CRC2013 Match #3 Report: PMC vs FMC (12th May)

It was a really hot afternoon as the PMC players gathered at St Gabriel's Secondary School for our 'home' match against Faith Methodist Church (FMC). Needing a win to ensure that our season did not go into a downward spiral after the 3rd match, the players were quite prepared to slog it out on the field, despite some last minute withdrawals and players unavailable. Maurice and Kevin led the Singspiration and Sharing, with Kevin encouraging both teams to play with integrity (according to the laws of the game) and for team mates to encourage one another in this endeavour. After the respective team talks, the teams lined up on the field, with PMC in the following formation:

Jingzhong

Daniel Chen - Jeremy Sin - Rusydi

Kee Min - Isaiah

Damien - Kevin - Daniel Low

Weijie

David Lim

The action was fast and furious from the kick-off, with FMC playing a high speed up-tempo game with the pacy wingers. In the early stages of the match, they threatened by taking the ball past our full backs on more than one occasion, but we were let off by their selfishness as the FMC wingers often chose to shoot (off target) instead of cross to a team mate in the box. On the occasion that a cross did end up in the box, David Lim or the defenders were there to repel the danger. On the part of PMC, the early forward movements were in the form of counter attacks, with Isaiah trying to string passes for Rusydi and Jingzhong to chase down. Although possession was even, FMC clearly had the attacking share of the play, and duly took the lead with a corner. FMC's whipped cross found the head of a player who made his way in front of Kee Min, and he made no mistake by guiding the ball into the net, with David Lim attempting to meet the cross. With FMC 1-0 up, it looked all bleak for PMC as the sun continued to sap the energy of the players. The first 'victim' of this was Daniel Chen, who had to come off after 25min, replaced by Lincoln who swapped positions with Jingzhong. Play was largely even after the re-start, with PMC stringing a few decent moves, and FMC surprisingly keen to sit back to hold their lead for half-time. They paid the price for this was a throw-in was controlled by Kee Min, who passed to Jingzhong in the box to rifle in an unstoppable shot to level matters. With the wind in their sails, PMC pressed to take a lead into the 2nd half, but this did not materialise, despite some very positive play in the closing stages of the 1st half.

The same team took the field at the start of the 2nd half, but knowing that changes would be imminent with the sun still beating down mercilessly. Knowing that a 1-1 draw would not be an ideal result, PMC searched for the win in the early stages, this time, leaving FMC to play the counter-attacking game. Both sides tried but failed to make any impact in the early stages of the 2nd half, leading to substitutions being made. Lincoln came off for PMC, replaced by David Sng. Next to follow him off the bench was Joel Tan, replacing the tiring Damien. With PMC defending stoutly in its own half, it gave FMC much time on the ball beyond the half way line and this led to a very fortunate goal from FMC's left back, who launched a speculative shot from distance. The ball cannoned off the PMC crossbar, hit David Lim on the arm and ended in goal for FMC to take a 2-1 lead. Under such unfortunate circumstances, PMC made more substitutions to press for the equaliser, with Samuel coming on for Jeremy Sin and Jeremy Tan coming on for Isaiah. Samuel's impact was substantial as minutes after FMC's goal, he pressured a defender in the box from Rusydi's throw-in, forcing the FMC player to lob his own GK and give PMC the equaliser. At 2-2, it would have been a fair result, with only under 10min left to play. The final substitution came when Weijie experienced double-vision, and had to come off with Wei En replacing him. However, all of PMC's good work was undone in the final minutes of the match when a FMC fast-break saw Daniel Low caught out on the right. With the fast moving opponent entering into the box, Daniel tugged at his jersey, bringing him down. The referee had no option but to award Daniel his 2nd yellow, sending him off, and giving FMC a penalty. FMC's veteran player Brian stepped up and coolly slotted the ball past David to give FMC the 3-2 lead. In the final minutes, FMC had more than another chance to increase their lead, with PMC down to 10 men and with almost the last kick of the game, they scored their last goal when a long ball was not dealt with my the back 3 of Kee Min, Kevin and Wei En, leaving an FMC to score past David in a one-on-one situation.

Although there was a better feeling from the PMC team after the loss (coming from improved communication and effort), the defeat did not mask the fact that PMC needed much re-thinking about its formation and ability to score goals this season, with the current players available.

Soccer Fellowship Report (4th May)

The weather was near-perfect for soccer initially as the sun was hidden behind a patch of clouds. We were pleased to see many players who are involved in the tournament turned up, with the intention of working closer together as a team. A good response to Kevin's previous email by these players. We welcomed 3 new friends into the fellowship.

Jacob led the devotion and shared on Jesus is the answer to the many "why" questions in life. "The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all." Psalm 103:19. Jesus said: "I am the way, truth and life". God has shown us the way to truth and led us to the real meaning of life.

The players were split into 2 teams with the Whites against Other Colours. Since we had 19 players at start, we used the full field for the play. After a short-while, we were joined by 3 more players and it became 11 vs 11. The Whites scored first through David Lim as one of his explosive runs opened the scoring. Choon Heng had previously made a spell of successful interceptions as the GK but was caught off the line this time. The Other Colours looked for a response with 3 marathoners bossing the midfield. The equaliser finally arrived when  Ronnie cut in from the flank and played a nice volley into the net. Soon after, David scored another goal to put the Whites ahead again. Bryan, the Other Colours' lone striker, led the fightback by scoring a brace to bring the halftime scoreline to 3:2 to the Other Colours.

After a short break, the play resumed with the sun no longer in hiding position. The weather by that time was comparable to the blazing hot weather 2 weeks ago. The Other Colours was the more offensive side as the second half started, but the Whites threatened  many times with their speedy wingers David and Marcus. A great solo-effort from Marcus who beat 2 defensive players before guiding the ball into the bottom corner of the net, that leveled the scoreline to 3:3.  Our new comer, Javan, stole the show when a lose ball fell to him and he made no mistake to put it into the net. The final score was Other Colours 4:3 Whites.

Sheldon closed us in prayer by giving thanks to God for the session.

Soccer Fellowship (4th May)

Soccer Fellowship is on this Saturday, 4th May at Greenview Secondary School* (yes, the one in Pasir Ris). 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 Greenview Secondary School is 15 Pasir Ris Street 21.

CRC2013 Match #2 Report: PMC vs BFEC (28th April)

Early morning heavy showers threatened to postpone PMC's match against BFEC, but thank God the skies cleared as the players gathered at Bowen Secondary School for the fixture. PMC was intent on getting it's CRC2013 season going with its first points and everyone turned up on time. The teams posed for a combined photo before the start of the Singspiration and Sharing.

PMC and BFEC before the football action

The proceedings started with Nicholas from BFEC leading everyone in a song, and this was followed up with a sharing about the 'free gift' of Jesus Christ. The teams then had their pre-match team talk before taking the field. PMC lined up as follows:

Isaiah

Jingzhong - Rusydi - Daniel Low

Kee Min - Jeremy Sin

Damien - Jacob - Samuel

Mark

David Lim

The match started with PMC enjoying good possession, trying to get the early goal. Rusydi, Jingzhong and Daniel Low all had good touches on the ball but the final ball into the box was still trying to find its mark. Isaiah, as the sole man upfront, tried to boss his way round the defenders and had a half-chance early on but his very hard snap-shot was just above the bar. BFEC's main attacking threat came down its left wing and from their huge #10 who was proving a handful for our defenders. After 20min however, PMC's season went further downhill when a good move by BFEC's left winger allowed him to elude both Samuel and Mark. His pass found its way accurately to the #10 who made no mistake, evading Jacob in the box to fire a stiff shot past David in goal. Completely bewildered by the turn of events, the PMC players tried to rally themselves for an immediate fightback, but despite some good build-up moves and corners, there was often frustration with the final ball, with only half-chances either blocked or cleared. On BFEC's part, they continued to threaten PMC's goal, but their best chance came from a direct free-kick, which David had to tip over while fully stretched. As the referee blew for half-time, the players trudged off slightly downcast, but still intent on getting something from the match.

 Anyone's ball with all eyes closed

 Jeremy working hard in the middle of the pitch

 Isaiah works his way in-between 2 opponents

Rusydi performs his special move

The 2nd half started with PMC trying to pile on the pressure early, but again, was left frustrated on many occasions, in part due to wastefulness in possession, and also due to BFEC's persistence in defence and hard work. BFEC started to clamp down PMC with more men behind the ball, leaving just a lone front man to hit PMC on the break. This almost happened on 2 occasions and needed the robust defending of the defensive quartet to clamp down. With the match running away, Yi Jun was brought on for Jingzhong as an additional front man, and he was soon followed by David Sng (for Isaiah). A 3rd striker was then brought on as Jeremy Tan came on for Mark. With 3 men up front, there were more chances created and one almost bore fruit when David Sng's cross struck the bar of the goal. The final throw of the dice was when Weijie and Wei En were sent on for Kee Min and Damien respectively. The intense pressure on BFEC was finally too much for them to bear, when in the final seconds of the match, Jeremy Tan flicked on a corner to Weijie, who volleyed the ball into the bottom of the net. The BFEC players slumped in disbelief as they lost the 2 points that they thought they had sewn up. Immediately upon the re-start, the referee blew for full-time. 

PMC's post-match team talk was a good time to openly talk about areas to improve upon moving forward. Despite only picking up 1 point from a possible 6, the season still has a long way to go, and PMC would just have to 'do it the hard way' in order to qualify for the knock-out stages. Certainly there was much to take away from the match, including the fighting spirit, the impact of the late substitutes, and the belief in one another. Kevin closed in prayer.

Soccer Fellowship Report (20th April)

There was not a single rain cloud in sight. Just raw, brutal sunshine that scorched the ground, and the players on it. We welcomed two new comers into the fold.

Adrian then took devotion shared about Anxiety and Prayer. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" - Phil 4:6. When we are anxious winning, whether in soccer games or generally in life, we become angry when things don't go your way or when you think that no one is protecting you. That is also when you strike back or proceed to hurt someone. The bible tells us to pray when life worries hit you. You pray not only for favourable answers, but to remind us of the many blessings that He has given us.

We trodded to the field with 20 players. Red/white in one corner, and the black/blue in the other.

The blue/black was first off the blocks. Within minutes, Liang Zhi capitalised on a defensive lapse to score their first goal. Black/blue 1-0 Red/white.

The next goal was a beauty by the Black/blue team. Samuel bamboozled the entire defence before hammering the ball into the net. Black/blue 2-0 Red/white.

The Red/white team then pulled one back with Jeremy slicing the ball into the far corner from a delicious cross. Black/blue 2-1 Red/white.

After that, it was the Black/blue team all the way with David scoring three goals consecutively. Really good effort by PMC's Goalkeeper! The Black/Blue team could have scored more if not for the evergreen Uncle John. Playing between the sticks, Uncle John made three vital saves to prevent the Black/blue team from running riot.

Soon, it was the Red/White team who had the impetus. Joel pulled one back and after that, an own goal by Jacob saw the Red/White team baying for more.

Though both teams tried to out-do each other, the final score still stood at Black/blue 5-3 Red/white. The winner? Well, it has got to be the SUN!

Great job guys!

Soccer Fellowship (20th April)

Soccer Fellowship is on this Saturday, 20th April at Greenview Secondary School* (yes, the one in Pasir Ris). 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 Greenview Secondary School is 15 Pasir Ris Street 21.

CRC2013 Match #1 Report: PMC vs NCC (14th April)

The PMC Soccer Team gathered at Anderson Secondary School under clear skies, hoping that the CRC2013 season would get underway without another abandoned game. The team was early and keen to put in a good display against newcomers to CRC2013- New Creation Church (NCC). Being early, the players were able to warm up and complete a good team talk, with ardent supporter Kenneth praying for the team. All this was done in good time before the start of the Singspiration and Sharing, led by Kevin and Maurice respectively.

PMC players gather for the pre-match team talk

Following the Singspiration and Sharing, Maurice announced the following line-up to take the field against NCC:

Steve

Jingzhong - Isaiah - Rusydi

Kee Min - Jeremy Sin

Kevin - Jacob - Daniel Low

Mark

David Lim

The PMC team started off rather on the back foot, when an NCC through ball (obviously overplayed) was misjudged by Kevin. His innocuous kick to clear the ball slightly brushed the onrushing NCC player and caused the referee to award a freekick to NCC very early in the game. This would be just one of many bizarre decisions that the referee made during the course of the match that would bewilder both sets of players. NCC was unable to capitalise on this early set-piece and continued to press with some through balls to their pacy wingers/forwards. On the part of PMC, Jeremy Sin and Kee Min bossed the middle of the park and on more than one occasion, played Rusydi in on the wing to provide a dangerous cross or two.  relatively well. PMC's best chance of the 1st half fell to Steve, who sprung the offside trap from a freekick, but he blasted the ball over with just the GK to beat. NCC's chances came largely from set-pieces which they did not convert, thanks to the defensive quartet led by Mark and Jacob in the middle. David was also having an excellent game in goal, claiming crosses and through balls confidently. Perhaps more notable than the soccer in the first half were the constant badgering of the referee by players and physical tussles all over the pitch. The half-time whistle blew with both teams locked at 0-0.

 Jacob about to clear the ball as an NCC comes in with a studs-in challenge

David taking one of the many goal kicks 

The half-time team talk focused on keeping up the tenacity and high work rate of the players, and allow the game to open up over time. Better play in the final third would also increase the chances of taking 3 points from the match. The same line-up returned to the field, with the exception of Steve who had to leave for another engagement. Justin replaced him as the CF. PMC started the 2nd half brightly, again with Jeremy Sin and Kee Min keeping and winning possession in the middle of the park. However, chances were few and far between with the exception of a wicked cross from the right by Rusydi, which evaded both the GK and defenders. Unfortunately, there was no one in the box to finish it. NCC continued to probe by playing neat balls on the edge of the box, before trying to find a 'killer pass'. Most attempts were unsuccessful until a good move down their left drew Jeremy Sin away from the middle, allowing their attackers to play a neat pass to their forward, who rolled Mark and left him with just David to beat, which he did. It was quite a sucker punch for PMC as NCC hardly had a shot on target before that. Until then, Mark and Jacob had been solid in the middle. Within minutes of the re-start, Mark pulled up with a calf injury, and was replaced by Daniel Chen who came in at LB, with Kevin taking Mark's place as SW. Playing a much higher line, PMC pressed for the equaliser and caught the NCC players offside on more than one occasion as they attempted to counter-attack. PMC could not find another gear in their play to grab the equaliser and despite trying hard to press for the goal, was unable to get one. The match ended with NCC victorious, and PMC starting the season with a loss.

The post-match team talk allowed numerous views to be aired, mostly focusing on how to work on creating more chances in the final third, and playing with more hunger. Although the result was disappointing, the team had put in a very decent performance. Maurice closed in prayer.

Soccer Fellowship Report (6th April)

April seems to be a month of hot mornings, followed by thunderstorms afternoon. Saturday was no different, as weather was still not really favouring a good game of soccer come 3pm. Nonetheless, the usual hardcore soccer fans itching for some kickabouts still turn up Pasir Ris Crest to have some light runs, as SSC has not called to cancel on the field. Multiple lightning sightings in close proximity had the field warden ask us to remain in the shelter till about 345pm.

 Daniel watching the iPhone generation while waiting for play to start

 Jem sharing devotions

Jem lead the devotion, entitled putting a smile on God's face, with the main scripture from Jeremiah 9:23-24 "This is what the Lord says: Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that i am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight, declares the Lord." God delights in kindness. Kindness being showed to one another, to fellow brothers and sisters, to the sick and needy, to everyone. Every acts of kindness will definitely put a smile on God's face!

After devotion, the players (about 12 of us) took to the pitch. We played with the cones available on half the field, with the blacks and darks against the light and colours. Shortly after, we were joined by some young friends to about 9 v 9 on 1 half of the field. Play was pretty packed and David opened the scoring with a well struck shot. Soon it became too crowded as afew more players came trickling into PRC field. We all then went for a water break to resume using the full field. Play resume in the second half with goals flowing from both sides. The light had strong regular PMC players in David, Sheldon, Mark and Joel, while the key players for the dark are Keemin, Jem and Kevin. Final score was 4-2 to the light coloured team.

We thank God for all the new faces who join us, and especially for the walk-ins from Pasir Ris neighbourhood who came to play. Kevin close the session introducing PMC along drive 6, and we definitely love for them to join us again as well as pop-by our church along drive 6.

Soccer Fellowship (6th April)

Soccer Fellowship is ON this Saturday, 6th April at Pasir Ris Crest Secondary School* (yes, the one in Pasir Ris!). 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 Crest Secondary School is 11 Pasir Ris Street 41. The entrance to the field is next to the bus-stop along Pasir Ris Drive 4. If you are driving, the car park nearest to the school field is the Multi-Storey Car Park at Block 458A. The map of the area around the school can be viewed HERE.

CRC2013 Match #0 Report: PMC vs AMC (31st March)

It was almost perfect weather as both teams turned up at Bowen Secondary for the kick-off of the CRC2013 season. Both teams arrived early to warm up and the PMC players were especially excited as they received the new kit for the 2013/2014 seasons, sponsored by CargoTec Singapore. It was also very encouraging that in addition to the 18 players and Manager Kevin, PMC was well supported by Timothy, Martin, Michael, Joel, Kenneth and Luke.

Mark models the new PMC kit

The season officially got underway when Wee Teck and Benedict from AMC led both teams in song, followed by Rayson who shared about God's love for us through Jesus Christ. He illustrated this through the analogy of a son relinquishing his position of authority to take the punishment of a criminal. Rayson challenged all those who had not yet made a decision to acknowledge Jesus as their saviour, to speak to one of their team mates about this.

AMC leads the Singspiration & Sharing

The PMC Team with supporters

Following the S&S, the PMC players quickly huddled for the pre-match team talk, which focused on being tenacious, playing the ball in the right direction and to make every dead ball situation count. The following starters took the field for PMC:

Steve

Jingzhong - Isaiah - Rusydi

Kee Min - Jeremy Sin

Damien - Jacob - Daniel Low

Mark

David Lim

Both teams started brightly, intent on scoring an early goal. AMC were especially quick to try using the flanks, and their large forward to knock on long balls into the path of their #10 and #12, who were quick and deft in their movement. More than once through balls were played, but thankfully long. On PMC's part, the midfield was especially quick to winning lose balls and play them into Steve, who did what he could to chase and put the AMC defence under pressure. It was all even after 10min even though there was a slight scare for PMC when AMC won a couple of corners. PMC's first real chance fell to Jeremy Sin, when Isaiah's long and high free kick was dropped by the AMC GK in the box, but he managed to recover in time as Jeremy Sin was closing him down. The best play of the match took place when Jingzhong played an excellent cross field ball to Rusydi, who controlled it, beat 2 defenders and played a through ball to Jeremy Sin who was again close, but not close enough. It was thus unfortunate that after 21min, the referee had to suspend play due to lightning. With the field warden strictly playing by the rules, the match was abandoned with the score at 0-0. It was an encouraging start to the season nonetheless, with PMC playing positively, and the whole team rally together for what looks like will be a long season.

 

Damien challenges for the ball

 Jacob slides in for the tackle

 Isaiah steps in to get the ball

David Lim claims one of AMC's corners