Sunday, October 26, 2014

Alpha Cup Match Report #4: PMC vs TCPC (19th October)

PMC returned to its home ground of Hai Sing Catholic School to get back to winning ways against a TCPC team that had not won all season (CRC and Alpha Cup). The team was highly confident as it took the field, knowing that a good win for this match would set it back on course for the season. After singspiration and sharing led by TCPC, the team took to the field as follows:

Jeremy Tan

Jingzhong - Kevin - Justin

Kee Min - Jacob

Damien - Jeremy Sin - Samuel

Daniel Chen

Joel 

It was clear from the start that PMC would have the lion's share of possession with the first 10min completely in the TCPC half, with action most in the TCPC box. Within the short start of the match, PMC had numerous chances to open the scoring, with Jingzhong having a go from long range and a couple of half chances. Unfortunately for PMC, none really troubled the GK and defence, who were content just to clear their lines at every opportunity, and not even relying on a counter attack as the PMC defence was able to push up to the halfway line to press TCPC in their own half. It was thus frustrating for the team that the GK was only troubled slightly, with most shots on goal or chances not being on target, or the ball lost before it got delivered into the box. This frustration showed on the part of PMC players who tried to take matters into their own hands in order to score a goal, clearly frustrating their team mates further. When TCPC did have the ball, they were content to punt it long towards goal for their forward to chase. On one of the few such occasions, Daniel Chen needed to make a last minute intervention, buckling his knee in the process. Even though he was able to help himself up, he was running rather gingerly for the rest of the half. It was thus remarkable for both teams that halftime came with the score at 0-0, PMC wondering how it was not ahead, and TCPC wondering how they had kept a clean sheet.

After the halftime team talk to focus on playing cohesively as a team, and to get the ball more into the box, the PMC team returned to the field to get the win. Daniel Chen was unable to continue and was replaced by Felix, with Justin sitting down for David Sng. The start of the 2nd half was pretty much the same story as the first but this time, TCPC was far more adventurous, with its first-half GK Bob (from BBTC) playing as an advanced outfield player. This made things far more positive for TCPC as he was an able dribbler, and brought other team mates into the game. This indeed made the difference when on one such counter attack, a long ball was controlled by him, and the PMC defence which had little to do all day, was caught flat footed, allowing the forward to take Joel on in a one-on-one situation to prod the ball into the net. The TCPC supporters could not believe it as their team took the lead. The PMC players also could not believe it and immediately pressed harder for a goal. Jacob was certainly giving his 110% as always, even though visibly tiring. With a freekick awarded in PMC's favour, Samuel stepped up to whip the ball into the box and the on-rushing Jacob was able to sweep it into the corner of the net to level the game at 1-1. This energised PMC to play more as a team and get the next goal. However, some calamitous defending undid PMC's good work. Another long ball in the PMC box was not dealt with decisively, and as Joel came for it, both Felix and Jeremy Sin allowed the ball to bounce, obstructed their own GK, and gave the TCPC forward the simplest task of rolling the ball into the empty net. Again the TCPC bench erupted in cheers and PMC was left bewildered about what it needed to do to sort things out. At this time, Jeremy Tan left the field for Justin's return and the final push for a goal. The equaliser came was Jacob made a good decision to cut his right wing run to cross the ball into the box for David Sng to expertly finish with a first-time volley. With the score at 2-2 and all to play for in the final 5min, PMC really pushed for the goal and was rewarded when a long throw to Kevin in the box was unlawfully defended by the defender with a handball. Jacob stepped up to score what would have been the winning goal, but his firm shot skimmed the crossbar, leaving the PMC team ruing the miss and wondering what it needed to do to win. Worse still, in the closing stages of the match, Jingzhong found himself in a physical contest with a TCPC defender. Although there was not much in the tussles, the referee saw  a need to show Jingzhong two yellow cards in quick succession, causing him to be sent off and suspended for the next match.

The frustration clearly showed on everyone's faces during the post-match team talk. There was much to work on, and Kevin led everyone in a time of reflection and positive thinking moving foward, so as not to allow this match to be the judge on the team's ability.

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Alpha Cup Match Report #3: PMC vs FGA (12th October)

PMC returned to East View Sec to resume its Alpha Cup campaign. Clearly being stretched in its 22nd game of the season in terms of commitment and injuries, PMC was aided in this match by 2 new faces- Jacob's friend Justin and Joel's friend Aaron. Together, the team hoped to put up a good showing against former CRC champions FGA. The match proceedings started off with S&S led by Kevin, focusing on not making assumptions in life and challenging all to not assume who God is or is not, but rather find out for themselves who He is.

Following S&S and the team talk, PMC lined up as follows:

David Sng

Jeremy Tan - Kevin - Justin

Kee Min - Jacob

Damien - Jeremy Sin - Daniel Low - Joel

Winston

It was clear from the start of the match that PMC had to be prepared to chase for the ball. Even though FGA had not participated in the CRC this season, they certainly had kept up their brand of tiki-taka football, passing the ball swiftly both on the ground as well as in the air, leaving the PMC players have to sit back and do lots of off the ball chasing. FGA's smooth passing resulted in some early chances but they were mostly off target, but you could certainly see FGA players finding their range. When PMC players were able to get their feet to the ball, they were hardly able to hold onto it, playing hopeful balls up front for David Sng to chase or the wingers to press the full backs. It was thus not long that FGA opened up the scoring through a wonderfully worked goal completing many passes. The final ball found the FGA right winger in space, who took on Damien and fired a rocket into the goal from the edge of the box, leaving Winston rooted. Credit to PMC that the early goal did spur it on to press forward more, and the seemingly direct long-ball game did create a number of half-chances. One of which fell to Kevin, whose stiff right foot shot was too close to the FGA GK, who got down quick enough to save it. By the mid-point of the first half, things were pretty much even, but a turning point in favour of FGA swung the pendulum in their favour again. In a case of 50-50 ball, Daniel Low and Jeremy Sin were judged by the referee to have squeezed the FGA off the ball unfairly in the box, leading to FGA being awarded a rather soft penalty. FGA's #17 gleefully stepped up to fire the ball into the net for his 2nd goal. Being 2-0 up and with the wind in their sails, FGA pressed forward to put the match away before half-time. PMC brought on Justin for Justin and Aaron for Damien to stem the tide and this gave PMC some added bite in midfield. The best chance sod the first half fell to Jacob, who took on 3 FGA players before unleashing a right foot shot that cannoned off the cross bar. However, a couple of careless mistakes led to more goals conceded, mostly as a result of lack of communication and leaving the ghosting FGA players un-marked. The scoreline of 4-0 at halftime indeed looked harsh for a PMC side that had been defending resolutely all season.

After a simple team talk and lots of water to combat the heat, PMC returned to the field intent on salvaging some pride, which it did terribly well against PPCC in the previous match. The match was certainly more even in the 2nd half, with FGA sitting back knowing that it had sewn up the match. Felix had come on at RB in the 2nd half and was also quite assured in cleaning balls. PMC pressed in search of a goal, and had a number of good passing moves which led to half-chances. On one such move involving Kee Min, Justin and Jacob, the final ball was played into the box, but with natural striking instincts, Kevin took too long on the ball and although he did get his shot off, the FGA GK was able to save it. Next Aaron, now playing as CF, was able to let loose a first time left foot volley, but again, the cross bar came to FGA's rescue. Without the cross bar and the agile FGA GK, the scoreline could well have been 4-4 at this point. Winston in PMC's goal was also doing well, parrying a few long range shots which FGA players were content to take, given their large advantage. PMC also brought on Michael to bolster the defence, as Damien had to rush off for another appointment. PMC's undoing was again its own carelessness, giving away possession easily and allowing FGA players to shoot, or dribble into the box to score another couple of goals. The match ended on a sour note for both teams, as an inocuous incident in PMC's box led to the referee showing straight red cards to both Daniel Low and FGA's #17. It was clear to both teams that there was no physical contact between the players as they challenged for a 50-50 ball. The referee clearly interpreted the situation differently, sending both off, causing Daniel to be suspended for the next 2 Alpha Cup games.

This match was clearly a case of PMC being punished for not being sharp enough in front of goal and  not sure enough in possession. Such carelessness facing a slick passing team like FGA naturally turned into the large defeat on this day.

Thursday, September 25, 2014

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

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

David Sng

JZ - Kevin - Jacob

Kee Min - Samuel

Weijie - Jeremy Sin - Daniel Low

Felix

Winston


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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reported by Lee Kee Min.

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Alpha Cup Match Report #1: PMC vs CMC (14th September)

Due to the September holidays, PMC was only able to rally a 11-men team to face off against CMC in their home ground at St Patrick's secondary school. This was also thanks to the last min availability of Joel. CMC started with a time of singing and sharing led by Mark before the kick-off.



The PMC starting line-up was as follows:


David Sng

Joel - Kevin - Daniel Low

Samuel - Kee Min

Damien - Maurice - Eddie

Jeremy Sin

Michael

PMC's focus was on conserving energy of the players and played well in the first half, giving CMC who had younger players and more depth in the squad a hard time getting near the PMC goal. All of CMC's attempts on goal were from outside the box which were either off-target or fell into the safe hands of Michael who had an excellent game the whole match. PMC also managed to have CMC play into their pace of the game and looked threatening through a few counter attacks and sending balls into the box, although there was no clear chances at goal. The first of PMC's woes came when Maurice pulled his calf muscle right before the half time whistle. But it was already an extremely commendable effort to hold CMC to 0-0 for an entire half on its home ground. 
PMC started the second half with only 9 men as Daniel had to leave and Maurice was out for the rest of the match. The line-up was as such:

Kevin - Joel

Samuel - Kee Min

Damien - David Sng - Eddie

Jeremy Sin

Michael

PMC conceded the first goal when a CMC winger dribbled in from the left and a late tackle by Eddie in the box gave away a penalty. CMC player followed to place the ball in the bottom right corner of the net, out of the reach of Michael even though he dived in the right direction. Even though a goal down, PMC continued to play in a disciplined manner, marking zonally. The defence continued to remain robust and kept out many aerial balls into the box by CMC. PMC even managed to frustrate CMC several times by playing on the break through Kevin and Joel. 
However, the lack of manpower proved too much when the CMC used their 7 substitutions to full effect and scored their first goal in open-play via a hard driven cross from the left followed by a strong header giving Mike no chance to react. The last goal was scored when a CMC player took on the tiring PMC defence and although Mike saved well in a one-on-one situation, the ball fell nicely to the CMC player's feet for an easy tap-in. 
After the final whistle, both teams gathered and Kevin closed in prayer, praying for Maurice's recovery from injury and another CMC player who was absent as he was down with Dengue.
Despite losing the game, the individual effort of everyone in the team to play their roles and cover one another is extremely commendable. And this is definitely one game that PMC could lose with their heads held high.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Soccer Clinic for kids from Tampines Family Service Centre (10th Semptember)

Let's pose for a photo!

A bright and sunny morning greeted the kids from Tampines Family Service Centre as they gathered at Tampines SAFRA for their 3rd soccer clinic session this year. Ronnie, Graham and Jacob were present to conduct the programme. 24 children had signed up for this programme as part of their September school vacation activities. After a round of introductions, Ronnie began the warm-up by leading the kids for a run around the futsal pitch and Jacob took over with the stretching. The kids were first lined up in 2 rows to get a taste of dribbling drills around the colourful cones after Graham had done a demo. After which, the kids were formed in 4 teams, along with the adults to do some simple passing and shooting drills. After a short water break, a series of round-robin matches finally took place. When all matches came to an end, Ronnie and Alvin did the debrief by emphasizing values such as sportsmanship and caring for others. The programme ended with a lunch over Nasi Lemak!

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Soccertron 2014 (6th September)

The annual Soccertron marks the end of the Cross Road Cup Season for 2014, for which PMC finished 7th in the Alpha group. As non finalists, all CRC teams come together on the last day of the tournament to take part in a 7-a-side Soccertron that was held in a new futsal place in the east, Offside - 8 Mattar Road for the first time.

PMC was represented by Jacob, Luke, WeiJie, JingZhong, Daniel, YiJun, Rusydi, Adrien and myself. All Soccertron teams play 6 games in this 1 day tournament: 4 games in the 5-teams group stage, and teams were then broken into Vase, Shield, Bowl, Plate, Cup games according to the group stage placing. Concurrently, there is also a soccertron challenge whereby players can participate by going through a series of drills in the shortest possible time, and stand a chance to win CapitaLand Vouchers.


 

In the group stage, PMC was drafted in group A, along with WRPF, FMC, TCPC and GIB1. Group stage games were largely played with:
 
Luke
WJ - Daniel/Jem
Jacob - Adrien/Jem - JZ
YJ
 
Group A and B games were played on half an 11-a-side pitch with the usual 11-a-side goalposts, so one can imagine the ease in scoring for a 7-a-side game. The other groups C and D games were played on a smaller 6-a-side pitch with a smaller goal post so space is more limited there. Each game was only 10 minutes long so chances that come along have to be taken quickly. As the field is halved, long balls were constantly over-hit, hence teams that play more of short quick tiki-taka passing tend to perform better in such competition. PMC was fortunate to have a French exchange student Adrien with us, who has good touches and quick feet playmake some of the good moves in the tournament.
 
PMC finished 2nd in Group A with the following results:
TCPC 2 PMC 1
FMC 0 PMC 1
PMC 1 WRPF 0
PMC 1 GIB1 2
 
After group stage games concluded, Adrien and Jacob went to take part in the Soccertron Challenge, and amongst the many other participants, Adrien manage to complete all the drills in the 2nd fastest time, winning himself some extra purchasing power for a foreign exchange student.
 
S&S soon take place before the semifinals of soccertron.
 
PMC played ABC1 in the smaller 6-a-side pitch and space was clearly more limited there. ABC1 has players with quick feet and PMC did well to stand up to them and not fall for their constant taunting. The short game concluded in a draw and the match went on to sudden death penalty kick.
ABC1 came out victorious and PMC will now play for 3rd in the last game against EBC.
EBC game was played in a more friendly manner and PMC dominate the game, storming to 2 quick goals. More could have come had we been more clinical.
 
PMC KO-games:
YJ/Jacob
WJ - Daniel
Rus - Jacob/Jem -JZ
Adrien/YJ
 
Hence, PMC concluded Soccertron 2014, coming in 3rd in the Plate category.
 

Monday, September 15, 2014

Friendly Match Report: PMC vs COS (31st August)

PMC's run of matches continued with a friendly against COS. Having made it to the CRC finals the week after this, COS had chosen PMC to help prepare it for the final match of their CRC season. It was a very wet Sunday leading up to the match, and upon arrival, it was clear that everyone would be enjoying a mud-bath. The PMC welcomed a couple more newcomers for this match, Winston (TM of COA), Jacob's friend Li Da and Malcolm, who played for the PMC Veterans in 2013. The team lined up as follows:

Joel

Jeremy Tan - Kevin -  Jacob

Kee Min - Samuel

Damien - Jeremy Sin - Daniel Low

Felix

Winston

COS started brighter of the 2 teams, putting together some slick moves and switching the ball from flank to flank with ease, showcasing the reason why it had overcome all teams to make it to the CRC finals in 2014. PMC had to rely most on the counter attack and the impetus to send quick balls into the box proved useful, with Kevin having 2 early chances which the COS GK was able to save. On PMC's end, Winston was also handling the ball well and making saves look routine. It was still 0-0 midway through the first half, with good combative football in the middle of the park and some nice passing moves from both teams. It took a thunderbolt of a shot from the COS player to put COS 1-0 at half-time, which was a fair scoreline leading into the break.

In the 2nd half, Maurice, Li Da and Yi Jun came on for their run-out and was putting in a decent shift to keep the score at 1-0. Again, it was only midway through the half that COS made their 2nd break through, a peach of a cross headed into the net by a COS midfielder running from deep. With that, more substitutions were made for the final push, however, the floodgates seemed to be opening as a 3rd goal was conceded shortly after, following some unnecessary exchange of words and emotions from players on both sides. Bringing the PMC players together before kickoff, the PMC team focused on getting back into the match, and started a commendable comeback. In the final 10 minutes of the half, PMC first got 1 back when a PMC free kick found its way to Yi Jun who made no mistake in a one-on-one situation with the GK. Following that, Yi Jun got his 2nd goal after a quick free kick from Joel. It was almost 3-3 when another good pass by Joel found Kevin's run on goal, but his left foot shot was well blocked by the recovering defender. The PMC tried as they could to level the match, but it ended 3-2 in favour of COS.

Friendly Match Report: PMC vs GIBC (17th August)

Immediately after ending its CRC campaign the previous week, PMC was back on the field to take on Grace Independent Baptist Church (GIBC) in a friendly match at Hai Sing Catholic School. The weather was good and the PMC team turned up in good spirits to take on their opponents, welcoming back Cheng Qian and Daniel Chen from their absence, as well as Ernest of TCPC who was joining us for the first time, and Pastor Alvin Chan of TMC, who played with the Veterans last year. 

The team lined up as follows:

David Sng

Jeremy Tan - Kevin - Ernest

Kee Min - Cheng Qian

Samuel - Jeremy Sin - Alvin

Daniel Chen

Joel 

The early proceedings were fairly even, although PMC players were quicker to the ball and made good use of possession, putting in early balls in the box and causing GIBC some early problems. All of the front players had shots on goal and most of the play was in the GIBC half. GIBC was relying mostly on counter attacks through their speedy winger, but most of their efforts were fruitless. Halfway through the 1st half, Jingzhong and Wei En arrived to bolster the numbers, and Jingzhong immediately came on in place of Ernest, at LM, with Jeremy moving to RM. It took a marauding run from Samuel at LB to open the scoring. Taking the ball close to the halfway line, Samuel took on the GIBC defence and as they gave him space to run at them, his stiff right foot shot was too much for the GIBC GK to handle, giving PMC the 1-0 lead. 

The PMC team was playing well and carried on doing so in the 2nd half, with some changes in formation as follows:

David Sng

Jingzhong - Jeremy Tan - Joel

Cheng Qian - Kee Min 

Wei En - Jeremy Sin - Luke

Daniel Chen

Ernest

Having been on the back foot for most of the 1st half, GIBC started the 2nd half in a more robust fashion, many of their challenges ended in free kicks awarded to PMC. PMC continued to have the lion's share of possession and had a number of good chances to score, from David Sng and Jeremy Tan, but none were converted. Midway through the 2nd half, Samuel, Alvin and Kevin returned to the pitch in place of David Sng, Cheng Qian and Luke. The fresh legs was apparent in helping PMC drive closer to their 2nd goal. This came again through the right boot of Samuel, who again drove through the middle of the GIBC half and blasted a long range shot into the back of the net. Clearly Samuel's shooting was on form! The match ended 2-0 in favour of PMC and everyone enjoyed the run-out.


Monday, September 01, 2014

CRC2014 Match Report #8: PMC vs TSA (10th August)

PMC gathered at Bendemer Sec to take on The Salvation Army (TSA) in its final CRC league match of the season. Although already eliminated from the knock-out phase of the tournament, PMC was intent on putting up a good performance and end the season on a positive note.

PMC and TSA pose for a combined photo before kick-off

Following singspiration and sharing led by the TSA, the teams huddled for their respective team-talks before kick-off. PMC had a fair number of players to draw from in its final match, although some notable absentees were noticed. Nonetheless, in the spirit of team work and commitment that has been the bedrock of PMC's matches this season, the following line-up was fielded:

David Sng

Jingzhong - Rusydi - Lincoln

Jeremy Sin - Kee Min

Damien - Jacob - Weijie - Daniel Low

David Lim

The match started brightly for both teams, especially TSA, as they knew a win would allow them to qualify in 2nd position instead of 3rd in the league table. It was evident that their #32 was going to be their main go-to guy with his deft touches and dribbling skills. PMC relied on its direct style of play and both sides had some decent chances in the first half to take the lead. Passages of play were fairly even for both teams, and the first critical moment of the match came when in one move, TSA's #32 took out Damien, and had the whole right wing to roam until Weijie intervened with a jersey tug which led to a yellow card from the ref. Although the ensuing free kick was sent high and wide by #32, it set the tone for his next move when he controlled the ball in front of Jacob, turned the PMC player and fired an unstoppable shot past David to give TSA the 1-0 lead. Undaunted, PMC continued to press with most of the good work done by Rusydi and Jingzhong in the attacking midfield positions. The TSA GK was called into 1 or 2 decent saves to keep the score 1-0 in TSA's favour at half-time. In the moments before half-time, Jacob also received a yellow card following some desperation defending to prevent TSA from taking a 2-goal lead into the half.

A few changes were made before the start of the 2nd half, with Kevin coming on in place of Jeremy Sin and Samuel coming in for Lincoln. This meant some changes with Sheldon in DM, Kevin in AM, Daniel Low in RM and Samuel at RB. These changes did not deter PMC at all, and in fact, allowed some fluidity in attacking play, with 1 or 2 chances falling PMC's way early in the first half. There were some passages of play with excellent 4 to 5 touch moves and one of these ended with Daniel Low swinging a wicked cross into TSA's penalty box which the defender only half cleared, allowing Kevin to fire the ball into the goal with his left foot for his first goal of the season. With the score at 1-1 and all to play for, Isaac came on to add more attacking verve to the PMC attack. It was PMC all the way, with TSA relying on the counter and their #32 to either play the killer pass or take the PMC team on by himself. However, a lack of restraint saw Weijie retaliate against a TSA player who had kicked him. With the referee only witnessing what Weijie, and not the TSA player, had done, he had no choice but to award Weijie his 2nd yellow card and a sending off. Depleted, PMC was then on the back foot and a brilliant move on the left of the goal saw TSA's #32 beat 2 to 3 PMC players before firing a stiff shot past David to make it 2-1 to TSA. It was a cruel blow to PMC who until then, had matched and even exceeded TSA in most departments of the match. As the final whistle blew to signal the end of PMC's season, the team knew that they had not lost to a better team, but a better player. Indeed, analysis of the season will show that PMC only lost by 1-goal to all the teams above it, barring COS. Certainly an improvement from the previous season.

Friday, August 08, 2014

Soccer Fellowship Report (2nd August)

Soccer Fellowship returned with our usual pitch in Haising Catholic Schoool but at an unusual timing from 5-7pm. A total of 12 players came for a kickabout, these include members of the organizing committee for Mini World Cup event. Jacob shared on 'the Good Dilemma'. As the Barclay Premier League is going to kick-start soon, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho will be facing a dilemma over the person in goal, with rising star Thibaut Courtois challenging the club's longtime servant Petre Cech for the starting berth. Similarly, the disciples in Luke 9:10-17 also faced a dilemma over whether to send the 5000 hungry people away or to trust in God's provision to feed them. The end result of trusting in Jesus was astonishing- Jesus multiplied the 5 loaves of bread & 2 fish to feed the 5000 and there were 12 baskets of food left. It will not be just enough but even more!

The play began with Whites against Other Colours using half the field. Both sides worked on short passes and it was difficult to break through. The score at half-time was 1-1. Second half started with 5 V 5, both teams were able to exploit more spaces and the final score remained tied at 3-3. Luke closed us in prayer.