Marañon powers Ceres-Negros past Kaya

Ceres Negros got its campaign back on track as Spanish midfielder Bienvenido Marañon delivered a hat trick to propel the Busmen past Kaya FC Makati, 3-1, on Saturday night in the Philippines Football League at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City.

Marañon was on target in stoppage time in the first half before adding two more goals in the second half as the Busmen returned to their winning ways after a loss to JPV Marikina the previous weekend and an early exit in the Singapore Cup on Wednesday.

Kaya showed plenty of fight in front of close to 4,000 fans with Robert Lopez Mendy equalizing in the 55th minute.

But Marañon slotted home a penalty after he was clipped by Ref Cuaresma inside the box and completed his hat trick with another fine strike late in the match.

“I’m so happy for the win and the three goals,” said Marañon, who was named Man of the Match. “This game was very hard after two losses, but we fought to win this game, and we deserved the result.”

Kaya lost for a second straight match as it stayed in fourth while Ceres is fifth.

Meanwhile, Davao Aguilas secured a third straight stalemate after battling Ilocos United to a goalless draw on Sunday at Davao del Norte Sports Complex.