Friday, March 29, 2013

Blessed Good Friday...

A blessed Good Friday to all of us. Good Friday and Easter are critically important events in the Christian calendar as we remember the death of Jesus on the cross on Good Friday, and His resurrection on Easter Sunday.

These events bear witness to God's love for us, and proves that Jesus had overcome the sin of the world and is able to offer us new life on earth and for eternity. John 3:16 reminds us that "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." 

Most of us would have heard excerpts of who Jesus is, from our time in church, school or Soccer Community. I encourage us to read and reflect on the account of Jesus' crucifixion in John 19 so that we might today, consider who it is that would choose to die such a brutal death.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Friendly Match vs BENS Report (24th March)

The PMC players geared up for the final friendly of the 2013 pre-season by arriving on time for the match. A team of 18 players turned up to get a last run-out. The weather was cloudy and perfect for a game of football. We welcomed back Mark for this first game of the season. The instructions for the 1st half were simple - tenacity in ball keeping/winning and improve the final ball into to the CF to create more chances. The starting 11 were:

Justin

Jingzhong - Isaiah - Daniel Low

Kee Min - Jeremy Sin

Damien - Jacob - Samuel

Steve

David Lim

PMC enjoyed the lion's share of possession in the early running against what seemed like a young, fit but inexperienced team with no leader on the pitch. However, despite the possession and one or two chances for the forward pairing of Justin and Isaiah, the PMC team could not find a break through, with the BENS GK having little to do. David Lim in the PMC goal was similarly untroubled, as BENS was left to do counter-attacking that did not bear fruit. PMC's numerous set pieces were also unconverted, especially one free kick that Jacob delivered beautifully into Isaiah's path, but was saved bravely by the BENS GK. It was thus quite a sucker punch when BENS scored the first goal through a corner that was flicked into the path of a player left completely unmarked. He had the simplest of tasks to knock the ball past a stranded David. With the score at 1-0 to BENS, PMC continued to pressure the BENS goal, but even with some nice passing in midfield, there was no real final ball for the forwards to convert. Mark came on for his first outing of the pre-season in place of Steve and Lincoln came on for Daniel Low to add a different dimension to the wing play. Possession was good, but half-time came without any breakthrough for PMC.

 One of the many freekicks that went PMC's way in the first half

 Justin & Isaiah try to work together

Jeremy Sin- PMC's captain for Season 2013

As players took a breather during the half-time team talk, Kevin commended the team for winning possession and retaining it well. However, much improvement was needed in the area of finding a route to goal. Daniel Chen came on in place of Damien to start the 2nd half with the rest of the team mostly intact. However, within minutes of the re-start, Lincoln limped off with a foot injury, prompting Justin to move to RM with Steve coming on at CF. This enforced change led to some good chances, and when a free kick was awarded outside the box, Isaiah did not waste the opportunity and curled a beautiful one into the corner of the net. The next change came when Justin came off for Weijie, with Jacob moving to RM and Weijie playing as CB. However, Weijie himself picked up a knock within 5 minutes of coming on, prompting Wei En to come in at LB with Daniel Chen moving in at CB. It took a couple more minutes and more players changes before the shape of the team looked 'right' and for PMC to press for the winning goal. This came mid-way through the 2nd half when a melee in the box left Isaiah open to plant a header past the GK. It was 2-1 to PMC with the wind in their sails. Joel and Kevin then came on for Jingzhong and Steve, with more re-organisation to ensure that the team held the lead till the final whistle. During all this time, the only clear-cut chances BENS had were either shot wide, or brilliantly saved by a flying David. PMC even had a chance to score a 3rd goal when a Daniel Low free kick found its way to Kevin with only the GK to beat. However, being in such an unfamiliar situation, Kevin fluffed his shot wide when placing it in the corner would have sufficed. The miss did not come back to haunt the team as PMC was able to hold on to the lead for the win.

The pre-season ended positively with PMC winning it's last 2 games and not conceding from open play in 2.5 matches. Everyone was encouraged as Jacob closed the team-talk session in pray, specially asking for healing for Lincoln and Weijie.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Soccer Fellowship Report (16th March)


It was a hot Saturday afternoon, and a last minute friendly was organized with PMC hosting a new team from Bethesda Frankel Estate Church (BFEC). Only 8 players turned up from PMC, and we had to loan 2 players from BFEC, to start the 10 a-side match. Jacob shared on the parable of the lost son, and also reminded the Christians not to be like the older son who did not welcome the return of his brother as he deemed the lost son to be sinful.
The match started with BEFC in white and PMC in a wide array of different colours! PMC kept the pressure well in the first half, keeping the ball in the opponents half early in the game and scoring 2 goals. But the complacency and a few defensive errors allowed BFEC to even the scoreline each time PMC scored a goal. And first half ended with a draw of 2-2.
Having warmed up and with a few minor adjustments to the team’s positions, PMC started the second half stronger and manage to hold possession of the ball much better. PMC also took attacking opportunities much better, and scored more goals. A nail biting moment came from a PMC corner kick when Jacob headed the ball off the crossbar and onto the ground, only to be cleared to safety. The game ended with a scoreline of 5-3 favoring PMC.
Nicolas from BFEC closed us in prayer.
Reported by Samuel Pang.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Soccer Fellowship (16th March)

Soccer Fellowship is ON this Saturday16th March 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.

Soccer Fellowship Report (9th March)

Many must have been worried that the sudden downpour at 230pm would signal the end of Soccer Fellowship that afternoon, but within minutes, the sky cleared and the sun came out. A group of 16 players gathered at Pasir Ris Crest Sec to get a very decent run-out.

Kevin began the session with devotions, using Matthew 25's Parable of the Talents to illustrate how each player was blessed with different gifts and all we are called to do would be to be faithful with what we have been given. Similarly on the soccer field, we should contribute in the position that we play.

The players were split into 2 teams with the Whites/Blues up against the Other Colours.  Using only half the field, play was fast and furious throughout. It was clear that some players were using Soccer Fellowship to step up their preparations for the coming CrossRoad Cup, with Kee Min's pace relentless and Joel Tan playing very effectively. The 1st half ended at 5-5 and after a short break, play resumed with a change of sides. Scoring continued to be back and forth, with Maurice looking for his hat-trick. The final score went 8-7 to the team in White/Blue and overall, it was another satisfying kickabout for those who turned up.

 Players taking a break at half-time

Players catching up at half-time

Tuesday, March 05, 2013

Soccer Fellowship (9th March)

Soccer Fellowship is ON this Saturday, 9th March 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.

Friendly Match vs EBC Report (3rd March)

PMC took on EBC in it's 3rd friendly of the 2013 pre-season, still looking for its first win. A full strength team had signed up for the friendly, but family duty, injury and no-shows robbed the PMC team of a number of players. Still, the 15 players who were available were determined to give a good account of themselves and notch PMC's first win. Kevin emphasised the need to be tenacious in possession, and even more tenacious in winning possession back, before sending the following starting line-up onto the field:

Isaiah

Daniel Chen - Lincoln - Daniel Low

Kee Min - Samuel

Damien - Jacob - Kevin

Steve

David Lim

The match started positively for both teams, with good possession and attempts to get the ball into opposition territory. However, for most of the 1st half, defenders were the top performers, winning tackles, clearing aerial balls and generally leaving both GKs with no saves to make. EBC had the clearest opening of the early exchanges, when a corner was whipped in and found an EBC player completely un-marked in the box. Unfortunately he misdirected his header instead of planting it on target. It was indeed a let-off for PMC! After the half-way point of the 1st half, PMC started to keep the ball better, with Daniel Low looking to provide crosses from the right wing position although not always successful. Justin had also come on in place of Daniel and Jeremy Sin on for Samuel. These changes paid off as the defensive midfielders worked tirelessly to win back possession. The 3rd change in the first half was what led directly to the goal. Jeremy Tan came on for Daniel Low, with Lincoln moving to his more familiar right wing. Some nice touches and passes amongst the 4 forward players looked very promising and the only goal of the match duly arrived when Justin played Jeremy Tan in with a nice through pass and even though Jeremy Tan's shot was slightly weak off his left foot, the GK misjudged the spin of the ball, allowing it to squirm through his hands, legs and into goal. The goal was certainly fortuitous, but rewarded the effort put in by the PMC players in the 1st half. With a slight calf strain, Steve came off late in the 1st half, with Weijie taking his place.

 First half action between PMC and EBC

The focus of the half-time team talk was to keep the team playing tenaciously, move the ball in the right direction and to take more shots on goal, as the EBC GK had hardly been troubled. A couple more changes were made to the team in the 2nd half to keep players fresh. EBC looked like they had brought in a number of new players for the 2nd half and this was proved through when the speed and movement of these players caused quite a number of problems for the PMC defence. Clearly EBC was intent on clawing their way back into the match and had lion's share of possession for at least the 1st 15min. It took a number of brilliant saves from David in one-on-one situations and brave tackles from Jacob to keep EBC at bay. PMC's offensive moves were left to half chances and wild shots. Isaiah was clearly feeling the effects of his illness and the PMC attacking quartet could not find their way through. Changes were made mid-way through the 2nd half, with Kevin replacing Damien, Lincoln replacing Daniel Chen and Steve replacing Kee Min, with Weijie trying out a DM position. Play was slightly more even, though EBC really continued to threaten with their speed and passing. On the occasion that they did break through, David was again there to save, or Weijie managed to clear the ball off the line. It was certainly spirited defending by PMC that saw the team through the end of the match, with Kee Min and Jacob even putting their bodies on the line. PMC was certainly relieved when the referee blew the final whistle, signaling PMC's 1st victory of the pre-season.

The victorious PMC team after the match

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Friendly Match vs TCPC Report (24th February)

The Soccer Team stepped up their preparations for this year's CrossRoad Cup by taking on Toong Chai Presbyterian Church in their 2nd friendly match of the year. Knowing that there would be fewer friendlies this year as compared to 2012, 19 players turned up to get some match practice. The focus was clearly on trying out a few players in new positions, and also to firm up key player combinations on the field.

The starting 11 line-up in the following fashion:

Yi Jun

Jingzhong - Timothy - Jacob

Kee Min - Jeremy Sin

Daniel Chen - Weijie - Daniel Low

Steve

David Lim

The match started off positively for PMC, with the players stringing some decent passes and making forays down the wings of the opposition team. However, the final ball was usually over or under played, preventing any serious threat to be posed on the TCPC goal. While sustaining pressure, PMC was caught in possession a number of times. Firstly, while holding the ball as last man, Weijie was robbed by the TCPC forward, but David Lim rescued the situation by rushing out quickly to narrow the angle for the TCPC forward to shoot wide. However, the second opportunity that came TCPC's way was well converted. A quick counter-attack and long ball split the PMC defence open, and with Steve trailing back to tackle, and David Lim rushing out quickly to meet the ball, the TCPC forward calmly clipped the ball into an open net to put TCPC up 1-0. On the 20 minute mark, Rusydi replaced Yi Jun for PMC's 1st of many substitutions. His introduction did produce more positive drive but again, chances were few and far between although possession was decent. It was thus a kick in the teeth for PMC when another TCPC counter-attack cost PMC dearly. A half-cleared ball was chased down by a TCPC player near the edge of the PMC penalty box. In his haste to tackle, Weijie took the TCPC player down instead, leaving the referee no choice but to point to the spot. David Lim guessed right, but had no chance to save as the TCPC kicker planted a firm one into the corner. It wasn't looking good with PMC being 2-0 down within 25 minutes but some doggedness allowed PMC to claw its way back into the match. Tried as they did, there was no route to goal from open play, so it took a corner delivered sweetly by Rusydi to Jingzhong, who guided it into the top corner of the TCPC goal, within the minutes of half time. Trailing only by 1 goal gave PMC a good chance to stage a comeback in the 2nd half.

 1st half action at East View Secondary School

PMC started the 2nd half positively, and controlled the ball well. The defensive midfield duo of Jeremy Sin and Kee Min started to partner well, chasing balls and making passes for counter-attacks. Steve and Weijie were also more assured at the back, leaving little for 2nd half GK Michael to do in the initial minutes. Up front, Lincoln, Rusydi, Jingzhong and Timothy combined well to threaten the TCPC goal on many occasions, with only some wayward shooting delaying the equalizer. This eventually came when Lincoln started a good move on the right wing. Playing a neat pass into Rusydi in the box, Rusydi's deft footwork fooled the defender and GK as his low shot was drilled into the net. At 2-2 with 30min left to play, PMC was supremely confident that the comeback would be completed with a victory. However, try as they did, none of the attacking moves resulted in a goal, with the bar saving TCPC on 1 occasion. In fairness, although TCPC did not threaten PMC's goal further, it had 1 shot which came back off the post, leaving Michael to breathe a sigh of relief. A 2-2 draw was probably a fair result and Kevin closed the team in prayer at the end of the match, thanking God for a good run-out for everyone and keeping the team injury-free.

The PMC Team that took on TCPC

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Soccer Fellowship on 16 Feb 2013

Hi all, I am very really sorry for this late posting. That weekend really gave everybody a good workout before our match against Toong Chai Presbyterian Church, which ended a 2-2 draw.

The fellowship started as soon as Michael finished a sharing on one of the past daily bread topic, A Time for Good Counsel. The sharing was about Moses being the only judge for the masses from morning till evening, with the demand of him guiding the people in God's name growing heavier by the day. He did this till he heeded his father-in-law's (Jethro's) advice to delegate his duties to God-loving, corrupt-free and responsible people so that God's work can be carried out efficiently. This teaches us to surround ourselves with counselors who will offer their experience and wisdom despite being too busy to aask for it.

Anyway, our first fellowship after the Lunar New Year started off well in good cool weather. I believe it did help to stave off some of the calories we have put on during the festive celebration. HAHA! I even have time to take some photos of the ongoing flow of play on the pitch. I did not play that day as I have left my football equipments in school, totally forgotten to bring it back on Fri.






Here are also some of the photos I uploaded here. Hope you will enjoy!

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Soccer Fellowship (16th February)

Soccer Fellowship is back this Saturday, 16th February 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.