UFL: Greatwich sparks Loyola; Doctora saves Stallion

Match Thursday (Emperador Stadium) 7:30 p.m.—Pachanga PLDT Home Fibr vs Team Socceroo

MANILA, Philippines — Justifying their return to the national side, Simon Greatwich and Ruben Doctora powered their squads to rousing wins Tuesday in the United Football League at Emperador Stadium in Taguig.

Greatwich highlighted his superb work at midfield with a well-taken goal in the Loyola Meralco Sparks’ 3-1 dumping of Army-General Trias, before Doctora inspired Stallion to a come-from-behind 4-1 win over Green Archers.

The victory extended the Sparks’ lead at the top to four points ahead of Global which was set to play Kaya late Wednesday night.

Lee Joo Young and James Younghusband also found the back of the net for the Sparks whose performance in the last 20 minutes failed to impress coach Vince Santos.

Roel Gener grabbed a consolation goal despite Army going down to 10 men from the 72nd minute onwards after Ronel Gener was sent off for violent play on Lee inside the area.

“We got too comfortable,” said Santos who paraded a makeshift lineup with strikers Phil Younghusband and Freddy Gonzalez injured.

“Instead of killing off the game, we took our foot off the pedal. That’s not how champion teams act.”

With Doctora in fine form, Stallion fought back from an early Robert Mendy goal to solidify their hold of fourth spot with 14 points.