Goalkeepers Michael & Sean ready for the match
Warming up for the match
Nothing like quick passes to get ready for the match on the narrow pitch
With players from both teams having arrived before 3pm, Singspiration started with Kevin leading everyone in the familiar chorus of 'Lord I Lift Your Name on High', which relates the salvation message of Jesus coming to earth, dying on the cross and His resurrection to save us from our sins. Following the song, Jacob shared his testimony about how he developed a relationship with Jesus much later in his teens, even though he had been a Christian since 12-years-old. Recounting how he badly injured his wrist just before his A-level exams, Jacob shared how that incident allowed him to trust completely in Jesus to provide strength as he prepared to take his A-levels, culminating in good grades.
The PMC pre-match team talk focused on putting up a good defensive performance in the first half and taking a very direct approach to the PPCC goal, with the following line-up:
Isaiah
Jingzhong - Rusydi - Jacob
Kevin - Kee Min
Damien - Mark - Daniel Low
Marcus
Sean
From the kickoff, PPCC put pressure on the PMC defence, signalling what was to come for the rest of the half. It didn't help that from the 2nd kick of the game, Kee Min played a 'suicide' pass, short to Daniel, who had no choice but to obstruct the PPCC midfielder just outside the PMC box. Although nothing came out of the PPCC freekick, it started wave after wave of PPCC attacks on PMC, most notably from the wings, and much involvement from PPCC's #14, #11 and #20. It took more than 5min before PMC got some time on the ball, and Jingzhong immediately released Jacob on the right, who although had a straight path to goal, was quickly tracked down by PPCC's #3, who cleared the ball to safety. That was the significant edge that the PPCC players had over PMC in the early exchanges- quick acceleration and their ability to win the ball on the ground, leaving PMC to chase shadows for much of the first 20min. When the ball did get to Isaiah, his flick-ons were either not followed-up or he was left isolated to take on the PPCC defence all by himself, to no avail. At the 25th min mark, the first incident took place near PMC's right corner. A robust physical exchange took between Daniel and PPCC's #14 as Daniel sought to stop his opponent from encroaching into the PMC box. An audible obscenity was uttered by the #14, a result of his frustration at the referee Dave for not blowing for a foul in his favour. The referee took the lenient approach and gave the #14 a warning. His leniency would see players from both teams not carded, even though there were some tough challenges going around. Clearly, PMC's defensive display was frustrating PPCC as they had not failed to score in their 2 previous matches. Mark and Marcus were putting on an excellent rearguard action, especially Marcus, who was drafted into the team late on Saturday, and whose last match was in April. Committing more players forward, PPCC left some gaps in midfield, allowing Jacob, Rusydi and Isaiah to find some space but without any clear-cut chances to show for their efforts. The closest PMC got was when Isaiah wiggled his way into the box and fired a cross-shot which Kee Min almost met earlier than the PPCC GK, but it was not to be. Nonetheless, as the referee blew for half-time, it was PMC who walked off more positive, having played well-disciplined defensive football, frustrating PPCC and making the 2nd half anybody's game.
As players caught their breath and had a drink following a rather brutal first half, Kevin commended the team on their excellent work. Encouraging the team to carry on playing with heart, Kevin also highlighted the need to keep the first 10min of the half goal-free, as PPCC would surely come at PMC from kickoff, looking for an early goal. Only 1 change was made at half-time, with Michael replacing Sean in goal. Substitutions would be made slowly so as not to de-stabilize the team.
As expected, the 2nd half kicked-off with PPCC coming straight at PMC. It was more rearguard heroics from PMC's back four and the PMC fullbacks were visibly tiring, with Damien slightly slower to the ball, and Daniel unable to support the attack. Still, PMC held firm and counter-attacks again proved fruitless with Isaiah still isolated, and the wingers unable to support him due to their commitment to defensive duties. With the score at 0-0 leading into the final 30min, it took a dead-ball situation paired with an obstructed referee to deliver the first goal to PPCC. From a corner, PMC was unable to clear the first ball. The 2nd ball in the box appeared clearly to be handled by a PPCC player, but the referee made no call, probably having been obstructed. As the ball trickled outside the box, an onrushing PPCC player fired a stiff shot with his left foot that gave Michael no chance. PPCC got the breakthrough that their possession deserved, but it was harsh for PMC. The game immediately opened up after that as PMC needed to pour more resources forward in search of an equalizer. Within 5min of the first goal, PMC conceded a 2nd. As all PMC players pushed up on an attack, the ball was lost and broke directly to the PPCC forward, who only had Mark to beat, and then Michael in a one-on-one situation. He was faultless as he put PPCC 2-0 up. Offensive substitutions were immediately made by PMC to see if they could turn things around, with Steve coming on for Jingzhong, and then Lincoln for Jacob. However, the space created in midfield left PMC's defence more exposed, which resulted in a 3rd goal conceded through similar circumstances as the 2nd. The nail in PMC's coffin was hammered in when Damien lost the ball on the left to PPCC's right winger, who confidently took the ball into the box. Daniel did his best to cover and tackle, but took the winger down instead, leading to a penalty being awarded and Daniel receiving a yellow card, PMC's first of this year's league. Although the first penalty attempt by PPCC's #3 was successful, it had to be re-taken as their #14 had encroached into the PMC box before the penalty was taken. Again, the referee chose to warn him without a card, even though it was more than his 3rd infringement of the match. At the 2nd attempt, PPCC's #3 was just as clinical, putting the ball well beyond Michael's reach. At 4-0 down, PMC brought on Jeremy Tan in place of Isaiah and Yi Jun for Damien, to signal an all-out attack, with just 3 at the back and the rest up front in search of goals. This appeared to pay quick dividends as Marcus' ability to hold up the ball and shoot from range gave Yi Jun half a chance, which he anticipated well. Running onto the ball and reaching it before the PPCC GK, Yi Jun got his 3rd goal of the league. This was also PPCC's 1st goal conceded this season, and PMC took the encouragement to launch its first wave of sustained attacks. Tried as they did, PMC could not breach the PPPC goal for the 2nd time, despite some chances. PMC also did not concede anymore goals despite 1 or 2 close shaves.
As the referee blew for full time, both sides strode to the centre of the pitch to shake hands, a sign of friendship despite the very competitive match played. For all the defensive heroics of the first half, the result was perhaps a fair one, with PPCC enjoying at least 70% of possession over the course of the match. Credit also to the PPCC players for competing hard but fair for most of the match.
The full-time team talk focused again on the positives first, with Mark encouraging the team for a much improved spirit and togetherness from previous years. Kevin echoed this and asked the team to reflect on their own performance and not to be discouraged if they had indeed given everything on the pitch. For the areas for improvement, PMC could continue to do better by clearing dangerous balls more effectively, and not taking too many touches, especially against very quick teams like PPCC. Isaiah closed in prayer at the end of the team talk.
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