Justin
Jingzhong - Isaiah - Daniel Low
Kee Min - Jeremy Sin
Damien - Jacob - Samuel
Steve
David Lim
PMC enjoyed the lion's share of possession in the early running against what seemed like a young, fit but inexperienced team with no leader on the pitch. However, despite the possession and one or two chances for the forward pairing of Justin and Isaiah, the PMC team could not find a break through, with the BENS GK having little to do. David Lim in the PMC goal was similarly untroubled, as BENS was left to do counter-attacking that did not bear fruit. PMC's numerous set pieces were also unconverted, especially one free kick that Jacob delivered beautifully into Isaiah's path, but was saved bravely by the BENS GK. It was thus quite a sucker punch when BENS scored the first goal through a corner that was flicked into the path of a player left completely unmarked. He had the simplest of tasks to knock the ball past a stranded David. With the score at 1-0 to BENS, PMC continued to pressure the BENS goal, but even with some nice passing in midfield, there was no real final ball for the forwards to convert. Mark came on for his first outing of the pre-season in place of Steve and Lincoln came on for Daniel Low to add a different dimension to the wing play. Possession was good, but half-time came without any breakthrough for PMC.
One of the many freekicks that went PMC's way in the first half
Justin & Isaiah try to work together
Jeremy Sin- PMC's captain for Season 2013
As players took a breather during the half-time team talk, Kevin commended the team for winning possession and retaining it well. However, much improvement was needed in the area of finding a route to goal. Daniel Chen came on in place of Damien to start the 2nd half with the rest of the team mostly intact. However, within minutes of the re-start, Lincoln limped off with a foot injury, prompting Justin to move to RM with Steve coming on at CF. This enforced change led to some good chances, and when a free kick was awarded outside the box, Isaiah did not waste the opportunity and curled a beautiful one into the corner of the net. The next change came when Justin came off for Weijie, with Jacob moving to RM and Weijie playing as CB. However, Weijie himself picked up a knock within 5 minutes of coming on, prompting Wei En to come in at LB with Daniel Chen moving in at CB. It took a couple more minutes and more players changes before the shape of the team looked 'right' and for PMC to press for the winning goal. This came mid-way through the 2nd half when a melee in the box left Isaiah open to plant a header past the GK. It was 2-1 to PMC with the wind in their sails. Joel and Kevin then came on for Jingzhong and Steve, with more re-organisation to ensure that the team held the lead till the final whistle. During all this time, the only clear-cut chances BENS had were either shot wide, or brilliantly saved by a flying David. PMC even had a chance to score a 3rd goal when a Daniel Low free kick found its way to Kevin with only the GK to beat. However, being in such an unfamiliar situation, Kevin fluffed his shot wide when placing it in the corner would have sufficed. The miss did not come back to haunt the team as PMC was able to hold on to the lead for the win.
The pre-season ended positively with PMC winning it's last 2 games and not conceding from open play in 2.5 matches. Everyone was encouraged as Jacob closed the team-talk session in pray, specially asking for healing for Lincoln and Weijie.
No comments:
Post a Comment