Agape Cup Match Report #2 - PMC .vs. PPCC [20 March 2011]

Some heavy showers over the eastern parts of Singapore which resulted in many doubts whether the rain will cancel the game. It was drizzling over at Hiding Place until about 10minutes before the 3pm kickoff.

Steve with his #1 fan

All 18 players were on time for Singspiration and Sharing. This shows the commitment towards the team and discipline to be on time.

Players participating in S&S

First Team Coach Adrian briefing us on the rules of engagement

After S&S, Adrian (First Team Coach) deployed a 4-1-4-1 team formation.

Steve

Jingzhong - Kevin - Dom - Rusydi

Kee Min

Marcus - Mark - Wei Jie - Daniel

Kelvin

The starting 11 getting ready for the referee's inspection

FIRST HALF - PMC dominated the first 15minutes in terms of possession and attack. However, PPCC started to launch a couple of attacks on their left through their key player #12 Captain. Halfway through the first half, PMC conceded a silly freekick outside the penalty box. PPCC curled the freekick into the extreme right side of the goal putting them ahead in the game.

The game got a little aggressive and a couple of arguments were exchanged between the two teams. The game was then stopped for a couple of minutes, where referee had a talk with the 2 captains. The captains then told the team to watch their cool as the referee would not hesitate to issue a yellow card for the next following offence.

Steve was working very hard alone upfront, harrassing the defence with tough tackles which he picked up a yellow card.

Another incident came when Rusydi was going for the ball when a PPCC player charged at him and another unfair tackle made from his back which ended up in a scuffle. Rusydi was then handed a yellow card for retaliation.

PMC then started to throw more attacks, where a through ball from Rusydi found Jingzhong through on goal but only to put it wide. Chance after chance started to pour in. The equaliser came when Marcus' clearance found Dom past the defence and had his shot ricochet off the post only to hit the back of the keeper and went in. After the equaliser, the PMC team start to play better and with more confidence.

The first half ended 1-1 with PMC starting the game well and ending the first half with a couple of rued chances.

The vital half-time team talk when the score was 1-1

SECOND HALF - Substitutions:
Sean on for Kelvin
Martin on for Kevin
Yi Jun on for Steve

Both sides throw man forward in search of the second goal. Yi Jun had a couple of chance through on goal, only to be ruled offside. The centre half saw more distribution and holding of ball from the Martin. PPCC made a couple of speedy attacks down the flanks which PMC defended and hold on well.

Substitution: Jacob on for Rusydi

PMC's second goal came when Daniel made a throw in on the right, which resulted in a cross and Jingzhong showed his prowess in the air by placing a beautiful looping header to the far post leaving the keeper helpless.

PMC defended well as they wanted this victory very much, seeing Jingzhong dominated his flanks and Dom making tons of box-to-box runs. Yi Jun did well upfront, making attempts on goal and holding the ball well to allow time for PMC to settle at the back.

During the post-match talk, Adrian mentioned about the way we are playing as a team, strong mentality and determination to win. Adrian also highlighted the 3 yellow cards picked up from a single game which may result in future demerit points. Martin added on saying that the mindset were all at the game level, but we have to maintain our cool and avoid making rash, unnecessary tackles.

The team would like to thank Maurice and Adrian for managing the team so well.

The team would like to thank Neil, Nigel and Joel who came down despite not being used as a sub. Also, thanks to Wei En and Michael for their support to come down and have the first-aid ready for the team.

We dedicate this win to one of the founders of PMC Soccer, Jimmy Phuah, who is fighting Leukaemia.

Report from FAA Religious Harmony Cup [12th March]

Last Saturday, the 12th of March, PMC took part in the Fandi Ahmad Academy (FAA) Religious Harmony Cup, finishing third in the group and narrowly missing out on progression to the quarter finals by a single point. Appreciation has to be shown those who came down but didn't get to play for long due to the lack of game time. Players like Samuel, David, John, Wei En and Nigel ought to be commended for their excellent attitude, making the effort to travel all the way down there and supporting the team.

The players gathering bright and early on a Saturday morning

It was a brilliant day for football but then again, which day isn't? Soccer is one of the few things in life worth waking up for and the hundreds of people who turned up punctually for the tournament at 8am paid testament to that belief. There was a festive atmosphere marking the return of Singapore's favourite footballing son, Fandi Ahmad, with party music played and laughter shared throughout the well organized tournament.

Players warming up on the artificial turf

What a beautiful day it was for football

Marcus keeping his eye on the ball

The games were played on 2 halves of the absolutely brilliant Tampines Safra artificial turf. The quality of football was very impressive as well, with a few teams putting up exemplary shows, passing and moving ala Barcelona style. Although it was a potentially divisive and hostile competition but the referees, impressively enough, were authoritative enough to prevent any fights from happening. The games were played in a strict but fair spirit. As a result, the players and audience enjoyed the proceedings.

A total of 11 players represented PMC, with Daniel managing the team as he failed to register for the tournament beforehand. PMC lost the first game 1-0 to a very technically sound team. However, PMC should have nicked a point from the game, conceding a goal that came from a hopeful throw-in into the box. Perhaps, on hindsight, fielding a 2-3-1 formation was a bit too adventurous for a 7 a side, 15 minute game. Teams tend to go all out due to the short duration of game time and the high chance that the 1 goal will decide the outcome.

Team photo with our 1st opponents

The gift exchange

After a 3 hour interval, PMC played the second game and lost by the same scoreline as the first game. This game was a kick in the teeth, given that PMC were denied a clear penalty at the end and the fortuitous nature of the goal. The right winger scuffed his cross and it landed nicely in the path of a surprised forward, who managed to poke the ball past an on rushing Kelvin.

With nothing but pride left to play for, PMC played the third game with a carefree attitude and it seemed to bring the best out of the players. Everyone focused on the game and not the result. Dominic scored from the kick off, rifling a free kick into the top corner from 30 meters out, stunning the opponents and the crowd. It was an effort that will be hard for him to replicate and a moment that he will treasure. However, what was more impressive was the fantastic performance PMC put up for the rest of the game. The other team still had a chance of qualification and they duly pressed forward. PMC soaked up the pressure fantastically and counter attacked with devastating pace. Wei Jie brought the ball out of defence confidently and was almost rewarded with a header striking the post. The final whistle was blown and PMC deservedly won the game 1-0.

We left with our heads held high, giving a good account of ourselves. It put us in good stead for this sunday's crunch match against newcomers, PPMC, who have already chalked up a 2-0 victory against COA. Come on!

The FAA PMC Team

Report by: Dominic Neo

Photos by: Samuel Eyo

Agape Cup Match Report #1 - PMC .vs. AMC2 [6th March]

Some afternoon showers in the Eastern parts of Singapore cast doubt on our 1st Agape Cup match of the season, but when the team arrived at the Hiding Place, we were greeted by dry ground and sunshine. It was perhaps coincidental that the 1st 6 players to arrive were all Liverpool fans - Steve, Michael, Maurice, Mark, Kevin and Dominic. They were hoping that it was a positive sign for the big game to be played that evening. One by one, the rest of the team arrived and all on time, gaining time to warm-up.

First Team Coach & Manager for the season

Warming up like this helps you shoot well & sting the GK's fingers

Limbering up time

Singspiration and sharing was led by PMC for the match, with Maurice leading us in song and Kevin sharing about building a solid foundation for every area of our life, be it academic, professional or spiritual. The scripture reference was Matthew 7:24-27.

After the S&S, the teams huddled together for their briefings before heading to the field for kick-off. Manager Adrian explained the philosophy of having a strong team throughout the match, and started the team in a 4-2-3-1 formation:

Kelvin

Daniel - Jeremy - Mark - Damien

Kee Min - Kevin

Jacob - Dominic - Jingzhong

Martin

It was clear from kick-off that our opponents were speedy and fit, closing us down very quickly when we had the ball. They were also confident passers, swinging the ball out wide to their wingers on many occasions, who used the space well to threaten our backline. In the first 15min, it was all AMC2. Their captain (#5) was clearly the target man, knocking on high balls and playing the ball intelligently. On one occasion, the #18 had a good chance on the right but blasted his shot against the post. As the half passed, the PMC team started to settle into the match and produced a number of good moves. On one occasion, Jacob found himself in space from a through pass by Kee Min but his shot on the right was wide. Martin and Jingzhong also combined on a couple of occasions but could not convert the chances. Soon, Jacob had to withdrawn due to illness, with Rusydi replacing him. The rest of the 1st half was a tight affair with many combative interceptions from our backline, led by Jeremy and Mark. Damien also stretched a number of times to play dangerous balls to safety. The 0-0 scoreline reflected an even half.

A number of changes were made at the half to keep the team fresh and strong. Sean came in for Kelvin as GK, after the former had an excellent half. Kevin left the field for Weijie, with Jeremy moving into DM. Steve came on for Martin, who had a hamstring pull. The 2nd half started in same fashion as the 1st, with AMC2 pressing for a goal. The team handled the pressure well and also had Sean to thank for a 'world class' save when AMC2 managed a stiff shot on goal. Mark also showcased his entire repertoire of sliding tackles. PMC then started to find their groove and won a couple of corners, as well as direct free-kicks, that Rusydi did well to keep on target. Steve had the best opportunity during the match, as his stiff shot stung the fingers of the AMC2 GK. A foot or 2 to the GK's right or left, and that would have been our 1st goal of the season. On the defensive end, some reshuffling took place after Damien had to be subbed out after an excellent match. David came on as AM, with Dom dropping to DM and Jeremy to LB. The re-shuffle held out well. The match was headed for a draw until an unfortunate goal was conceded with 5min to go. A cross from our left flank was well cleared initially, but the ball was played into the box a 2nd time. Weijie was 1st to it but his attempted clearance ricocheted off an AMC2 player and into the path of another, who made no mistake from 10 yards out. It was a bizarre goal to concede and a painful one given the circumstances. The PMC tried to find an equalizer by pressing forward, but AMC2 cleared the danger well and rejoiced at the final whistle. They knew they had gained 3 points through fortunate circumstances.

Subs and Manager watching from the shed

Match action

During the post-match talk, Adrian focused on the positives - hard work, effort, commitment and discipline. He also thanked Michael for his support as an un-used sub. We would also like to thank Wei En and Raymond who came to support the team. With 6 games to go, Martin reminded the team that we had all to play for. Adrian closed in prayer, asking for healing from all the minor injuries sustained and Jacob to recover from illness.

Friendly match .vs. CMC report [26th February]

It was really hot as 3pm approached and as the PMC players made their way to Pasir Ris Secondary School. This was to be the final warm-up game for the start of AC11 (Agape Cup 2011) and a strong 18-player squad was selected based on the players available. Also arriving that afternoon was the new kit by Thorb, sponsored by Boston Pizza Company.

Jingzhong, Lincoln and Marcus modelling the new kit

The view from the rear

The 18-player squad before kick-off

Samuel, Yuen Wai ('Mr Boston Pizza') and David

Before kick-off, Jeremy led players from both teams in a time of devotion, focusing on managing setbacks in life. The refereee than called the starters from both teams onto the field for kick-off. PMC started with a young line-up, hoping to capitalise on speed for a good start. The 4-1-4-1 formation was employed:

Michael

Daniel - Weijie - Jeremy - Marcus

Dominic

Jacob - Kee Min - Kevin Liam - Jingzhong

Steve

PMC definitely started brighter of the 2 teams and within 5 mins, could have been 2-0. With lots of wingplay and fast ball movement to Steve, chances were aplenty. On the 1st occasion, Jacob's good play down the right found Steve unmarked in the box, but after some good close control, he fired the ball high with his left foot. Shortly after, Steve found himself in a good position outside the box, but his left foot shot was narrowly wide. When the CMC GK was finally beaten, his bar/post saved him. This took place at least twice, once from a curler by Yi Jun. Knowing that they were on the back foot, CMC tried to trouble PMC with long balls, but there were easily dealt with by the very solid back four, giving Michael the simplest task of collecting stray passes. The 1st half was clearly dominated by PMC, but the team had nothing to show for it on the scoresheet as the half ended.

Players waiting to capitalize on a corner

Jacob swings in the corner

Daniel prepares to make the free-kick count

Midfield action!

The 2nd half started with some changes. CMC's players who came late were clearly the stronger lot and were fielded immediately. PMC also made some changes, hoping to inject more attacking verve, with Rusydi and Yi Jun coming on. The initial stages of the 2nd half again belonged the PMC, with hard running by Dominic and Kee Min to supply Yi Jun with something. On a move from the left, Kevin thought his moment of glory had arrived after he controlled a throw-in and fired in a piledriver, by the CMC GK was able to parry it wide. Soon however, PMC's much-deserved goal finally arrived, albeit through fortunate circumstances. An innocuous high ball was fumbled by the CMC GK and Yi Jun was there to poke it into an empty net.

The goal galvanised to PMC team to search for more goals and there were a few more chances but again, the bar saved CMC, once from a glorious looping header by Marcus. CMC, for all their effort, were restricted mostly to long shots which either went wide or long. However, their moment to turn the match around came when a through ball found its way to their 'Chilli Padi' striker in the penalty box. Marcus stuck out his leg to get the ball, but took the player out instead. The referee instantly pointed to the penalty spot. CMC's Jansen (more affectionately know to us as 'Botak') made no mistake to bring the score to 1-1. CMC sensed that the tide had turned in their favour and launched attack after attack. The PMC players scrambled to keep the shape and clear the danger repeatedly. It was also during these final moments of the match, that things got slightly tasty, with some physical play that the referee had to stop the match to settle. None of these served to change the scoreline and the match ended at 1-1. Mark Chan (from CMC) gathered the players around the shed and closed in prayer.

Agape Cup Portal on Football OPOD

Hi everyone

Agape Cup has partnered Football OPOD to develop a comprehensive web-portal to access all the information on fixtures, results, team profiles, reports etc...

Do follow this link to find out more about this year's Agape Cup and how our PMC team is progressing - Agape Cup Portal.

Soccer Fellowship Report [19th February]

A light shower at 2.30pm threatened to put this afternoon's Soccer Fellowship in doubt. However, about 22 faithfuls still turned up at the start (about 4 more joined later) and were duly rewarded. Maurice shared from the story of David and Goliath from 1 Samuel 17 about being Giant Killers. While we might not have the strength to take on life's challenges on our own, we can trust in the living God whom nothing and no none can stand against.

We then proceeded to split into two teams, the Reds and Blue/White with Kelvin and Michael in goal respectively. Both teams started off very lively and were keen to draw first blood. After a few half chances, the ball fell to Nigel (Blue/White) near the 6 yard box and he shot a tame shot towards goal. However, Kelvin scuffed his clearance only to see the ball trickle agonisingly into goal. GOAL! A fitting reward for Nigel who was running tirelessly as the Blue/White's striker. Maybe his surname should be changed to 'Suarez'.

Although the Reds tried to equalise, their best effrots were cut off by the Blue/Whites back 4 of Wei En, Marcus, Maurice and Patrick. The momentum continued with John down the right flank. His slightly overhit cross eluded everyone in the 6 yard box but fell nicely to JZ on the left who only had the goalkeeper to beat as he slotted home for the Blue/White. GOAL!

The Reds quickly countered down the right and an inch-perfect cross was met by Daniel, who headed in for the Red's first goal. GOAL! Halftime : 2 - 1 to the Blur/Whites.

The 2nd half started much like the same as the 1st, with both teams looking for goals. However, by this time, we were playing 12 or 13 aside so it was more difficult to find space. Both sides' defence held their ground to deny any attacking threat. As the game wore on, it looked like the Blue/Whites would claim a narrow victory. But credit to the Red team for not giving up. A non-threatening cross floated into the Blue/White's 6 yard box and would have been collected by Michael but for the on-charging Raymond, who chested the ball and bundled it into the net. GOAL!

The game ended 2 - 2 and everyone had a good runout. A few of the younger guys (and John) even joined in the next game as one of the teams was short of players.

Soccer Fellowship [19th February]

Soccer Fellowship is on this Saturday, 19th February at Pasir Ris Secondary School* (the one in Tampines!). The session will be from 3 - 5 pm.

Please bring BOTH a BRIGHT and DARK jersey so that we can split the teams evenly.

Please pray for good weather! If you suspect the session is cancelled, please check the blog/email for more information before you head for the field. Cancellation of session will be broadcast on the blog and by email immediately when we are informed by Sports Council.

*The address of Pasir Ris Secondary School is 390 Tampines Street 21. The entrance to the field is opposite Block 253. If you are driving, the car park nearest to the school field is the open-air car park along Block 253. The map of the area around the school can be viewed HERE.

Soccer Fellowship Report [12th February]

After a week's hiatus to celebrate the Lunar New Year, we congregated at Pasir Ris Secondary School on a sunny Saturday afternoon to participate in our 5th Soccer Fellowship. 20 players showed up despite the blazing heat, a contrast to the previous Soccer Fellowship where the mood was dampened my heavy rain and soggy conditions.

John conducted a quick sharing before we were split into two teams, the Whites and Red/Blue.

With only approximately 10 men on each side, no goalkeepers were fielded and goals were only to be scored in the 6 yard box.

The game started off tentatively with both teams keeping possession of the ball and stroking it around without much purpose or penetration. The Whites were slightly more incisive and had a few opportunities in the opening minutes to go a goal up but was let down by poor finishing and some last ditch defending by Mark and Jem.

Somewhat against the run of play, Red/Blue managed to draw first blood. A long punt upfield from defence caught out the Whites and Ming Kiat had the simple task of running through and putting the ball into the empty net. Determined not to roll over, the Whites came back strongly and managed to equalize before Red/Blue scored in quick succession to enter the break 3-1 up.

After a short break, both teams emerged again with both teams changing tactics. Red/Blue fielded Dominic up front on his own with Ronnie supporting him from midfield while the Whites put Marcus up front, pushing Tim to the left. The 2nd half started much like the same as the 1st, with both teams playing keep ball.

However, a timely intervention by an unlikely source changed the flow of the game toward the Whites. 10 minutes into the 2nd half with both teams cancelling each other out, the parking attendant arrived and the game had to be momentarily stopped. The Whites managed to regroup after the short break and scored 3 goals in a space of 10 minutes as the Red/Blue self-capitulated defensively, with Marcus grabbing a brace.

That sparked the Red/Blue into life as both teams took turns to score thereafter with Dominic somehow managing to get 4 goals for himself and Rusydi and Marcus running the show for the Whites.

At the end, the scoreline did not matter as both sets of players had a good runout and played good, controlled football which will serve them well in the upcoming Agape Cup.

All the best boys for the upcoming Agape Cup. Go get 'em.

Ming Kiat

Soccer Fellowship [12th February]

Soccer Fellowship is on this Saturday, 12th February at Pasir Ris Secondary School* (the one in Tampines!). The session will be from 3 - 5 pm.

Please bring BOTH a BRIGHT and DARK jersey so that we can split the teams evenly.

Please pray for good weather! If you suspect the session is cancelled, please check the blog/email for more information before you head for the field. Cancellation of session will be broadcast on the blog and by email immediately when we are informed by Sports Council.

*The address of Pasir Ris Secondary School is 390 Tampines Street 21. The entrance to the field is opposite Block 253. If you are driving, the car park nearest to the school field is the open-air car park along Block 253. The map of the area around the school can be viewed HERE.

Soccer Fellowship Report [29th January]

It was a nice cooling afternoon for a game of soccer. Teams were separated into teams of blues and white. We started off with a mini game of 8 aside game using half a field with cones.

The whites string together in attack with the likes of Kee Min, Jingzhong and Daniel. After the whites were leading by 3-0, a few more turned up making it a 9-aside game.

Soon, another 2 arrived and teams were separated to plan player’s position. Both sides were closely matched areas of defence, attack and midfield distribution. Score was 1-1 and soon it rained pretty heavily. Many bad passes were made since. It was much a reminder for everyone that wet weather, adjustment and more precise passing is required.

The heavy rain did not deter the passionate players...

Since the pitch is wet, many went for the effort of trying from range since the ball slips faster making goalkeepers mistime their save. However, majority of the efforts went wide. *Only converted chances results in goal*

After 15minutes, the score went to 2-2. The rain stopped and the sky is clear. The pitch is still wet, boots soaked with water. Play slowed down, but nonetheless, it’s still closely fought between both sides. Many chances were created, but only a couple manage to nail the final ball.

The game ended with the score of 3-3. It was a fairly matched game as the score were never more than 2 goals in difference. Many were tired after the game, which shows the lack of fitness and the need to be ready when Agape Cup starts in March. Teamwork can only be focused on weekly fellowship. Fitness wise, it’s still mostly a personal effort on everyone’s part.