By Jerome S. Galunan, Jr.

Ceres-Negros FC took another step closer to defending their Philippines Football League (PFL) title after defeating Davao Aguilas FC, 3-1, over the weekend at the Davao del Norte Sports Complex in Tagum City.

Defender Jeffrey Christiaens scored early, putting Ceres on the scoreboard in the 6th minute.

Things turned for the visiting side in the 37th minute, however, after midfielder Mike Ott was shown a straight red card, leaving the Negrense side one man short for the rest of the match.

Davao striker Phil Younghusband had an opportunity to equalize with a free kick in the 42nd, but it was saved by Ceres keeper Toni Doblas.

The clubs went into the half with Ceres up 1-0.

Early in the second half, midfielder Manuel Ott, who was coming off an injury, was subbed into the match and opened with an attempt in the 59th minute, which went over the crossbar.

Ceres defender Amani Aguinaldo eventually doubled the lead in the 60th minute and midfielder Bienvenido Marañón made it 3-0 in the 70th minute.

Meanwhile, Doblas was unable to keep a clean sheet as Davao striker Kim Sung-min scored a consolation goal towards the end of regulation time.

Ceres extends their lead atop the PFL table with 48 points, 15 points ahead of second place Kaya FC-Iloilo, who have two games in hand./JSG, WDJ