The weather that day seemed to be pretty confused with light showers and rays of sunshine battling it out in the sky. The turnout was pretty good, with more panthers this time round, keen to make amends for the previous weeks loss.
The game soon started 11 a side, with each team having 5( more or less) substitutes, Panthers in the blue and Pandas in red. The game started and the panthers, clearly on the prowl for possession, had the battle won in midfield, where many tackles were made and balls were closed down quickly, giving rise to many attacking opportunities. We soon took the lead and added another goal shortly. Changes were made, and the pandas soon found vulnerabilities in the panther defence. From a corner, the panthers earned a penalty via handball. The panda converted the set piece comfortably.
HALF TIME
Panthers: Pandas
2:1
The 2nd half started exaclty like the previous half, with the pandas gaining dominance of possision. On the counter, the panthers extended their lead yet again. The pandas pulled one back through another corner. Looks like we panthers have to practice defending set pieces.
With 20 minutes or so left to go, both sides made changes. The panthers scored one more to seal the game
final score
4:2
p.s. sry if i remembered the scores/game wrongly!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Sign-up for Panthers' Agape Cup match .vs. TCFC
Hi Panthers,
Good job on the field against the Pandas yesterday. Victory aside, I'm glad 15 of us turned up for the run-out. This definitely improved the on-the-field work, passing and communication. We should go into the match against Teen Challenge Football Club with confidence.
Match details:
Opponents: Teen Challenge Football Club
Venue: Hiding Place (Jalan Kayu) Pitch 2 (far side of the field)
Kick-off time: 3pm (reporting time is 230pm)
Please post a comment if you are able to make it. Easier to track for me and everyone can also see who else is coming down.
Thanks!
Good job on the field against the Pandas yesterday. Victory aside, I'm glad 15 of us turned up for the run-out. This definitely improved the on-the-field work, passing and communication. We should go into the match against Teen Challenge Football Club with confidence.
Match details:
Opponents: Teen Challenge Football Club
Venue: Hiding Place (Jalan Kayu) Pitch 2 (far side of the field)
Kick-off time: 3pm (reporting time is 230pm)
Please post a comment if you are able to make it. Easier to track for me and everyone can also see who else is coming down.
Thanks!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Soccer Fellowship [16th May]
Soccer Fellowship is ON this Saturday, 16th May at East Spring Secondary School. The session will be from 3 - 5 pm. The session will be used by the Pentecost Panthers and Pandas to spar in preparation for their 2nd Agape Cup match on 24th May. Soccer Community members who are not involved in the Agape Cup are most welcomed to join and will be distributed between the 2 teams.
We will split the teams according to BLUE (Panthers) AND RED (Pandas) jerseys for this session , so please bring BOTH just in case we need to balance the teams out.
See you on Saturday and please pray for good weather!
*Please be reminded that the entrance to the field is next to Block 362. If you are driving, the multi-storey car park you should park at is at Block 359A. If unsure, please check the street directory map.
We will split the teams according to BLUE (Panthers) AND RED (Pandas) jerseys for this session , so please bring BOTH just in case we need to balance the teams out.
See you on Saturday and please pray for good weather!
*Please be reminded that the entrance to the field is next to Block 362. If you are driving, the multi-storey car park you should park at is at Block 359A. If unsure, please check the street directory map.
Lee Dixon's Tactical View [11th May]
I read Lee Dixon's column regularly, not just for some insightful analysis on BPL teams and matches, but also because of the accompanying animations that visualise his explanations.
In this edition, although the focus is on his beloved Arsenal and what they need to do to recover from the defeats by Chelsea and Man U, there are some points that both the Pandas and Panthers will benefit from I think, in particular, the need to have an intelligent and disciplined defensive midfielder in our teams to cover the back four.
Let me quote the following paragraphs as teasers to the column:
On the need for a defensive midfielder-
"You need someone to break things up; someone with a bit of intelligence who knows where to be in that area, when to push forward, when to support and when to drag someone back."
On the need for the midfield pairing to work together-
"Vieira was not a particularly good passer but he broke things up and then gave a simple pass that started the attack. He made runs forward but when he did you could guarantee Emmanuel Petit would stay there and cover him. They never went together and exposed that area in front of the centre-backs."
Please take some time to read the full column by clicking on the graphic below. It is a good read and should prompt some thoughts for discussion that you can post as a comment below.
In this edition, although the focus is on his beloved Arsenal and what they need to do to recover from the defeats by Chelsea and Man U, there are some points that both the Pandas and Panthers will benefit from I think, in particular, the need to have an intelligent and disciplined defensive midfielder in our teams to cover the back four.
Let me quote the following paragraphs as teasers to the column:
On the need for a defensive midfielder-
"You need someone to break things up; someone with a bit of intelligence who knows where to be in that area, when to push forward, when to support and when to drag someone back."
On the need for the midfield pairing to work together-
"Vieira was not a particularly good passer but he broke things up and then gave a simple pass that started the attack. He made runs forward but when he did you could guarantee Emmanuel Petit would stay there and cover him. They never went together and exposed that area in front of the centre-backs."
Please take some time to read the full column by clicking on the graphic below. It is a good read and should prompt some thoughts for discussion that you can post as a comment below.
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Soccer Fellowship Report [9th May]
The weather was very kind to us today - Slightly overcast with a nice breeze. Jem led the team in devotion and after the opening prayer, we were all itching to go, Panthers in blue, Pandas in red.
There were good opportunities in the final third but the chances were scoffed by offsides and wonderful interceptions and clearances by both sets of players. Tight it may be, the Pandas somehow managed to find a gap on the left flank. A long ball was well brought down by Damien on the left and his cut-back saw him lose a defender. Acknowledging that opening, Damien let loose a thunder of a shot to see the ball fly past the goalkeeper, bulging the net via the goal post. Pandas 1-0 Panthers.
Motivated by the goal, the Pandas continued to call the shots as they stretched the Panthers on the flanks. Soon, another goal followed. This time it was from the right flank. A beautiful one-two between JZ and Daniel (?) saw JZ running through on goal and putting the ball beyond the keeper. Pandas 2-0 Panthers. Comfortable lead that the Pandas had at half time.
In the 2nd half, both the Pandas and the Panthers continued drawing offsides. But the Panthers never gave up. Eluding the offside trap, Joel (?) was all alone with Pandas goalkeeper who could do nothing to stop the ball. Pandas 2-1 Panthers.
With their tails up, the Panthers pressed on for an equaliser. But a sucker punch through a corner set piece saw the Pandas stretch their lead to two goals. Yijun rose the highest to head the ball past the very congested Panther penalty area. Pandas 3-1 Panthers.
It was a very good run-out for both teams but still many areas for us to improve on. As Ronnie puts it:-
1. Communication.
2. Dedication to the cause. Soccer is a team game and there should never be any passenger.
Ok, community news
1. We like to wish Bangshi a very HAPPY 26th BIRTTHDAY.
2. Felipe will be appearing onTV with the Bazilian soccer team. Ok, only the appearing on tv part is true. More info to come.
Alright. Signing off to see Everton thrash Tottenham. Have a blessed week.
I've listed some (?) as I'm not sure if they are the correct players.
There were good opportunities in the final third but the chances were scoffed by offsides and wonderful interceptions and clearances by both sets of players. Tight it may be, the Pandas somehow managed to find a gap on the left flank. A long ball was well brought down by Damien on the left and his cut-back saw him lose a defender. Acknowledging that opening, Damien let loose a thunder of a shot to see the ball fly past the goalkeeper, bulging the net via the goal post. Pandas 1-0 Panthers.
Motivated by the goal, the Pandas continued to call the shots as they stretched the Panthers on the flanks. Soon, another goal followed. This time it was from the right flank. A beautiful one-two between JZ and Daniel (?) saw JZ running through on goal and putting the ball beyond the keeper. Pandas 2-0 Panthers. Comfortable lead that the Pandas had at half time.
In the 2nd half, both the Pandas and the Panthers continued drawing offsides. But the Panthers never gave up. Eluding the offside trap, Joel (?) was all alone with Pandas goalkeeper who could do nothing to stop the ball. Pandas 2-1 Panthers.
With their tails up, the Panthers pressed on for an equaliser. But a sucker punch through a corner set piece saw the Pandas stretch their lead to two goals. Yijun rose the highest to head the ball past the very congested Panther penalty area. Pandas 3-1 Panthers.
It was a very good run-out for both teams but still many areas for us to improve on. As Ronnie puts it:-
1. Communication.
2. Dedication to the cause. Soccer is a team game and there should never be any passenger.
Ok, community news
1. We like to wish Bangshi a very HAPPY 26th BIRTTHDAY.
2. Felipe will be appearing onTV with the Bazilian soccer team. Ok, only the appearing on tv part is true. More info to come.
Alright. Signing off to see Everton thrash Tottenham. Have a blessed week.
I've listed some (?) as I'm not sure if they are the correct players.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Soccer Fellowship [9th May]
Soccer Fellowship is ON this Saturday, 9th May at East Spring Secondary School. The session will be from 3 - 5 pm. The session will again be used by the Pentecost Panthers and Pandas to spar in preparation for the Agape Cup. Soccer Community members who are not involved in the Agape Cup are most welcomed to join and will be distributed between the 2 teams.
We will split the teams according to BLUE (Panthers) AND RED (Pandas) jerseys for this session , so please bring BOTH just in case we need to balance the teams out.
See you on Saturday and please pray for good weather!
*Please be reminded that the entrance to the field is next to Block 362. If you are driving, the multi-storey car park you should park at is at Block 359A. If unsure, please check the street directory map.
We will split the teams according to BLUE (Panthers) AND RED (Pandas) jerseys for this session , so please bring BOTH just in case we need to balance the teams out.
See you on Saturday and please pray for good weather!
*Please be reminded that the entrance to the field is next to Block 362. If you are driving, the multi-storey car park you should park at is at Block 359A. If unsure, please check the street directory map.
Lessons from Paul Tomkins
After posting the article about Fandi's team trying make a mark in this season's RHB Singapore Cup (which they did not, losing to DPMM Brunei 1-0), I thought posting other soccer-related articles and commentaries with useful learning points could be beneficial to those of us who like to read and ponder... Today's entry is from Liverpool guest columnist Paul Tomkins, entitled 'The Greatest Gift'. He reflects on the recent discovery of his father having cancer and mulls over the positives in life and this year's 'championship-challenging' Liverpool squad among other things. The article is long, but I've pulled out 2 paragraphs that are valuable thoughts for us.
For those who've heard, there was a brawl during an Agape Cup match last Sunday at the Hiding Place after a bad challenge. It's not important who the teams were, but that the substitutes ran onto the field to join the players in an all-out melee, causing hurt to one another. This resulted in 4 red cards, and later these 4 players being banned from the tournament. Even in the single match that both the Pandas and Panthers have played, I've heard comments about some reckless challenges, play-acting and even arrogant taunting after scoring goals. Any of these could warrant a retaliation in the 'heat of the moment'. I'm thankful that none of us have lost our cool and pray that we don't during the course of the tournament. This paragraph from Tomkins' article sums up why we shouldn't:
"Players may get sent off (although rarely under Rafa), but 99.9% of the time they keep their heads; we see personal responsibility mixed with a team ethic. It's no coincidence, no accident... It doesn't mean that they are all therefore inhuman or robotic, or that they won't err in some way, but there is a basic honesty to their football, for each other, and on behalf of the fans."
The key traits that could benefit us are clear -
"The right attitude is at the heart of it all. We all have choices relating to how to view a challenge or a setback. We all decide how to face up to bad luck, or an unfortunate situation. We can bemoan our luck, but self-pity is no help; we have to move past that, and be constructive."
Enough said. Let's be constructive, help one another along and be a team that builds up and not pulls down one another. With reference to Adrian's comment from Pandas' match report against COA, let's "correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction." 2 Timothy 4:2.
To read Paul Tomkins' full article, please click on the graphic below. Comments welcomed as always.
For those who've heard, there was a brawl during an Agape Cup match last Sunday at the Hiding Place after a bad challenge. It's not important who the teams were, but that the substitutes ran onto the field to join the players in an all-out melee, causing hurt to one another. This resulted in 4 red cards, and later these 4 players being banned from the tournament. Even in the single match that both the Pandas and Panthers have played, I've heard comments about some reckless challenges, play-acting and even arrogant taunting after scoring goals. Any of these could warrant a retaliation in the 'heat of the moment'. I'm thankful that none of us have lost our cool and pray that we don't during the course of the tournament. This paragraph from Tomkins' article sums up why we shouldn't:
"Players may get sent off (although rarely under Rafa), but 99.9% of the time they keep their heads; we see personal responsibility mixed with a team ethic. It's no coincidence, no accident... It doesn't mean that they are all therefore inhuman or robotic, or that they won't err in some way, but there is a basic honesty to their football, for each other, and on behalf of the fans."
The key traits that could benefit us are clear -
- Personal responsibility
- Team ethic
- Honesty to our football
- For each other
- On behalf our fans (or in our case, on behalf of our church, PMC)
"The right attitude is at the heart of it all. We all have choices relating to how to view a challenge or a setback. We all decide how to face up to bad luck, or an unfortunate situation. We can bemoan our luck, but self-pity is no help; we have to move past that, and be constructive."
Enough said. Let's be constructive, help one another along and be a team that builds up and not pulls down one another. With reference to Adrian's comment from Pandas' match report against COA, let's "correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction." 2 Timothy 4:2.
To read Paul Tomkins' full article, please click on the graphic below. Comments welcomed as always.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Soccer-for-Bibles Report [1st May]
The Soccer-for-Bibles tournament took place on Labour Day. Information on the tournament can be found here. It was extremely hot when both the Pandas and Panthers turned up at Tampines Stadium for the start of the tournament. After kitting up and some warm-up, the formal programme started with Aldersgate Methodist leading us in worship and Professor Ernest Chew sharing a short message, summarised by the term S.M.S. - Study (God's Word), Meditate & Succeed.
The 1st match of the tournament was between Team Managers and the Sponsors. Maurice and I took the field to use this as a warm-up. The match finished 1 - 1. From then on, the Pandas (Group B) and Panthers (Group C) started off their campaign. I will report on the Panthers matches while Pandas journey will be recounted by Jeremy Sin.
Panthers Squad:
4. Kevin 6. Jeremy Tan 9. Rusydi 22. Joel 25. Kris 27. Kee Min 69. Marcus 72. Leong Loo 74. Rajseran 83. Marvin 88. Bevan
Report:
Our campaign started off against St. Andrew’s Community Chapel (SACC). We decided to employ a 2-4-1 formation in order to win the midfield battle. However, against this slightly older team who employed the 'long ball game' we had to quickly adapt by deciding to launch long balls to ST Jeremy Tan. The match was fairly even and only a wicked shot from an opponent caused GK Kris to deflect the ball into the goal to give SACC the lead. We pressed to equalise and from a set-piece, an SACC player pushed Jeremy in the box, awarding us a penalty. Rajseran stepped up to the spot but his kick was well parried by the SACC GK. We certainly thought it was not going our way, but received a 2nd penalty after another nudge on Jeremy. This time, Rusydi made no mistake with the kick, ending the match 1-1.
Thinking we had started our campaign well could have lapsed us into complacency, especially when our 2nd opponents, Wesley Methodist Church (WMC), stepped onto the pitch with a mish-mash of uncoordinated jerseys. We were certainly taught a footballing lesson by them. Their speed and passing sliced our midfield up time and time again. On 1 attack, I remember Marcus and me having to deal with up to 4 opponents in the box. When the dust had settled, we we lost by at least 5 - 0.
Match 3 against Church of Victory (COV), familiar faces from the Agape Cup. Against this slightly older team, we had more space to play the ball on the ground and control the match. Some neat passing between Marvin and Jeremy on the left enabled Jeremy to steer the ball into goal for a 1-0 lead. We were in control all the way until the last moments of the match, where a COV player managed to get a shot off amidst a see of players, and the ball found its way right in the corner of our goal. Another draw meant that we had only 2 points from a possible 9.
Our next opponents were supposed to be Teen Challenge, but they did not turn up for the tournament. Also, we bade farewell to Rajseran, who had to leave. We thanked God that in his place, Bevan and Kee Min finally turned up before the next match. We played our 5th opponents, Chapel of the Resurrection (COR), again attempting to play the ball on the ground. It worked well but our inability to convert a few chances hurt us again. On a COR attack, they managed to fire a long range shot which beat Kris. Being pegged back drove us to equalise and this came when Rusydi found some space on the right. His cross-shot eluded the defence and wrong footed the keeper as the ball trickled into the net. At 1-1, the match was open to be won but a lack of composure and trying to devote too many resources forward caught us napping twice. Crosses from both wings ended in goals that put us down 3-1.
By the time the final match arrived, we were down to 7 players, with Leong Loo and Kris leaving. Thus, we had to 'borrow' 2 Pandas for our final match against Church of Singapore (COS). This was perhaps our 'best match' in terms of controlling the ball and playing it to one another. Unfortunately, failed attempts to score meant that we were at the mercy of a single goal defeat, which came from a COS left-wing attack.
With a final tally of 2 points from a possible 15, there was no way that the Panthers were going to progress into the knock-out phase of the tournament. Again, what we benefited from would be the experience of playing one-day tournament soccer and getting more practice with one another.
Pandas Squad:
1. Kelvin 2. Michael 7. Daniel 8. Jeremy Sin 11. Isaac 12. John 17. Jingzhong 20. Damien 26. Maurice 66. David Sng 67. Nigel 79. Damian
Report:
The Pandas kickoff the tournament with a 3-1 win over Wesley Methodist on a very hot sunny friday. Playing with a 2-4-1 formation as well, the Pandas were surprisingly given lots of space in the last 3rd field and got 3 quick goals in a very short space of time, Damien with 2 and Jingzhong with 1. WM manage to get a consolation goal from a corner that was somehow scrambled past the goal line. A great start to the tournament but our next opponent prove a more stringent test to us. Aldesgate Methodist, the current champion of the tournament and this year's favourite once again was up against us. Having observed their play from their first 2 games, the Pandas went into this match with a game plan of stopping afew quick players. The match went on well, with AMC constantly attacking but the Pandas defended well, allowing them mostly shots from outside the box. Unfortunately we couldnt hold them the whole game and a well driven shot into the bottom right corner condemn us to our 1st defeat.
Up next was New Creation and the game ended a boring 0-0 draw. Both sides have chances but failed to convert. This was probably the match where we should have won compared to the next few. So far, 1 win 1 draw 1 lost at this stage and we are still there to go on to the next round. Sadly the remaining games came at a very long break and many of us were 'barbequed' under the hot sun while waiting for our game. Against St Mathew Church, we lost horribly. They were winners in many aspects of the game, player to player they were physically stronger and faster and all long balls by the Pandas were easily dealt with by the giants at the back. Another long break before we played Convenant Presbyterian and most of the Panda's mind was abit 'off' under the noon sun now. This was a must win game having seen many other teams take 3 points of CP. Unfortunately the Pandas let themselves down and played another terrible game. We failed to defend as a team as we were constantly looking to win them. Probably due to the weather, the Pandas were not running as much as they did in their opening game.
Finally our last game came against The Going Church, which in fact is also the last game played for our group stage so you can imagine how long we have to wait, again, to play. David was able to join us for this last game and from the result, it is clear we have missed his presence up front. The game started at a much leisure pace as both sides have nothing much to play for already. TGC got infront first from a shot outside the box before David equalise in the penalty box. Again TGC got the lead back after some poor Panda defending before David once again brought us back at 2-2. David completed his hat-trick when he got his 3rd in the penalty box but TGC got the final goal just before ref blow the final whistle. That basically conclude Pandas journey in this tournament where the waiting time far outweigh the playing time.
The 1st match of the tournament was between Team Managers and the Sponsors. Maurice and I took the field to use this as a warm-up. The match finished 1 - 1. From then on, the Pandas (Group B) and Panthers (Group C) started off their campaign. I will report on the Panthers matches while Pandas journey will be recounted by Jeremy Sin.
Panthers Squad:
4. Kevin 6. Jeremy Tan 9. Rusydi 22. Joel 25. Kris 27. Kee Min 69. Marcus 72. Leong Loo 74. Rajseran 83. Marvin 88. Bevan
Report:
Our campaign started off against St. Andrew’s Community Chapel (SACC). We decided to employ a 2-4-1 formation in order to win the midfield battle. However, against this slightly older team who employed the 'long ball game' we had to quickly adapt by deciding to launch long balls to ST Jeremy Tan. The match was fairly even and only a wicked shot from an opponent caused GK Kris to deflect the ball into the goal to give SACC the lead. We pressed to equalise and from a set-piece, an SACC player pushed Jeremy in the box, awarding us a penalty. Rajseran stepped up to the spot but his kick was well parried by the SACC GK. We certainly thought it was not going our way, but received a 2nd penalty after another nudge on Jeremy. This time, Rusydi made no mistake with the kick, ending the match 1-1.
Thinking we had started our campaign well could have lapsed us into complacency, especially when our 2nd opponents, Wesley Methodist Church (WMC), stepped onto the pitch with a mish-mash of uncoordinated jerseys. We were certainly taught a footballing lesson by them. Their speed and passing sliced our midfield up time and time again. On 1 attack, I remember Marcus and me having to deal with up to 4 opponents in the box. When the dust had settled, we we lost by at least 5 - 0.
Match 3 against Church of Victory (COV), familiar faces from the Agape Cup. Against this slightly older team, we had more space to play the ball on the ground and control the match. Some neat passing between Marvin and Jeremy on the left enabled Jeremy to steer the ball into goal for a 1-0 lead. We were in control all the way until the last moments of the match, where a COV player managed to get a shot off amidst a see of players, and the ball found its way right in the corner of our goal. Another draw meant that we had only 2 points from a possible 9.
Our next opponents were supposed to be Teen Challenge, but they did not turn up for the tournament. Also, we bade farewell to Rajseran, who had to leave. We thanked God that in his place, Bevan and Kee Min finally turned up before the next match. We played our 5th opponents, Chapel of the Resurrection (COR), again attempting to play the ball on the ground. It worked well but our inability to convert a few chances hurt us again. On a COR attack, they managed to fire a long range shot which beat Kris. Being pegged back drove us to equalise and this came when Rusydi found some space on the right. His cross-shot eluded the defence and wrong footed the keeper as the ball trickled into the net. At 1-1, the match was open to be won but a lack of composure and trying to devote too many resources forward caught us napping twice. Crosses from both wings ended in goals that put us down 3-1.
By the time the final match arrived, we were down to 7 players, with Leong Loo and Kris leaving. Thus, we had to 'borrow' 2 Pandas for our final match against Church of Singapore (COS). This was perhaps our 'best match' in terms of controlling the ball and playing it to one another. Unfortunately, failed attempts to score meant that we were at the mercy of a single goal defeat, which came from a COS left-wing attack.
With a final tally of 2 points from a possible 15, there was no way that the Panthers were going to progress into the knock-out phase of the tournament. Again, what we benefited from would be the experience of playing one-day tournament soccer and getting more practice with one another.
Pandas Squad:
1. Kelvin 2. Michael 7. Daniel 8. Jeremy Sin 11. Isaac 12. John 17. Jingzhong 20. Damien 26. Maurice 66. David Sng 67. Nigel 79. Damian
Report:
The Pandas kickoff the tournament with a 3-1 win over Wesley Methodist on a very hot sunny friday. Playing with a 2-4-1 formation as well, the Pandas were surprisingly given lots of space in the last 3rd field and got 3 quick goals in a very short space of time, Damien with 2 and Jingzhong with 1. WM manage to get a consolation goal from a corner that was somehow scrambled past the goal line. A great start to the tournament but our next opponent prove a more stringent test to us. Aldesgate Methodist, the current champion of the tournament and this year's favourite once again was up against us. Having observed their play from their first 2 games, the Pandas went into this match with a game plan of stopping afew quick players. The match went on well, with AMC constantly attacking but the Pandas defended well, allowing them mostly shots from outside the box. Unfortunately we couldnt hold them the whole game and a well driven shot into the bottom right corner condemn us to our 1st defeat.
Up next was New Creation and the game ended a boring 0-0 draw. Both sides have chances but failed to convert. This was probably the match where we should have won compared to the next few. So far, 1 win 1 draw 1 lost at this stage and we are still there to go on to the next round. Sadly the remaining games came at a very long break and many of us were 'barbequed' under the hot sun while waiting for our game. Against St Mathew Church, we lost horribly. They were winners in many aspects of the game, player to player they were physically stronger and faster and all long balls by the Pandas were easily dealt with by the giants at the back. Another long break before we played Convenant Presbyterian and most of the Panda's mind was abit 'off' under the noon sun now. This was a must win game having seen many other teams take 3 points of CP. Unfortunately the Pandas let themselves down and played another terrible game. We failed to defend as a team as we were constantly looking to win them. Probably due to the weather, the Pandas were not running as much as they did in their opening game.
Finally our last game came against The Going Church, which in fact is also the last game played for our group stage so you can imagine how long we have to wait, again, to play. David was able to join us for this last game and from the result, it is clear we have missed his presence up front. The game started at a much leisure pace as both sides have nothing much to play for already. TGC got infront first from a shot outside the box before David equalise in the penalty box. Again TGC got the lead back after some poor Panda defending before David once again brought us back at 2-2. David completed his hat-trick when he got his 3rd in the penalty box but TGC got the final goal just before ref blow the final whistle. That basically conclude Pandas journey in this tournament where the waiting time far outweigh the playing time.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Some lessons from Fandi
Mark Leong alerted me to the following article in TODAY. I read through it and was able to lift a couple of learning points, especially in light of our (both Pandas and Panthers) performances on the pitch last week. Do read the article by clicking on it below and post what makes sense to you as a comment. I'll be the first!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Agape Cup 2009 - Pandas Match #1 .vs. Church of Ascension 1 [26th Apr]
The much awaited opening game for the Pandas turn out to be a disastrous outing for them at the hidden wembley stadium. Before kickoff, teams gather for the prematch devotion as dark clouds loomed the sky above, a definite rare sight in this recent hot and dry season. The speaker was the organiser of this FA cup and he shared his ups and downs in the years behind him, and especially in this current economic crisis where the need to let God handle our business while we concentrate on handling God's business by sharing His everlasting love. As the devotion comes to an end, torrential rain start banging down on the hard pitch. A blessing's in disguise?
With the referee whistle, COA kick off the first half in the blurry rain. The opening minutes were filled with stray passing everywhere as the ball skid along the wet pitch and make ball control a tough job for any players. COA were pressing very hard from the start, with very hard tackles flying in whenever the pandas got the ball. As minutes went by, COA found a weakness in the pandas, with attacks constantly bombed down the left flank where they exploited the slow LB Yuen Wai with speedy right winger, forcing CB Jem to constantly cover him. COA's striker, due to his relatively small size, was easily 'eaten up' by the Pandas centre pairings of David and Jem and any long balls meant for him never reached. However, COA's wingers caused both Daniel and Yuenwai a torrid time as they try to beat the defenders with their dribbling skills but the weather simply meant their final shot and crosses were totally off. As the game approach half time, Pandas managed afew shots on goal, first with Damien's freekick to the top left but lacked power and was easily caught by COA's gk. After that, another cross and 'pingponging' in the COA's penalty area presented damien once again with another shot on goal which went narrowly over. Bryan was the first sub to be used by the Pandas as he replaced the ineffective Yuenwai and Panda's defence start to cope more comfortably with COA's wingers. With an imposing howard webb refering this high tempo game, any nonsense will not be tolerated and this was well shown when he issued the first yellow card to COA's player for his late and hard tackle. A couple of 'skyshots' by COA ended the first half. HT: Pandas 0 COA 0
The rain has stopped during halftime and Wembley is now pretty chill as the cold winds blew on. Pandas kickoff the secondhalf and probably due to a coldstart, COA's hard pressing allowed them their first goal. Just 5 minutes into the 2nd half, a pass inwards by from the right allowed a COA CM time and space to conjure a dipping shot. At first glance it seems that the weak shot will be well taken by Michael but due to the swerve and dip, it went stright into the topright corner leaving michael no chance at all. With that breakthrough, COA continued their attacks and within 5 minutes after the restart, COA were 2-0 up. A cross from the right looks to be well taken by Michael but was fumbled and drop much to the delight of COA striker who tap into an empty net. Unfortunately mistakes seem to all over Pandas defence in the 2nd half as a 3rd COA goal went in again within 5 minutes of another restart. A defence splitting pass by COA CM allowed the left winger to come into space. Panda's rb Daniel rushed back and thought he had him cover and with gk Michael coming out to close the COA winger too, miscommunication between the 2 of them had them falling over each other and it was another easy COA tap in. At this point Panda's GK could be seen down with a low morale and a series of substitue begin. Michael was substituted by a loan GK and ST Darren went off to be replaced by John, pushing Jingzhong up front.
The Pandas then tried to get themselves back into the game but were totally beaten to everyball by the much physical COA defenders and midfielders. COA were trying shots at the new gk and the first shot from outside the penalty box beat Panda's GK outstretch arm and his fingertips only manage to push it to the top left corner. A series more of Pandas substitution had the Panda players confused on their position all over the pitch. Nigel and Patrick came in to have a few touches and replace LB Bryan and MC Damien. COA have afew substitution too, most notably a heavyweight in the forward position where the 5th goal came. As the big striker ran at Panda's CB Jem and David, Jem managed to nudge him off balance away from the ball and david went to challenge and tackle him as well. Unfortunately the nudge pushed him and the ball away from the sliding David and allowed him through with the GK and he regain his posture to simply slot it into the net.
After the restart, a long ball by Pandas into COA penalty box was not dealt properly by COA defence allowing David chances. COA defence managed to come in with a harsh tackle on a 50-50 ball as gk went to collect the ball. Apparently not happy with the challenge, an incident occured with shovings and pushing in the penalty box. Howard Webb was quick to the scene and issued both Daniel and COA's gk yellow card. 5 minutes later, a COA's attack down the right sent in an outswinging cross that evaded both Jem's and Nigel's head and nodded in by COA on rushing striker. With the match coming to an end, Daniel and Jem was pushed up to attack COA's goal. Unfortunately a 7th goal came when COA's counter attack long ball to its striker put him onside as Nigel failed to moved up after instructions were told for him to look at David's line. Lack of pace by Nigel easily allowed the striker to brezze through and put in the finishing goal that eased Panda any further pain when howard webb blow the final whistle as the gk pick the ball out of the net a 7th time.
FT: Pandas 0 COA 7
Post match press conference:
Captain Jem: It was a definite disastrous 2nd half. I knew they were dominating but we have the confidence of holding them after a great 1st half. Our players were simply not able to get into the game in the 2nd half and many were not running and covering the 'little holes' ard the pitch. Miscommunication has to be the main prob that open up the floodgates.
Vice cpt Daniel: The subs came in and complicate things even more. They have no idea where they should be playing and doing what job.
Winger Damien: We just lacked the physical prescence to matched them. They were all overbuilt to me.
CM Bangshi: I have no idea in the 2nd half who im playing with in the middle. The subs came in and complicate things. I cant run everywhere. CM needs to help each other out and always drop as a unit when opponent has the ball. I saw at 1 time that 4 of our players were up attacking and after losing the ball, continue staying up. I just cant run everywhere.
Final conclusion: Everyone agreed that no more needless substitution will be welcomed. Just because theres substitutes does not mean that theres a need to use them. Always come in with a plan and knowledge of what your job is when you're on the pitch. Every game will be filled with the strongest starting 11. If you're on the substitutes simply meant youre not good enough to be in the starting 11. Unless of fatigue or injuries, subs will not be used. No more 'cause ure here so give u a runout' kind of reason. The next few fellowship will try to keep the shape of the team together to gel more as a unit, with better communication, better passing, better gameplay.
With the referee whistle, COA kick off the first half in the blurry rain. The opening minutes were filled with stray passing everywhere as the ball skid along the wet pitch and make ball control a tough job for any players. COA were pressing very hard from the start, with very hard tackles flying in whenever the pandas got the ball. As minutes went by, COA found a weakness in the pandas, with attacks constantly bombed down the left flank where they exploited the slow LB Yuen Wai with speedy right winger, forcing CB Jem to constantly cover him. COA's striker, due to his relatively small size, was easily 'eaten up' by the Pandas centre pairings of David and Jem and any long balls meant for him never reached. However, COA's wingers caused both Daniel and Yuenwai a torrid time as they try to beat the defenders with their dribbling skills but the weather simply meant their final shot and crosses were totally off. As the game approach half time, Pandas managed afew shots on goal, first with Damien's freekick to the top left but lacked power and was easily caught by COA's gk. After that, another cross and 'pingponging' in the COA's penalty area presented damien once again with another shot on goal which went narrowly over. Bryan was the first sub to be used by the Pandas as he replaced the ineffective Yuenwai and Panda's defence start to cope more comfortably with COA's wingers. With an imposing howard webb refering this high tempo game, any nonsense will not be tolerated and this was well shown when he issued the first yellow card to COA's player for his late and hard tackle. A couple of 'skyshots' by COA ended the first half. HT: Pandas 0 COA 0
The rain has stopped during halftime and Wembley is now pretty chill as the cold winds blew on. Pandas kickoff the secondhalf and probably due to a coldstart, COA's hard pressing allowed them their first goal. Just 5 minutes into the 2nd half, a pass inwards by from the right allowed a COA CM time and space to conjure a dipping shot. At first glance it seems that the weak shot will be well taken by Michael but due to the swerve and dip, it went stright into the topright corner leaving michael no chance at all. With that breakthrough, COA continued their attacks and within 5 minutes after the restart, COA were 2-0 up. A cross from the right looks to be well taken by Michael but was fumbled and drop much to the delight of COA striker who tap into an empty net. Unfortunately mistakes seem to all over Pandas defence in the 2nd half as a 3rd COA goal went in again within 5 minutes of another restart. A defence splitting pass by COA CM allowed the left winger to come into space. Panda's rb Daniel rushed back and thought he had him cover and with gk Michael coming out to close the COA winger too, miscommunication between the 2 of them had them falling over each other and it was another easy COA tap in. At this point Panda's GK could be seen down with a low morale and a series of substitue begin. Michael was substituted by a loan GK and ST Darren went off to be replaced by John, pushing Jingzhong up front.
The Pandas then tried to get themselves back into the game but were totally beaten to everyball by the much physical COA defenders and midfielders. COA were trying shots at the new gk and the first shot from outside the penalty box beat Panda's GK outstretch arm and his fingertips only manage to push it to the top left corner. A series more of Pandas substitution had the Panda players confused on their position all over the pitch. Nigel and Patrick came in to have a few touches and replace LB Bryan and MC Damien. COA have afew substitution too, most notably a heavyweight in the forward position where the 5th goal came. As the big striker ran at Panda's CB Jem and David, Jem managed to nudge him off balance away from the ball and david went to challenge and tackle him as well. Unfortunately the nudge pushed him and the ball away from the sliding David and allowed him through with the GK and he regain his posture to simply slot it into the net.
After the restart, a long ball by Pandas into COA penalty box was not dealt properly by COA defence allowing David chances. COA defence managed to come in with a harsh tackle on a 50-50 ball as gk went to collect the ball. Apparently not happy with the challenge, an incident occured with shovings and pushing in the penalty box. Howard Webb was quick to the scene and issued both Daniel and COA's gk yellow card. 5 minutes later, a COA's attack down the right sent in an outswinging cross that evaded both Jem's and Nigel's head and nodded in by COA on rushing striker. With the match coming to an end, Daniel and Jem was pushed up to attack COA's goal. Unfortunately a 7th goal came when COA's counter attack long ball to its striker put him onside as Nigel failed to moved up after instructions were told for him to look at David's line. Lack of pace by Nigel easily allowed the striker to brezze through and put in the finishing goal that eased Panda any further pain when howard webb blow the final whistle as the gk pick the ball out of the net a 7th time.
FT: Pandas 0 COA 7
Post match press conference:
Captain Jem: It was a definite disastrous 2nd half. I knew they were dominating but we have the confidence of holding them after a great 1st half. Our players were simply not able to get into the game in the 2nd half and many were not running and covering the 'little holes' ard the pitch. Miscommunication has to be the main prob that open up the floodgates.
Vice cpt Daniel: The subs came in and complicate things even more. They have no idea where they should be playing and doing what job.
Winger Damien: We just lacked the physical prescence to matched them. They were all overbuilt to me.
CM Bangshi: I have no idea in the 2nd half who im playing with in the middle. The subs came in and complicate things. I cant run everywhere. CM needs to help each other out and always drop as a unit when opponent has the ball. I saw at 1 time that 4 of our players were up attacking and after losing the ball, continue staying up. I just cant run everywhere.
Final conclusion: Everyone agreed that no more needless substitution will be welcomed. Just because theres substitutes does not mean that theres a need to use them. Always come in with a plan and knowledge of what your job is when you're on the pitch. Every game will be filled with the strongest starting 11. If you're on the substitutes simply meant youre not good enough to be in the starting 11. Unless of fatigue or injuries, subs will not be used. No more 'cause ure here so give u a runout' kind of reason. The next few fellowship will try to keep the shape of the team together to gel more as a unit, with better communication, better passing, better gameplay.
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