By Jerome S. Galunan, Jr.

Ceres-Negros FC defeated Davao Aguilas FC, 3-0, last Wednesday at the Panaad Park and Stadium, moving the Bacolod City club back to the top of the 2018 Philippines Football League (PFL) table.

With the two clubs locked in a scoreless draw, just before halftime, the referee ruled Davao defender Simone Rota fouled Ceres midfielder Bienvenido Marañón inside the box and awarded the home side a penalty kick, which midfielder OJ Porteria successfully converted, putting Ceres up 1-0 at halftime.

Into the second half, in the 59th minute, Ceres striker Omid Nazari delivered a cross, which Marañón flicked towards the goal and doubled their lead.

A few minutes later, Marañón scored a brace, putting the home side up 3-0.

The midfielder was named “Man of the Match.”

“We adjusted in the second and our performance was much better,” said Ceres assistant coach Ian Treyes during the post-match press conference.

The Negrense club currently sits atop the PFL table with 18 points, two points ahead of Kaya FC-Iloilo, but with two games in hand.

They next play Stallion Laguna FC tomorrow, May 26.