CRC2013 Match #6 Report: PMC vs AMC (30th June)

With clear skies and fresh air, the PMC team made their way to St Gabriel's Secondary School for their 6th match of the CRC2013 season. However, the match was designated for Bendemeer Secondary School instead, and through some quick communications, the players were able to hurry to the correct venue to take on AMC, the perennial champions/finalists. Maurice led a song of preparation and Kevin shared about the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20), with an emphasis on the fact that it was never too late to accept Christ, and that we can all inherit Christ's love equally. 

With recent matches showing good effort and some stability, the PMC team was positive lining up for the match, even though there were still changes in the team and a new set of defenders playing together for the first time this season:

Jeremy Tan

Jingzhong - Jacob - Yi Jun

Isaiah - Kee Min

Damien - Kevin - Daniel Low

Jeremy Sin

David Lim

PMC started the 1st 5min of the match really well, probing the AMC defence and winning the 1st corner. The team kept the ball well and also cleared their defensive lines without much trouble. However, after the 5th minute, AMC seemed to 'wake' up and settled into their high tempo passing game which left the PMC defence bewildered time and time again. It was only the offside trap and some last minute defending that preserved the 0-0 scoreline until the 10th minute. However, from that point onwards, the PMC defence was thrust into complete disarray by AMC's probing diagonal balls, speedy wingers and elusive forwards. In a span of 15min, PMC found itself 5 goals down with goals being conceded from the left, right and centre. Even when it seemed that the PMC defenders were going to be first to the ball, they were not able to clear their lines sufficiently, allowing 2 goals to be simple tap-ins from close range. It took lots of communication and composure for the PMC defence to re-group and the midfielders and forwards to keep the ball better, which led to AMC being unable to add to their 5 goals for the rest of the half. 

Jacob and Isaiah double-team to help PMC keep the ball 

Rusydi made a positive return to the team, but this free-kick would have only made the All Blacks proud 

Justin defends tightly against AMC's speedy left winger 

Michael punts the ball high and long 

Maurice makes a cameo as CF, but did not show his 'hunger' on the field 

Samuel soars high to head a ball clear

In keeping with the revised policy for earlier/more substitutions, 4 changes were made at half-time to keep the team fresh and battling. Justin came on for Yi Jun, Rusydi for Jeremy Tan, Samuel for Daniel Low and Joel for Damien. The fresher legs certainly helped to stave off AMC's speedy attacks in the early part of the 2nd half, with both Samuel and Joel getting to the ball first and clearing the danger before the AMC wingers could do any damage. Up front, PMC was keeping the ball better with Rusydi and Jingzhong in tandem, although they conjured up half chances at best. After 20min, the next set of substitutions took place, with Michael coming on for Jingzhong, allowing David Lim to play as CF. Maurice also came on for Isaiah and David Sng for Kevin. The team had to re-organise but was able to keep its share and take on AMC quite positively. For its effort, David Lim was able to capitalise on a mix-up in AMC's defensive ranks and score for PMC. With the score at 5-1, PMC was encouraged to press forward to make the scoreline more respectable, but to no avail. Defensively, PMC did well to hold the AMC forwards at bay and to conclude the match at 5-1, a better scoreline than previous meetings against AMC.

Clearly, there was better team spirit, communication and effort, perhaps owing from the stability from the previous few matches, and also more players being involved in the game earlier. This augurs well for the remaining matches in CRC2013, regardless of results. 

CRC2013 Match #5 Report: PMC vs CMC (23rd June)

PMC's 5th match of the season was only confirmed late in the morning of 23rd June, due to very hazy conditions earlier in the week. However, as the haze levels went below 100 PSI, and both teams felt comfortable proceeding with the match, it went ahead as planned. The PMC continued to play in a 'depleted' state, with Daniel serving his 2nd match suspension and other players unavailable. However, a full team turned up to try and produce a positive result. This was also bolstered by the return of Jacob from his 2-week trip to China.

PMC led the Sharing and Singspiration before the start of the match and a combined team photo was taken. PMC's pre-match talk focused on going for goals, with a new 4-3-3 formation allowing more players to get forward:

Jingzhong - Martin - Jeremy Tan

Isaiah - Kee Min - Jeremy Sin

Damien - Jacob - Samuel

Weijie

David Lim

The combined team photo before kick-off

The match started quite gradually, with both teams careful not to over-exert themselves due to still slightly hazy conditions. It slowly built up with CMC taking the play down the flanks, a common tactic that PMC had to face the entire season. PMC defended well initially, and also attacked with intent, but the earlier chances were mostly half chances that well to Jeremy Tan and Isaiah, which hardly troubled the CMC GK. CMC's initial attacks were also blunt and there was a significant amount of time that the ball spent being won in the middle of the park. It took a little bit of brilliance to break the deadlock and this came from the boot of a CMC player on the wing, who cut into the middle and curled a beautiful shot past David Lim and into the corner of the PMC net. It was 1-0 to CMC with about 20min to play in the 1st half. The PMC team spent much of this time working their way back into the match, but were left to rue half-chances and long shots, most notably by Jeremy Sin. The defence held firm and the break came with the score at 1-0 to PMC.

The half-time team talk focused on getting back into the match, naturally, and to do that even more players were given license to pour forward in a 3-5-2 formation:

Jingzhong - Lincoln

Damien - Kee Min - Martin - Jeremy Sin - Samuel

Isaiah - Weijie - Jacob

David Lim

Although the intent of the formation was sound on paper, in practice, the PMC team struggled to keep the shape and could not breach the CMC defence in the early minutes of the 2nd half. Still waiting to register a shot on target, the PMC team laboured for any offensive spark. On the part of CMC, they also did not carve out many chances although they had 1 or 2 attempts on goal. The 1st change of the 2nd half came when Steve came on to replace Martin. This brought some urgency into the attack, with a number of his headers and knock-ons finding their way to the forwards, who were unable to finish. The substitutes continued to roll on with Kevin replacing Damien, Justin replacing Jeremy Sin, Joel replacing Samuel, David Sng replacing Isaiah and Yi Jun replacing Jingzhong. The changes did not do much to help PMC's cause although they kept pressing for the equaliser. Unfortunately, during a CMC counter-attack late in the match, PMC was not able to clear the ball from the penalty box sufficiently, leaving a CMC open for a stiff strike that eluded David Lim in goal. The match ended with CMC victorious by 2 goals to 0.

Soccer Fellowship Report (15th June)

Its the middle of the school holidays season on a hot saturday afternoon as PMC soccer regular khakkis turned up in HSS for their weekly kickabouts. Not a big attendance as the youths in Church were involved in an event, while some others are taking a break with their family for a weekend holidays overseas. Still about 11 regulars turned up, with the core of it being the PMC team guys.

Play only started at about 345pm as the heat really had the players trickling in at a later timing. After all had geared up and did some passing in the middle of the field, Jem opened the session with a short prayer. Teams were split fairly equal of 5 red shirts v 6 white shirts, with the father and son being in the same team. Goal posts were, as per the last fellowship session, shifted to half field, and play was without goalkeepers. It was a pretty well close game as teams were split up of fairly equal quality. The reds had hard players in Jem, KM, Dan, experienced Uncle Ronnie and pacy Joel. Whites on the other hand have attacking minded David Sng, JZ, YJ, with Michael at the back and the father and son (has pretty good touches for a young age). Goals were flowing on both sides, as all players enjoyed a relaxing session without overexerting on each other. Break was at about 430pm, and after that, Michael (i guess still hangover from his wedding) pulled out, followed by the father and son. Towards the end, its just the reds constantly overloading the whites, as the passing seemed to be non-stop, just waiting to find the gap past the bus parked by the whites in front of their goalpost. Finally it was 5 and everyone was tired, but equally enjoyed the fellowship session. We then bid each other farewell and looked to meetup again in the coming match against PMC known "derby rivals".

Till then, lets all enjoy this school holidays with our loved ones. For those free on 23 June afternoon, feel free to come down to St Gabriel Sec to cheer on PMC as they take on CMC. Cheers.

Soccer Fellowship (15th June)

Soccer Fellowship is on this Saturday, 15th June at Hai Sing Catholic School* (yes, the one in Pasir Ris). We are at this new venue as our regular fields are all unavailable. The location is still rather convenient with many buses plying between Pasir Ris MRT Station and the school. 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 Hai Sing Catholic School is 9 Pasir Ris Drive 6. The entrance to the field however, is along Pasir Ris Drive 3, just across the road from E-Hub. There is a bus-stop just next to the field entrance. The nearest car park is the open air car park along blocks 406/407 Pasir Ris Drive 6.

You can view the map of the area HERE. 

CRC2013 Match #4 Report: PMC vs CAG (9th June)

The PMC Soccer Team turned up at its new 'home ground' of St Gabriel's Secondary School truly intending to get its season back on the road again. Bolstered by the return of last year's offensive duo of Timothy and Martin, the PMC team was certainly hopeful of a good result, even though Isaiah and Daniel were suspended, and Rusydi and Jacob were away.

The pre-match proceedings began with CAG leading in worship and some sharing by their leaders. The PMC team conferred for their pre-match team talk and focused on playing offensively, and getting the result that was badly needed. The team lined up in the following formation:

Martin

Jingzhong - Timothy - Justin

Kee Min - Jeremy Sin

Damien - Kevin - Samuel 

Weijie

David Lim

Both teams started competitively although with contrasting styles. PMC was playing primarily down the middle, with the occasional ball through the left with Jingzhong. CAG on the other hand, was quick to swing long diagonal balls to their wingers at every opportunity, using these speedy players to send quick crosses in or cutting in to take shots on goal. CAG threatened more than PMC in the early stages, with their quick wingers. More than once they had opportunity to shoot, but their shots sailed high, wide or both. Unfortunately for PMC, there was only so much onslaught the team could withstand and when a low cross was played just outside the box, the PMC defenders were wrong-footed by an unplanned double dummy, allowing a free CAG player to shoot unobstructed into the corner of David Lim's net to put CAG 1-0 up. Undaunted, PMC pressed for the equaliser, with Martin leading the line. When he was fouled just outside the box, Timothy stepped up to fire a free-kick into the net, leaving the CAG GK with no chance. With the scores back level at 1-1, both team used the remainder of the 1st half to bring an advantage to the interval, but to no avail. During the half-time team talk, everyone was encouraged by a positive first half but was asked to improve communication and increase chances in the final third.

The same team trudged onto the field for the 2nd half, determined to take the match to CAG. Both teams tried to get the rhythm going again, but CAG was clearly getting the lion's share of chances, with Weijie and Samuel having to make goal-line clearances, and the PMC crossbar saving the team on 3 occasions. Offensively, PMC wasn't that sharp, with just hopeful balls lofted into the CAG half. It was thus no surprise that CAG took the lead again, with another swift break down the PMC right flank. As hard as the defenders tried, the whipped cross evaded a number of players in the box, leaving the CAG forward near the far post to finish from a tight angle. Being 2-1 down, PMC brought on David Sng for Sameul and Yi Jun for Justin in search of goals. The equaliser did come quickly, but it was all done to the individual work of Jingzhong, who stole the ball from CAG's LB and took on the GK to make it 2-2. With full time just 15min away, it seemed like a draw was to be a fair result, but both teams disregarded that fact and continued to attack. However, the game-changer arrived when David Sng and David Lim went for the same high ball, without an opponent near them. The collision left David Lim on the ground with a badly sprained ankle, and was subbed off with Maurice coming on. Steve also came on for Martin during this time. With the defence slightly shaken and CAG continuing their onslaught from the wing, it was a matter of time before a high ball was not well claimed by Maurice, leaving the CAG forward to poke the ball into an empty net. It was another bitter pill for PMC to swallow, with a late goal leaving PMC without a point from the match after working so hard. 

The post-game team talk sounded familiar as it was the 2nd consecutive game that PMC had been at 2-2 at the 70th minute, but late mistakes leaving the team on the losing end. Still everyone felt the effort was good, and left knowing that there would still be more matches to play. David Lim had to leave for the hospital for an X-ray but was thankful to find his ankle not fractured. 

Soccer Fellowship Report (1st June)

Despite the excellant weather for soccer only 8 guys turned up for soccer fellowship. Poor turnout largely due to a number of regulars absent to attend our Bro Michael Chua wedding celebrations that day. Ronnie opened the session by sharing that God wants us to honor our parents, to value and cherish them as our parents deserve our love and respect. This is how we should treat our parents if we desire God's blessing.

Due to the small turnout, play had to be restricted to 4 a side which was played on a half size field with no goalie. It was the usual Whites vs Coloured team. Play commenced with the Coloured team playing the more aggressive and direct soccer focusing on short passing, retaining posession, short dribbling and shoot on sight strategy. The White team was however contented to sit back to handle the onslaught, defending stoutly, employing quick counter attacks to score a couple of quick goals. Play was pretty even in the first half and a similar pattern followed in the second half. The second half saw both teams stepped up the pace as rain threatened to pour as grey clouds covered the skyline and strong winds blewed. Lots of running and short passing of the ball by both teams with many goals scored. Due to the small number of players per team, the players had to do more running than usual and all did enjoyed a good workout on the field. Heavy rain eventually descended on the field with about 15 mins of playing time left and play had to stop with the players running to the changing room to take shelter from the rain.
Kevin closed the session in prayer.

Soccer Fellowship (1st June)

Soccer Fellowship is on this Saturday, 1st June at Hai Sing Catholic School* (yes, the one in Pasir Ris). We are at this new venue as our regular fields are all unavailable. The location is still rather convenient with many buses plying between Pasir Ris MRT Station and the school. 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 Hai Sing Catholic School is 9 Pasir Ris Drive 6. The entrance to the field however, is along Pasir Ris Drive 3, just across the road from E-Hub. There is a bus-stop just next to the field entrance. The nearest car park is the open air car park along blocks 406/407 Pasir Ris Drive 6.

You can view the map of the area HERE. 

Friendly Match Report: PMC vs CBC (25th May)

The PMC players gathered at Greenview Secondary on a very hot day to use its 'free' weekend for some match practice in order to keep the momentum going for CRC2013. Both PMC and CBC were in last position in their respective CRC groups, and needed a win to boost team morale. Being a long weekend, many PMC players were unavailable, but the team welcomed back Martin after his recovery from a fractured elbow. The pre-match team talk focused on using the friendly match to give everyone a good run-out and also to try out new formations to suit players available, instead of being adamant about playing a 4-2-3-1 if available players could not play some of the positions in this formation. The PMC team lined-up as follows:

Jeremy Tan

Jingzhong - Martin - Justin

Kee Min - Jeremy Sin

Wei En - Kevin - Daniel Low - Samuel

David Lim

The early exchanges were quite even, with the main battle in the middle of the pitch. CBC's #16 was seeing a lot of the ball, and it was clear that he was the playmaker for the team, stringing long passes, holding the ball well and even taking a few shots that sailed high above David Lim's goal. On PMC's part, having Martin back meant that the ball was retained better and on a number of occasions, Jeremy Tan was able to pressure the CBC defence. Jingzhong also had a number of chances and in general, the team was playing reasonably well, stringing decent passes but unable to put any away. In defence, the back four held firm and didn't allow much to trouble them. When the CBC players did get through, David Lim was there to smother the danger, or CBC's final pass was astray. With nothing much in it, the 1st half ended with the team performance reinforcing what had been the case this season - strong in defence, but unable to put the ball in the back of the net. 

The 2nd half allowed PMC to experiment with a 4-3-3 formation with more emphasis on attack. David Lim also made his debut in a forward role to see if that would provide a cutting edge to the team. The 2nd half kicked-off with the following line-up:

Jingzhong - David Sng - David Lim

Kevin - Kee Min - Jeremy Sin

Wei En - Samuel - Joel

Daniel Low

Michael

This new formation certainly allowed PMC the upper hand in the early exchanges of the match, keeping the ball in the opponent's half with some good pressing in the middle third. The best chance of the early exchanges fell to Jingzhong when he was played through on goal, but fired the ball high with only the GK to beat. David Lim tried to use his pace to beat defenders, but chances to do so were few and far between. It was against the run of play that CBC scored their first goal. A long lofted ball down CBC's right wing found their forward, who evaded Wei En and fired a still shot into the top left corner of Michael's goal, with the entire defence rooted. CBC's 2nd goal came quickly, again through a fast-break. Being 2-0 down and still not being able to score, PMC reverted to the 4-2-3-1 formation, which steadied the ship, allowing the players on the bench to rotate back on the pitch, and see out the match at that scoreline. 

Although it was another loss for PMC, the match allowed everyone to get at least a half of football and also allowed the team to try out something new with an eye on the next CRC match against CAG. 

Soccer Fellowship Report 18 May 2013

Hi all, last Saturday's fellowship had about 18 of us playing an enjoyable session of football in a nice cool weather. This was after Michael opened the session with a personal testimonial about God's grace & saving mercy.

The session was also joined in by a new friend Edmund who was introduced by Maurice. The game started off brightly for David & his teammates who were wearing mainly blue. In the opening 15 min, he scored at least two goals with other teammates scoring a few as well against the mainly white jerseys. The white finally break the zero goal mark with a stunner shot from Samuel half an hour into the game.

In the second half, the whites have more possession in the opening 15 minutes due to the departure of Isaiah from the blue team. The whites tried hard to score but only managed to do so through Maurice after some time. Due to fatigue, the white somehow allowed the blues to score a few more before wrapping up the session.

Whatever the score may be, all of us enjoyed the game & really had a good workout.

Soccer Fellowship (18th May)

Soccer Fellowship is on this Saturday, 18th 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.