Rampant Ceres almost there

GLOBAL’S Misagh Bahadoran goes on the attack against Ceres-La Salle defender Juani Guirado as Manny Ott looks on. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO / Mark Cristino

Ceres-La Salle picked up a precious point Sunday night after battling defending champion Global to a thrilling 2-2 stalemate in the United Football League at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

First-half goals from Spanish winger Bienvenido Marañon and Manny Ott gave Ceres the cushion it needed to withstand a late onslaught by a desperate Global side, which saw its title hopes slip away after a second straight draw.

Misagh Bahadoran sustained his splendid form for Global with a brilliant individual effort for the equalizer in the 76th minute, after newcomer OJ Clariño had trimmed the deficit at the hour mark.

Still, the result favored the Bacolod side as it only needs three wins from its last five matches to clinch the crown that comes with an automatic berth to the AFC Cup next year. Barring any monumental collapse, Ceres could be on its way to a title right in its first season in the top flight.

Earlier, Green Archers United continued its fine second-round form with a 4-0 rout of Team Socceroo. Manu Chaffort, Jovanie Simpron, Ronnie Aguisanda and Reynaldo Villareal were on target for Archers, who have 26 points for sixth spot.

“The gameplan was working in the first half, but we committed errors in the second half and our adjustments came too late,” said Ceres coach Ali Go. “But I can live with the result since it’s still the same scenario for us. If we win two to three games, we will still be champions.”

It was a spirited performance for a Global side that missed Daisuke Sato to suspension and top scorer Mark Hartmann to an injury.

Ceres went 2-nil up in the first 20 minutes after Marañon’s chip to the top corner left Patrick Deyto rooted at his spot. Ott was also scored on a fine free kick to the bottom corner.

But the entry of Izzo El-Habbib and Clariño gave Global more attacking verve in the second half and coach Leigh Manson’s side was rewarded in the 60th minute. Matthew Hartmann rattled the bar with his free kick, but Clariño headed home the rebound.

The result left Global at fourth spot with 27 points with four matches remaining.