Ceres gets top PFL spot solo, blanks Aguilas

Ceres Negros’ Bienvenido Marañon controls the ball as he is bothered by Davao Aguilas on the defense. PFL

CERES Negros reclaimed the solo first place in the 2018 Philippines Football League after a clinical 3-0 win over Davao Aguilas at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City.

Spanish striker Bienvenido Marañon fired two goals while Jose Elmer Porteria added another one for the defending champion, which posted 18 points – six wins and one defeat – after the Wednesday night match.

Ceres and Aguilas exchanged misses early in the match before the Negros team surged 1-0 on a Porteria penalty kick just before the halftime break.

The Busmen continued their aggression early in the second half but attempts from Marañon and Mike Ott failed to convert.

In the 60th minute they extended the lead on Maranon’s easy shot from a pass by Omid Nazari.

Ceres went on to score another goal minutes later courtesy of Marañon from a pass by Porteria. Phil Younghusband nearly got a consolation goal for Davao but his shot at the final minute hit the crossbar.

“It’s important for us to regain the top spot in the standings,” said Ceres Negros assistant coach Ian Treyes. “(Davao) are a difficult opponent. They gave us a hard time.”

Aguilas remained on third place after its second consecutive defeat. Now it has 14 points (four wins, two draws and four defeats)./PN

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