to trouble the HFC defence and on more than one occasion, Isaiah and Steve found the time and space to take pot-shots which the HFC keeper dealt with. However, he had absolutely no chance when a pass from Steve saw Isaiah curl a right-foot shot from outside the box which went straight into goal. HFC was certainly stunned that PMC had taken the lead. To keep things fresh on the wings, PMC brought on Lincoln in place of Yi Jun on the right and Lincoln's friend Jonathan came in up front for Daniel Chen, with Isaiah moving to the left wing.

Being a goal down certainly galvanized HFC into pressing for the equaliser, with Benny again, orchestrating moves with his fine range of passing. However, the better chances actually fell to PMC, with both Steve and Isaiah having one-on-one chances with the keeper, but not being able to convert. Such wastefulness (similar to that of the newly crowned League Cup champions) came back to bite PMC when Benny was allowed to run across from the right wing, to the middle of the park where he launched a stiff grounder that beat Michael. It was not the best time to concede, being only a few minutes away from half-time.

The PMC Team photo taken at half-time after a commendable 1st half performance

After a short break and team talk, PMC took the field looking for another good performance through improved possession and ball movement. The team started with the same line-up that ended the 1st half, with Daniel Chen departing for a family function. On the bench at the start was Yi Jun, Samuel Eyo, Yuen Wai and Jacob's friend Cheng Qian, who joined us for the first time.

The 2nd half started with HFC fielding a much-changed side, clearly intending on giving all their 20 players a run out. With the freshness in their legs and quality maintained, HFC was again enjoying the bulk of possession and probing the PMC backline with intent. It required some good interventions from Jeremy and Michael to keep HFC at bay. Unfortunately, PMC was soon 3-1 down when defensive errors led to 2 quick goals conceded. 1st, a cross-field ball was mis-judged by David, who did not catch the HFC forward running from his blind side. The pass was controlled and well placed beyond Michael for HFC's 2nd goal. Still reeling from this goal, PMC's defence was again in disarray, unable to contain Benny, who dribbled a fair distance before unleashing another unstoppable shot past Michael. It looked grim being 3-1 down and HFC on the front foot.

PMC truly called upon its reserves and fighting spirit to claw its way back into the match. Making a positive change by bringing on Yi Jun for Jonathan, PMC started its fight back by constantly playing a direct style to trouble the HFC backline. Being complacent, HFC even 'allowed' Isaiah and Steve to steal the ball from them more than once, but conversion proved a problem yet again. However, on one foray into the HFC box, a HFC defender played the ball with his hand. The referee had an easy decision to award the penalty. Isaiah stepped up and coolly blasted the ball past the helpless HFC keeper to pull one back for PMC. That had to be Isaiah's last contribution to the team as he had to leave for a family dinner. He was replaced by Samuel, with Yuen Wai coming on for David. Another tactical switch saw Jacob taking Kevin's place in midfield to add more drive, with Kevin doing right-back duty. PMC was certainly energized by the goal and with Kee Min and Jacob driving the midfield, a number of good opportunities fell PMC's way. On one move, a cross found its way to Yi Jun in the box, with only the keeper to beat. Taking what seemed like a lifetime to control the ball, he calmly slotted it past the keeper, low into the corner, with the keeper completely rooted. PMC had amazingly come from 2 down to make it 3-3. The match would have ended on a sweet note like that, but with 20 more minutes to play, it still looked to be anybody's game. Cheng Qian came on for Lincoln as the last substitution for PMC in order to freshen things up, albeit slightly.

However, with more players, and squad rotation to keep their team fresh, HFC capitalised on tired PMC legs and some inexperience to take the match. Firstly, Cheng Qian found himself in the unenviable position of last man, having been pushed back by onrushing HFC players. Losing the ball to the HFC forward, Michael had no chance in the one-on-one situation. Next, PMC lost possession of the ball in midfield, and although the HFC had both Jeremy and Yuen Wai to beat, he managed to twist, turn and then fire a low shot which Michael could only parry into the bottom corner. The 5-3 scoreline surely did not look reflective of the match from PMC's point of view. With 10 min still left to play PMC once again pushed for a comeback, which almost came in the form of a clear-cut penalty when a HFC player handled in the box again. However this time, the referee completely missed it, much to the relief of HFC's captain, who even apologized on behalf of the referee. Next, Jacob had a glorious chance to pull one back when he expertly rolled the defender on the box, only to fire high with his weaker left foot. The final chance of the match fell to Yi Jun after a good move. Jeremy confidently dribbled the ball out of defence and played a good through ball to Steve on the right wing. Steve's cross evaded all of HFC's defenders and keeper, finding Yi Jun on the far post. With the goal at his mercy, Yi Jun was unable to control his header, firing it over. That was the last act of the game as the referee blew for full-time.

It was certainly another good learning experience for the PMC Team. Steve encouraged everyone by saying how much the team had grown since he started playing with us 2 years ago. Kevin closed in prayer, thanking God for the experience and keeping all players injury free.

To read HFC's version of the match, follow this link.

Soccer Fellowship (18th Feb 2012)

We were initially refused entry into the school because of water-logged pitch

The pitched looked fine after we 'forced' our way in

Hi everyone, I apologise for such a late update of this session's update. On that day, we welcomed first-time participants Mark(scorer), Andrew and Wenbin. All of them are Wei Jie's friends (same army camp & JC). We thank God for their participation.

Weijie & friends kitting up

Michael then opened the session with a simple devotion to God on the topic, The Rat Race, focusing on what kind of worldly race men have been running for but never seems to end. After a short prayer, we started our session with about six other regular PMC players and played a 5-a-sidehalf-field game. It was a good work-out for most of us, with Michael the usual suspect in fitness due to his medical condition (LOL). The game could have gone either after abt an hour or so of play (with a small break in between), with goals from Kee Min, Jacob, Kelvin, Wei Jie, Mark & Wenbin giving a score of 3-3. In between, there were moments of good defending & attacking moves. However, the most glaring was Michael who missed a few chances of creating goal-scoring opportunities for his team mates with his selfish play.

John & Yuen Wai after the enjoyable session

Soccer Fellowship (18th February)

Soccer Fellowship is ON this Saturday, 18th February at Changkat Changi Secondary School*. The session will be from 3 - 5 pm. Even though the pitch is small, it is ideal for 9-a-side matches. Do come down if you can!

Please bring more than 1 coloured jersey so that we can distribute everyone into teams as necessary. 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.

Soccer Fellowship (11 Feb 2012) Report

The players were greeted by a scorching hot weather as they subsequently arrived Changkat Changi Secondary School. The centre of the pitch was found to be barren and solid, which increased the level of difficulty to play on it.

Before the game started, Jacob shared about his broken wrist accident and how God had helped him throughout the crucial period of A'Levels in 2009. He related this experience to Psalm 3:5-6, which says " Trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

With a shortage of players turning up, they started the game with 4-a-side with Reds against Blues. The Blue side were made up of younger players and they were able to pull open the Reds' defense using their pace, creating more opportunities in the early minutes. The Reds put up a stern defense but were soon found themselves trailing the Blues by 2 goals. With some re-organisation after a new player joined the Reds, the Reds were able to capitalise their numerical advantage. With some neat passes and possession, the Reds leveled the score 2-2 by the half time.

Using benches as goalposts

Taking a break during halftime

Jingzhong demonstrating the art of juggling

The 2nd half started off with 5-a-side after Kevin showed up and was quickly gotten into action. The Blues began the match again with an offensive fashion while the Reds were forced to sit back but were able to conduct some effective counter-attacks. Although the Blues were able to lead the score 4-2, they had started to lose their pace and stamina. The Reds then piled up the pressure and leveled the score 4-4. Before the end of the 2nd half, Jeremy Tan and Jacob had cramps subsequently, leaving the Blues with 3 players to face waves of attacks from the Reds. However, the match ended shortly after that with the final score unchanged.

Soccer Fellowship (11th February)

We hope everyone had a blessed Chinese New Year with the family, friends & feasting! For those who over-feasted, it's time to hit the field again!

We are having Soccer Fellowship this Saturday, 11th February at Changkat Changi Secondary School*. The session will be from 3 - 5 pm.

Please bring more than 1 coloured jersey so that we can distribute everyone into teams as necessary. 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.

Friendly match vs AMC Report (5th January)

PMC made the long journey to Dover Road to take on AMC on their home turf for the 1st time in 2012. Being a day before the Chinese 'Chap Goh Meh', the PMC team was made up of 12 players and 3 guests (Isaiah, Shannon and Clement). This was in contrast to the AMC team which had at least 30 players turn up. Nonetheless, with whoever had arrived on time, PMC fielded the strongest possible team to take on AMC:

Yi Jun - Jeremy Tan

Jingzhong - Isaiah - Kee Min - Lincoln

Damien - Kevin - Daniel - Nigel

Michael

The match started with AMC on the front foot and completely pegging PMC in their own half. In the first 5 mins alone, PMC had to withstand wave after wave of AMC attacks, most notably from corners and long throws. PMC had to thank the post and Damien on the line for preventing AMC goals. The make-shift defence tried their best to cope with the onslaught and it was a miracle that it was still scoreless after 5 mins. Even more remarkable was that on a fast break, Damien played a sweet through ball to Jingzhong who took it down the left wing and squeezed the ball into AMC's goal via the near post. AMC looked completely stunned as PMC took the lead with their 1st attack of the game. Immediately after the re-start, AMC unleashed waves of onslaught and only some good work by the defenders and confident ball handling by Michael denied AMC an immediate goal. However, the defence could only hold on for so long, and when a corner was only cleared to the edge of the box, an AMC midfielder made no mistake by volleying it into the top corner of PMC's goal to make the score 1-1. PMC tried to hold on to the ball and gain a foothold in the match, but the ball was often lost in midfield, or played aimlessly forward. With AMC having more possession, it was only a matter of time before they scored their 2nd. This time, it was a corner that evaded all the defenders and Michael, allowing an AMC striker to head into an empty net. Within 15 mins, the score was 2-1 to AMC. By this time however, reinforcements arrived in the form of PMC's 1st choice centre-back pairing of Dominic and Jeremy Sin, who took the field to replace Jeremy Tan and Nigel. With some reshuffling and better organisation, PMC had better control of the ball and was able to carve out good chances for Yi Jun and Isaiah, but the AMC keeper was always up to the task. Credit must be given to Jeremy Sin and Dominic for shoring up the defence and shutting AMC out for the rest of the half (and the rest of the game actually...).

Daniel, Jingzhong & Damien taking a well-deserved break

Kee Min, Isaiah & Neil making full use of the half-time break

Start of the 2nd half

With more players to choose from in the 2nd half and some fresh legs, PMC took the field looking for an equaliser. Neil, Clement, Shannon and Ming Kiat came out for their first run-out of the afternoon. AMC also took the opportunity to change out their entire first-half 11 and started with a completely new team. PMC was much more composed in the 2nd half and held on to the ball well. Some neat one-touch play also allowed Yi Jun and Jingzhong to break towards goal, but they were ruled offside. When the big chance did arrive, only Ming Kiat will know how the ball did not end up in the back of AMC's net. A long ball forwards caught AMC's defenders ball watching, with only Ming Kiat making his run to meet the ball. However, his first time volley was sent high over the bar. AMC hardly threatened in the 2nd half, resorting mostly to corners and free kicks, which the steady defence was able to deal with. PMC had a few more good chances that fell to Jeremy Tan, Lincoln and Yi Jun, but all of them went begging through misses, or good goalkeeping by the AMC keeper. The final kick of the game saw Yi Jun hitting a stiff shot high and wide.

With the referee departing, PMC and AMC continued to play a 3rd period of 40min in Soccer Fellowship style, with AMC winning 2-0.

Soccer Fellowship (28 Jan 2012) Report

Perfect weather greeted the players as they arrived at the Changkat Changi School, a stark contrast to the torrential rains, thunder and flooding of the previous week. But while the gentle breeze may have improved playing conditions, the depleted player numbers ensured that the game was going to be physically demanding.

Samuel sharing devotion before the start of Soccer Fellowship

Before we started playing, Samuel Eyo shared his struggle and trial during 2003 to 2004 and he used Psalm 18:30-36 to relate his renewed faith with God.

The Lord is my rock and my fortress. - Psalm 18:2

From the Daily Bread: " Don't stand out in life's storms alone. Seek God's shelter. Ask Him to portect you. Make sure you have received His forgiveness. get close to the Rock of Ages. It's life's safest spot. - Dave Branon"

Sorted by shirt colour, the Reds and Blues started with a mere five and four players respectively. Capitalising on this numerical advantage, the Blues quickly gained the early ascendancy. Fast running through the centre and some excellent short passing saw the Blues score the first few goals. At the other end, simple goal opportunities were squandered, creating wide spaces for the Blues to channel their counter-attacks. Attempting to wrestle back the initiative, the Reds only pushed forward harder and harder, leaving their defense more and more exposed. The Blues were fast to exploit this, and before long the lead had grown to 4-0.

At this point, in the interest of a fair game, the Blues surrendered a player to the Reds. At first this had no effect – the Blues were perfectly content to sit back and defend, the score plateaued. The reds managed a consolation goal before half time however still trailed by three goals at the break.

Grass cutters showed up for work, but we turned them away!

Justin & Daniel taking a well-deserved break

As play resumed, the tempo of the game lifted (both teams now re-energised), and a flurry of well-constructed goals saw the Reds’ bring the score to 5-4. Buoyed by this success, the Reds reverted to the pressing tactics that had cost them dearly in the first half. Now however the effect was even worse – plagued with fatigue, the Reds’ attackers struggled to regain defensive positions when the ball was turned over. Misplaced passes were swooped on by the Blues as their counterparts struggled to hold possession. On the other hand, the Blues adapted to the sluggish game best, biding their time with risk-free, seemingly ineffectual passes before pouncing on any gaps. The tactic ensured control of the ball despite their player shortage, and saw the Blues score the last three goals to take the day.

Final score: 8-4.

Reported by: Matthew Vethecan (Samuel Eyo's nephew)