Ceres survives Global, keeps PFL lead

CERES Negros FC escaped the gritty Global Cebu FC, 4-3, to extend its lead in the 2018 Philippines Football League (PFL) on Saturday night at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Manila.

The leading Yellow Busmen erected a three- goal lead at the half then foiled a fightback by the People’s Club as they pull away from the rest of the six-team league.

Defending champion Ceres seized its 10th win along with two draws against a lone loss for 32 points, nine markers ahead of Kaya FC-Iloilo.

The Busmen also returned to the win column after a draw with the second-running Lions, 1-1, last week.

Global dropped deeper down the standings after suffering its third straight defeat. Its 1-8-1 win-loss- draw record amounts to mere four points.

Stephan Shrock broke free from an offside trap to score the opener in the 35th minute then Mike Ott headed home Patrick Reichelt’s cross to double the lead just moments later.

Ceres posted a commanding 3-0 spread when former Azkals stalwart Shrock buried a left-footed strike shortly before the break.

Global inched within 2-3 just 15 minutes after the restart as Darryl Roberts converted two headers.

Ott nodded in Shrock’s cross to restore a two- goal cushion for the Negrenses in the 64th but the pesky Cebuanos closed in anew with Salenga finishing a counter-attack in the 70th.

Second goalkeeper Michael Casas came up with a huge save on Curt Dizon’s strike in the 86th, as Jinggoy Valmayor misfired the rebound. Ceres held on to its slim lead until the end of the three-minute injury time.

Earlier at the same pitch, Davao Aguilas FC soared to its second straight win after crushing Stallion Laguna FC, 5-0.

The Aguilas strengthened their hold of No. 3 with 20 points anchored on six victories and two draws against six losses.

The Stallions, on the other hand, absorbed their sixth setback though they stayed at No. 4 with 15 markers on six wins.