Alpha Cup Match Report #2: PMC vs PPCC (21st September)

PMC took on this year’s CRC finalists, PPCC, at East View Secondary School with the match starting off on a positive note for PMC who this time had at least more than a starting 11 and lined up as follows:

David Sng

JZ - Kevin - Jacob

Kee Min - Samuel

Weijie - Jeremy Sin - Daniel Low

Felix

Winston

The match kicked off in the scorching heat and PMC were soon on the back foot against their younger and quicker opponents. In particular, PPCC’s right back was giving everybody all sorts of problems with his pace and crosses but PMC defended stoutly and did well to keep a foothold in the game. Given the small pitch, PMC’s main outlets were JZ and Jacob on the flanks who did their best to work their way into PPCC’s half and put in crosses for PMC’s forwards to challenge for.

It wasn’t too long before PPCC scored when an innocuous free kick was missed by all 4 players going for the ball (3 from PMC and 1 from PPCC), allowing the ball to loop above everyone and into the unguarded net. 

This pressed PMC into some action with good work again down the flanks by JZ and Jacob. PMC focused on putting the ball into the PPCC’s box with PMC’s forwards coming close on several occasions but failing to make the most of their chances.

However, PPCC’s second goal soon came from some hesitant defending again by PMC as PPCC’s forward was allowed time to control a loose ball on the edge of PMC’s box and pick his spot – 2-0 to PPCC.

Rather than caving in, this seemed to spur PMC into life and after some substitutions, PMC started to impose themselves more in the match. A good pick out by Joel on the touchline presented KM with a good opportunity but not having scored for the past 3 seasons showed as the ball was put agonisingly close over the crossbar.

This brought the first half to a close with PPCC holding on to their 2 goal lead. The half time team talk focused on getting back to basics and focusing on the fundamentals.

The second half kicked off with PMC determined to find a way back into the match but knowing that it wouldn’t be easy against the beaten CRC finalists.

PMC set out to win the 50-50 balls and impose themselves on the match. Determined pressing and quick passing to feet by PMC presented Tim with an opportunity which he floated gloriously above the PPCC keeper – still 2-1 to PPCC but with all to play for.

PPCC were still proving themselves dangerous and threatened PMC’s goal on occasion. However, PMC’s backline and keeper showed none of the hesitancy of the first half and proved themselves more than capable of dealing with any threat which came their way.

This time PMC went route one football and won the first ball which fell nicely to Tim. Still with all to do, Tim beat his man and fired a stiff shot into the bottom corner which gave PPCC’s keeper no chance – 2-2 and the win was up for grabs.

PPCC were clearly tiring given that they had no substitutes available and it showed as the 50-50 balls started to go PMC’s way. Jacob who had come back on was continuing his good work down the right flank and put in a good cross which evaded everybody except PPCC’s net - 3-2 to PMC and the win was in sight.

PPCC showed good determination to try and come back but try as they might, the PMC defence stood firm and made sure that the ball went any and everywhere other than the PMC box. The final whistle brought welcome relief to everybody on the pitch and congratulations to both sets of players for a good and hard fight on the pitch.  

Reported by Lee Kee Min.