The Soccer Team continued their preparations for the upcoming CrossRoad Cup 2012 but taking on Evangel Baptist Church for the 2nd time this year. In March, PMC romped to a 4-1 win but knowing that EBC had strengthened its team since then, PMC was not going to be complacent. As the players gathered at Pasir Ris Crest Secondary, a positive gesture took place before the start of the match, as all players gathered in the centre circle for prayer before kick-off.
Mark kitting up to make his return after injury lay-off
The PMC starting line-up was slightly constrained due to a few late-comers, but was still largely intact from the previous matches:
Yi Jun - Jeremy Tan
Lincoln - Kevin - Kee Min - Jingzhong
Damien - Mark - Jacob - Daniel Low
Sean
It was clear from the 1st whistle that EBC had toughened up their squad and were keen to put on a good showing. Their players moved the ball quickly and put in some robust challenges to state their intent. EBC created the initial chances as PMC did not close down their players quickly enough, but the defenders and Sean did enough to keep it scoreless. After about 5min, PMC began to settle into the match and tried to give Yi Jun and Jeremy the ball quickly. Yi Jun had a few early chances but his shots were either too tame, or high and wide. Jeremy also made some hard runs into the box but made too many tough challenges, leading to an early caution. Consistent with many of this year's matches, PMC weathered the early storm well and took the lead through a set-piece. This time, it was Damien who stepped up to a free-kick outside the box to curl home a sweet left-foot shot. PMC hardly had time to consolidate their lead when EBC hit back with their first goal. The ball was lost in midfield, and EBC's left winger sent in a speculative cross which evaded everyone, including Sean, as it curled into the far top corner of the net. It was 1-1 with the pace of the game increasing and players not getting much time on the ball. PMC took the lead again mid-way through the 1st half with Yi Jun getting the ball on the left and putting in a good cross, which Lincoln dummied, allowing Jingzhong to fire into the net from the far post. It was a well-worked goal for the PMC team. However, EBC again showed their fighting spirit to bring the match level. A rehearsed free-kick saw EBC players beat PMC's off-side trap to easily put away the ball past Sean to make it 2-2. The pulsating 1st half came to an end with all to play for.
With the rest of PMC's players arriving during the 1st half, the team talk was a productive time of encouraging one another and making tactical changes. In particular, the midfield needed to be more commanding and communication would also need to improve throughout. As Martin would put it succinctly, it was "too quiet". The 2nd half starting 11 was:
Martin
Rusydi
Jingzhong - Kevin - Kee Min - Jacob
Daniel Chen - Mark - Dominic - Maurice
Sean
The team talk and tactical changes seemed to do wonder as from kick-off, the PMC team had the lion's share of the ball and pressed forward to score. The 'triangles' between Rusydi, Kee Min and Jacob on the right, and Jingzhong, Kevin and Martin on the left produced early chances with Martin especially coming close. He was not to be denied even from a wide position when his cross-shot found the EBC GK napping to put PMC 3-2 up. Within moments, Rusydi contributed through a direct free-kick which the GK could only parry, allowing Martin to tap home from close range, again showing excellent positioning in he box. After 15min of controlling the match and leading 4-2, the PMC substitutions flowed to give everyone a run-out in the match. First to come on after a lengthy absence was Joel, who replaced Kevin, with Jacob coming into the middle and Joel playing wide right. Sean also came off for Michael to take his place between the sticks. However, within minutes of coming on, Joel gave the ball away in midfield, leading to a high ball being played into the PMC box. With no opponents in sight, Mark and Michael inexplicably mis-communicated, with Mark heading the ball to Michael as he charged off the line, allowing the ball to trickle into an empty net. EBC players were encouraged by the free gift and brought the ball to the circle for kick-off with 20min remaining. Soon, Daniel Low came back on for Maurice, Damien for Daniel Chen, Lincoln for Jacob and Kevin on at CB for Mark, who limped off. With the many changes, the game break down to 1st half scrappiness, allowing EBC to take advantage late in the game when a fast break saw the EBC forward chip Michael, who was in no-man's-land. A similar goal to the one conceded in the recent GIBC match. With the score at 4-4, PMC pressed in the remaining minutes for the winner. Jingzhong had the most chances, with shots going high and wide. Daniel Low's only chances through a header crashed off the post and Rusydi's shots also could not find the net. The referee blew for full-time and even though PMC players scored 5 goals, the match finished 4-4.
The EBC GK giving Jacob a handshake after the match
PMC players de-kitting after the match
The full-time team talk focused on a job well done, especially during the 1st 15min of the 2nd half. Emphasis was again given on the need to improve communication and playing to our individual roles and abilities, as opposed to trying to do everything and being a 'superstar' on the pitch (with reference to holding the ball too long). Martin also chipped in with encouragement to Daniel Low for developing maturity and self-control over the years.
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