Agape Cup 2009 - Pandas Match #6 .vs. HMC [12th July]

Pandas arrive at Hiding place with, once again, excatly 11 bamboo sticks to fight on the pitch. Weather could not be any better and the referee in the centre was once again a familiar face, especially to *cough*.. Our opponents HMC, at first glance looks more or less the same as the Pandas physically, lead the singspiration followed by a short testimony.

HMC kicked off the first half but loose passes gave the Pandas easy possesion. The opening 10 minutes saw the Pandas pegging HMC in their own half. A cross from the right by Daniel was knocked to Jingzhong and he scissored it beautifully into the top right corner. HMC, clearly woken up by that goal, start to play better and send their attack through the wings, but Pandas defence were able to limit them to just long shots outside the box. As the game goes on, poor control and passing by HMC forwards brought about their own internal conflict and shouting at 1 another can be heard. Towards the end of first half Pandas had afew more shots: a snapshot straight at the keeper from Sam and a header wide from Darren while HMC continue sending 'ballon crosses' from the right, threatening more on the left with their speedy winger against Daniel. No further goals came and referee called it halftime.
Score at HT: Pandas 1 HMC 0

Pandas kick off the 2nd half, playing the same as the first half while HMC brought on another fast centre-mid. Intensity was high the opening 10 minutes as HMC went in search for their equaliser. Play was quick, physical pushing everywhere and lunging tackles were flying at every 2nd ball as the referee was kept mouthed busy with all the blowing. In the space of 5 minutes Pandas saw 3 freekicks given to them at the edge of HMC penalty box, 1 of which Denial beautifully smashed it into the net. HMC were clearly frustrated being 2 goals down, and started to try and play down Pandas high morale with aggitating words and hard challenges. A scuffel involving Daniel and HMC left winger in which punches were involved, left the referee no chioce but to send both of them down the tunnel with 2 red cards. Play only resumed around 10 minutes later as both sides cooled down and reorganised. Striker Sam Eyo then covered Daniel's position at RB with only David alone upfront pressing. HMC clearly spotted the new weakness and send their attacks down Pandas right and 1 cross from HMC left saw HMC glanced a header into Michael's bottom right goal. With around 5 minutes or more still to play for, John was brought down as right back, and Sam into centre back along David and Maurice. Frustrations were still in HMC as they are being restricted to wild long shots. Finally referee blew the whistle and Pandas managed to cling on their precious 3 points.

FT: Pandas 2 HMC 1

Starting 11: Michael(GK), Daniel(RB), Maurice(CB), David(CB), Nigel(LB), Jeremy(DM), David(CM), Darren(CM), Jingzhong(LM), John(RM), Sam Eyo(ST)