By Jerome S. Galunan, Jr.

After leading 3-0 after the first half, Ceres FC survived a comeback by Global Cebu FC, winning 4-3 in their Philippines Football League match at the Rizal Memorial Stadium over the weekend.

Ceres midfielder Stephan Schröck opened scoring in the 35th minute. In the very next minute, midfielder Mike Ott managed to tap in a header, doubling the lead, and putting the Negrense club up 2-0.

Schröck then earned a brace in the 42nd minute, getting another one past Global keeper Jun Badelic despite encountering several defenders along the way.

In added time, Ott almost earned himself a brace, but his attempt was successfully blocked.

Ceres went into halftime up 3-0.

Into the second half, Global striker Darryl Roberts headed one into goal in the 53rd minute, putting his club on the scoreboard. A few minutes later, he scored another goal, closing the gap with Ceres to one goal.

In the 65th minute, Ott got his brace and put Ceres up 4-2 after heading in a cross from Schröck.

Global midfielder Paolo Salenga scored in the 70th minute, leaving the Cebuano club a goal short of securing one point.

“We’re happy to get the three points,” said Ceres coach Risto Vidaković.

The Negrense club next faces back-to-back home games against JPV Marikina FC on Wednesday, June 20, and Saturday, June 23./JSG, WDJ