PHILIPPINE Football League (PFL) leader Ceres Negros FC booked its 10th win in 13 outings after surviving over Global Cebu FC's late comeback attempt, 4-3, over the weekend at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Named “Man of the Match” Stephan Schrock sparked Busmen’s early lead in the first half alongside Mike Ott as they posted a 3-nil advantage against the struggling Global side.
After failing his initial attempt against Global’s keeper Jun Badelic, Schrock conquered his opponents inside the box for Ceres opening goal. Minutes later, Ott doubled the lead off a cross from Patrick Reichelt as Schrock went for the go-ahead goal with two minutes left before the half.
Global had a good second half comeback when Darryl Roberts scored two successive goals in the 53rd and 60th minutes to cut the Busmen’s lead to 3-2.
Ott did not allow Global to succeed and gave Ceres FC some breathing space after scoring the fourth goal in the game.
Despite its effort, Global FC earned the last chance to catch up with Paolo Salenga’s header but yielded their eighth defeat in 10 games.
Ceres FC coach Risto Vidakovic said their first half came easy but, the second half was full of drama. “But we’re happy to get the three points.”
Schrock said that after a good first half, they were a bit unlucky in the second half. “We’re working hard for this and we want to continue our run.”
The Negros-based club will be playing back-to-back home games against JPV Marikina on June 20 and 23 at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City.