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)