Pre-season Friendly vs ZPC (1st Mar)

PMC's last pre-season friendly was against a new team Zion Presbyterian Church (ZPC). PMC arrived on familiar ground at Hai Sing with 20 strong, all players eager to get a good run out before the start of the season. Jem Tan, Dom and MK also returned to the team for the first time this season.

PMC took control of the game from the very beginning, with a strong presence in midfield by Keemin Dom and Malcolm. The both teams started by trying to play down each other flanks. Although PMC was more dominant, chances created were not converted. PMC finally found the back of he net when ZPC players started to back off from the more confident PMC players. This gave Malcolm 2 opportunities to score in succession. Nearing the end of the first half, an unfortunate ricoshet from Sheldon's clearence fell nicely to the ZPC forward. Daniel who took the initial goal kick played him on side and the ball was calmly put past Maurice. The first half ended with PMC leading 2-1.

Substitutions were made in the second half to allow everyone to have a good run out. PMC continued to play well, showing the depth and strength of our squad. The most notable change was having Jingzhong to return to the centre-forward position, who score his first goal of the match by stealing a freekick taken short. Soon after an attack down the right flank by ZPC found the ball at the back of the net after an unfortunate own goal by Wei Jie. Even though the score was 3-2, PMC did not let up the pressure. A foul committed outside the box gave PMC a freekick which Dom but over the wall to slot it into the bottom left corner of the goal. Malcolm also scored another header from a corner by Henry sealed his hat trick, and constant pressure in front by Jingzhong allowed him to put one more past the keeper. It was an exciting game as PMC built momentum and confidence coming into the season. Final score PMC 6-2 ZPC.

Pre-season Friendly vs COA (15th Feb)

PMC's 5th pre-season friendly before the Chinese New Year break took place again at Serangoon Secondary, with opponents being the returning Church of Ascension (COA) led by Winston Tay, who had joined us as GK during last year's Alpha Cup. COA had put together a new look side mostly of young legs, to participate in this year's CrossRoad Cup and were eager to get a pre-season win under its belt. PMC was able to count on a solid core of players who turned up to put the finishing touches on their pre-season campaign.

It was a strong PMC line-up that took the field, with strength mostly in the central areas of the pitch. Jeremy Sin and Kee Min were having another fine showing in the middle of the park, shoring up the defence and winning balls with ease. On the right, Matthew Philix started off brightly, wanting to impress and find a place in the PMC team for the season. Sheldon was also making his return at RB and although slightly off the pace, was generally able to cope with the COA #10, clearly their main threat on the afternoon. Malcolm, re-joining the team after a long absence, was also impressing through winning headers, and taking a couple of long shots that narrowly missed the target. The match was fairly even, with crosses being swung in from PMC's right and some forages by Eddie (LM) and Kevin (LB) from the left. There was no real breakthrough with chances not being well taken. On COA's part, their direct approach allowed some dangerous balls to challenge the PMC back line, but the pairing of Daniel Chen and Martin stood strong. PMC's breakthrough finally came when Sheldon was fouled on the right, winning a free kick just outside the box. Timothy stepped up to whip in an accurate cross which Eddie planted firmly into goal to put PMC up 1-0. PMC had kept up its bright start in the first half of matches this pre-season. The rest of the half saw PMC assuredly keep their lead, denying COA any clear shot on goal.

With Martin and Matthew needing to leave at half-time, a couple of changes were again made to offer options during the season ahead. Sheldon took his place as CB, with Samuel at RB. Chin Kai started at RM. COA seemed a lot more intent to get back into the match at the start of the 2nd half. Their main threat was from their left wing, threatening a number of times, with the most dangerous chance when the winger found his way behind the defence, but David was so quick of his line to clear the ball from outside the box. David almost tried to dribble his way out of trouble against the winger! Before long, it was one-way traffic in PMC's favour. The combination of Timothy and Jacob as PMC's front 2 reaped the reward when Jacob flicked on a return pass to Timothy who took on the GK and fired the ball into goal. A number of changes took place after this, with Malcolm and Henry coming back on. The changes spurred PMC to charge forward and the 3rd goal was scored when Henry beat a defender on the right, played the ball to Kee, who fed Timothy through on goal. There was still some work for Timothy to do with 2 defenders on his tail, but he held them off expertly and scored his 2nd of the match. COA was completed deflated by this time and were left clueless how to get back into the match. PMC played controlled football after this, to seal its first full match pre-season win. Only the referee was able to help COA get back into the match by dubiously awarding a penalty to COA when the handball by Jeremy Sin was clearly outside the penalty box. Even COA players were surprised. Fortunately, David was able to stand firm and save the resulting spot-kick, preserving PMC's clean sheet.

The post-match team talk was very encouraging for all as the previous pre-season games had achieved the goals of assimilating new players into the team, and also concretising positions and tactics for the season.

Pre-season Friendly vs CAG (8th Feb)

The PMC Team gathered at Serangoon Sec on a hot Sunday afternoon for its 4th pre-season friendly against Calvary Assembly of God (CAG), looking to put the final touches on its preparations for CRC2015. A very strong starting line-up took to the field, with players intent on cementing their place for the upcoming season.

Almost immediately from kick-off, Jacob scored what could be PMC's quickest ever goal scored in a competitive match. A long ball was perfectly delivered by Jingzhong into Jacob's path and the onrushing CAG GK mis-calculated his interception, allowing Jacob to get to the ball first and roll it into an empty net. It was the perfect start for PMC, taking this early lead, and pressing CAG from the get go. PMC had settled well into the rhythm of the match, with the defensive midfield duo of Jeremy Sin and Kee Min doing an excellent job of stopping any CAG advances, and the back-four of Maurice, Daniel Chen, Martin and Weijie (at LB) sweeping up any loose balls. CAG tried to use their youthful speed and counter-attacks to trouble PMC, but by-and-large, they did not make any significant inroads within the first 20min of the match. Most outstanding during this time was probably David Lim's return as GK, making light work of long range shots and sweeping up nicely with his quick movement. Before long, PMC scored a 2nd goal, with a quick direct move starting with Daniel Chen, to Jingzhong, who again delivered a precise through ball to Jacob, who sprinted beyond the CAG last man to fire past the CAG GK. The Jingzhong-Jacob partnership has reaped huge rewards in this pre-season, combining already for 4 goals and 6 assists. With the score at 2-0, PMC took a more controlled approach for the rest of the half, clearing any danger without fuss to preserve its lead at half-time.

With another solid first half performance (following last week's 3-1 HT lead), the second half again focused on doing some experimentation to firm up possible permutations for the league season. Needless to say, with a changed line-up and players trying out unfamiliar positions, the 2nd half didn't start off so smoothly for PMC. There were fewer completed passes and far more hurried clearances and long balls, as CAG tried to get back into the match with some controlled passing and incisive play. CAG finally got back into the match when a nice cross from their left found their on-rushing forward beating the offside. David Lim was there to meet the ball, but somehow let the ball slip through his fingers, allowing the forward to roll the ball into an empty net. At 2-1, more PMC changes were made to give David Lim a run-out at LM and Michael some GK time. With more changes, CAG naturally managed to capitalised on the new look defence to float another cross behind the back line, allowing their forward to beat Michael with a first-time volley. At 2-2, it was all to play for and CAG found enough drive to score the winner when a corner was expertly diverted goal-wards by a CAG player in the box. The pace of the ball left all PMC players flat-footed and CAG players in dreamland, as they completed a comeback victory. The remaining moments of the match were marred in unnecessary ugliness when a CAG player needlessly elbowed Michael while challenging for the ball, causing Michael to react angrily. Once players calmed down, the referee blew for full-time.

Scoreline aside, the game gave the leaders great insight into what would work and what would not during matchplay, further confirming the probable starting line-up and positions for players.

Pre-season Friendlies vs CMC1 & CMC2 (25th Jan & 1st Feb)

PMC kicked off its pre-season proper with a double-header against perenial rivals Christ Methodist Church, with 2 teams likely to be fielded in CRC2015. It was a good way to welcome back last season's regulars, as well as give a run-out to new players who are looking to join the PMC team for the season, with some regulars still out due to injuries and family commitments. 

Taking on CMC's 1st team on 25th Jan, PMC arrived with a team of 20 players comprising both old and new faces. Contrary to expectation that the team would be rusty and unable to match CMC, PMC displayed some quick passing football, with new players like Wee Long and Justin Chua eager to shine and cement a place in the the team. The only irony was that although PMC had more chances in the first half, it was CMC who was able to capitalise on the few that they had to take the lead and add to it, from a combination of defensive fumbles to just being quicker on the ball. Going 3-0 at half-time clearly appeared to be very harsh on the PMC side that showed lots of bright work in the attacking third, with Jingzhong, Joel and Kee Min all coming close but unable to put the ball in the back of the net. 

The 2nd half so a much changed PMC side looking to get back into the match. In contrast to the first, the 2nd half did see CMC taking the lion's share of possession but unable to score more goals early in the half. PMC struggled to retain possession, and when they did, were unable to do much with the ball except launch it goal-wards for the forwards to chase, to no avail. Needless to say, it was only a matter of time before CMC put another one past Mike in PMC's goal and concluding the match 4-0 to the hosts. The scoreline was certainly harsh considering the better start that PMC had in the match, but as they say in football, the ball is round. The post-match huddle focused on taking away some positives, thinking about closing the areas for improvement and returning the following week to put up a better show. 

The PMC team did return the following week, again with large numbers, to take on CMC's 2nd team, which comprised at least half of the previous week's team. Regardless of that, the PMC players were determined to put the previous week's result behind them and do well in preparation for CRC2015. 

The 1st half clearly showed PMC's determination, with some good passing and direct action in the attacking third. It wasn't long before one of these attacks produced a reward in the form of a penalty, when the CMC defender was adjudged to have tugged on Jingzhong in the box. Daniel Low coolly stepped up to stroke the penalty beyond the GK's reach to give PMC a 1-0 lead early in the match. PMC's defence had held on well in the first half, clearing the dangerous balls well, through the newly formed central defensive partnership of Daniel Chen and Martin. Unfortunately, Kevin's fumble as GK allowed CMC a route back into match when he spilled a high ball while trying to catch it, allowing the CMC forward the simplest of tap-ins. With the score at 1-1, clearly it was all to play for and PMC's determination was the key factor in the rest of the half. Firstly, a nicely swung free kick by Daniel Low on the right was back-heeled by Jacob into the path of Eddie, who made no mistake from 2 yards out, giving PMC the 2-1 lead. Then, Jacob showed great determination and energy to hustle the CMC defender into losing possession, allowing him to fire the ball past the CMC GK to give PMC a 3-1 lead, which it largely deserved. The positivity of the first half clearly had a cohesive effect on the team. 

As in the last match, the 2nd half team was much changed from the first, to allow everyone to get a run-out and also try out new combinations on the field. Clearly this moved seemed to backfire as the lack of communication and composure resulted in CMC getting themselves back in the match in rousing fashion. This was after they endured an early scare, when Kevin fired a stiff low shot which the CMC GK had to parry, and Sam's goal-bound effort saved by the GK who was well of his line. A series of defensive errors allowed CMC to score from close range, a penalty and then a dead giveaway by Joel who passed the ball short in the box, allowing the CMC forward to poach an easy goal. Everyone was stunned as CMC held the match in its grasp up 4-3, coming from 2 goals down. However, their victory was not to be when Wee Long swung in a nice through ball from the right, for Jacob to chase down and beat the CMC GK in a one-on-one situation with almost the last touch of the match, leaving both teams drawn at the end. As topsy turvy as the match was, it did give the leaders much to think about in terms of possible combinations and positions for future matches. 

After the post-match huddle, the team also prayed for Isaac, who would be departing for Montreal, Canada for a period of about 3 years. We wish him all of God's blessings on this new journey.

The PMC team all-smiles after the match despite not being able to hold on for the victory

Friendly: PMC v CBC (11th January)

PMC gathered at Damai Secondary for the first game of the new year 2015. As this was a last minute invite by CBC, a combination of PMC and TCPC players were brought together to play against CBC. Much rustiness was expected from many of us as the last competitive game PMC arranged was back in 30 Nov 14, so this was just nice a light game to slowly ease ourselves back into fitness. Rain soaked up the pitch the night before so conditions on the pitch was pretty sleek and muddy in large portion of the field.

To line up the starting-11, the mix of players were split and paired up to the positions they can play. These positions were then shared throughout the 90 minutes with rolling substitution. I am not very good with names so I will name “TCPC” below should i not recall the names.

First-half line-up:

Kevin

Chester (TCPC) – Jem – Daniel – TCPC

Ernest (TCPC) – Sam – Ali (BENS) – Keemin – Isaac

TCPC

CBC kicked off the game and the opening minutes were filled with scrappy loose passes from both sides. PMC took quite awhile to settle down, largely due to the infamiliarity of a couple of new team mates. First 15 minutes was just made up of multiple changing of possession in the middle, and when the ball did reach the final third, the ball was either over ran, or through ball and delivery to the strikers never reached anyone. PMC soon settled in and was able to string a couple of passes together and dominate possession. Brilliant link up play was usually built up down PMC left flank, with Isaac seeing lots of the ball. When possession do turnover, CBC noticed the weakness down PMC right, as Chester is often robbed off the ball. CBC got the first goal first when possession was won in the middle of the park. A through ball was slid behind the defence and an unlucky slipped by me allowed the striker through to slot the ball passed Kevin. JZ then come on for Ernest, TCPC striker for TCPC striker and Joel came on Chester. PMC looked stronger with more familiarity on the field now and started to bombard CBC's goal. Equaliser came when a defence splitting ball from the middle sent Isaac through and he made no mistake in slotting the ball in.

HT: PMC 1 CBC 1

Second-half line-up:

Chester

Joel – Jem – Ashley – Daniel

JZ – Sam – Ali – Isaac

Kevin

TCPC

PMC kicked off the second half, with TCPC Chester in goal, and Kevin now outfield. CBC sensed the weakness in PMC is now the goal keeper, and thus attempted shots at every possible chance. PMC's defence were able to manage easily CBC direct runs, however, are not able to stop CBC from eventually scoring from Chester's gift to them. After a scramble from a corner, Chester is able to retain possession of the ball in the box. While PMC team was moving out into position, Chester launched the ball straight into the CBC striker, who gladly control the ball and with a couple more advancing touches, shoot at the near post which Chester did not even move. A third followed soon after a shot which seemed like a comfortable catch was misjudged and went into the goal. I have seen enough of that and requested for Joel to go into goal and Chester to be outfield. KeeMin came back on and the late arrival of Jacob brought all possession to PMC. PMC began to launched waves after waves of attack. PMC's second came went Ali spread a ball down the right to Jacob, who controlled and sent in a teasing cross into the penalty box. CBC failed to deal with it and Keemin was at the right place at the right time to put the ball into goal. PMC had several more attempts, with Jacob, Kevin and Isaac having their shots went wide of goal.

FT: PMC 2 CBC 3

The PMC Team after the match

Overall there is not much that separate both sides, and everyone is definitely glad to put on the boots and kick some balls again!

Alpha Cup Match Report #6: PMC vs ACC (2nd November)

PMC gathered at its home ground of Hai Sing to take on the Comets of CMC (ACC) in the final Alpha Cup league match of 2014. A win would mean PMC leap frogging over ACC and avoid the 3rd place team in the league during the knock-out stages, so there was lots to play for.

After some warm-up, the PMC players gathered for a team talk to prep themselves for the match. 

Trying to ensure continuity with previous matches, the team lined up as follows:

Jacob

Justin - Kevin - Daniel Low

Kee Min - Timothy

Eddie - Jeremy Sin - Samuel

Daniel Chen

Winston 

The match started in quite pacy fashion, with the younger legs from ACC trying to cause PMC problems with their probing runs. However, after PMC settled into the match, it was the 'home team' that was dominating possession. It was thus surprising that against this run of play, it was ACC who scored first, when a left wing cross found their forward un-marked to head the ball past Winston in goal. Being 1-0 shocked PMC into action (consistent with previous matches) and Jacob's high pressing allowed him to rob the ball from the ACC defender and fire it past the GK to make it 1-1. PMC took a lot of confidence from Jacob's goal and continued to dominate the play in midfield. ACC was hardly able to threaten except for 1 or 2 counter-attacks that did not trouble the PMC defence or GK. Close to the 3/4 point of the match, Jacob's high energy play was again rewarded when he was able to take on the defence and score. Jacob's start as a forward was certainly reaping benefits as PMC was able to ride out the first half 2-1 ahead.

David Sng and Joel joined in the fray in the second half, coming on for Eddie and Kevin. The fresh legs hoped to give PMC a bigger lead, but was unable to do so. PMC was able to defend its lead throughout the half, despite ACC threatening on more than one occasion. On PMC's part, although a few chances were created, there was not enough finishing power. Kevin came back on to add a bit more freshness, with Justin taking a breather. Jacob had one or two half chances, was unable to convert them. The lack of finishing proved costly, as in the last minute of the game, the ACC winger was able to take on 2 PMC defenders and fire an unstoppable shot past Winston, leaving both teams with a share of the points.

All in all, it was a good game by PMC, but perhaps the lack of finishing and fully exerting itself on the match proved its own undoing.

Alpha Cup Match Report #5: PMC vs AMKBC (26th October)

PMC gather again on the home ground of Hai Sing Catholic School for the 5th game of the Alpha Cup. Almost similar faces from the last game turn up, plus a rare appearance from Andy who have not joined us for a while now. AMKBC lead the sharing and singspiration, before PMC took to the field:

Winston

 

Andy - Jem Sin - Felix - Damien

 

Jem Tan - Samuel - Kee Min - Justin Ang

 

Jacob

 

David Sng

 

PMC kicked off the first half with veteran David leading the front line. In the first 10 minutes, AMKBC tall speedy wingers tested PMC's wing defence, but PMC was able to soak it up and ran hard to contain the wingers. First half was pretty drappy, with possession fairly equal amongst both teams, and both keepers were barely tested. Most of the time, balls were cleared to the sides and time seemed to be spend more on picking the balls up from the bush then it was in play. AMKBC broke the deadlock first, as a successful quick passing by AMKBC down the left wing allows the winger to send in a teasing cross. The cross was met by Felix, who unfortunately miskick the clearance for the ball to fall nicely to AMKBC striker, who then control and slot the ball past Winston with his second touch. Joel came on for Jem Tan, as PMC look to move up another gear to try to respond immediately, pushing the defence line higher to tighten the space in midfield, and pegging AMKBC in their half with our high pressing, but the equalising goal failed to come.

 

Half-time: AMKBC 1 PMC 0.

 

Making full use of the rolling substitution, couple of changes were made at half-time. Maurice came on for Felix to partner Jem Sin at the back, while David Sng is allowed some breathing time as Lincoln came on and will move to right wing, with Joel playing up front. Second half begin where it ends in the first half, with PMC playing a high line and continue the high pressing and pegging AMKBC back. Joel and Jacob both had good runs to the box and had a couple of shots that just lack the finishing touch to place the ball into the net. AMKBC threat down their left appeared to be neutralised and ineffective as Andy, Justin and Joel close them down easily and often winning possession back and starting PMC owns attack. The same could not be said down PMC left, as Lincoln appears tired and lethargic, and was rightfully replaced soon by David, with Joel now moving back to the wings. A knock onto Damien calls for another substitution, as Jem Tan came on, with Samuel temporary shifting to the left back and Joel slotting into the center midfield. While all these substitution was taking place, PMC lost its shape and too many players were out of position. AMKBC then took advantage of it and send in a cross from the left, where 3 AMKBC players were waiting in the box, with PMC's Jem Sin alone. The cross found the advancing AMKBC striker on the far post and his header easily beat Winston. PMC continue to press high and a successive of corners were won now. With nothing to lose, PMC commit more players into the box in all the upcoming corners. Damien managed to shake off his knock and came back on, replacing Joel. His left-footed curling cross from one of the corners almost went in at the near post, though with television reply, that corner may have gone past the line, but a scramble in the box found the ball to a lurking Jem Sin, who poke it past the line to make sure the referee restart the game with the ball in the middle. PMC continue the high pressing, as the game seems to be coming to an end soon. With literally the last corner, Damien's cross was headed out by AMKBC defence to the edge of the box. Smoothing the bouncing ball with one touch, Andy was well placed at the edge of the box and he curled in a delightful second touch into the top left corner of the post to equalise and brought the game to a restart. As AMKBC kick off the ball again, PMC thought that with the momentum was in our hands, but alas, the referee brought the game to an end with the final whistle.

 

Final score: AMKBC 2 PMC 2



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.

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.

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.