Ceres-Negros opened up a 12-point lead at the top of the Philippines Football League (PFL) standings after an emphatic 4-1 victory over JPV Marikina on Wednesday night at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City.
A brace from Stephan Schrock and a goal each from Mike Ott and Patrick Reichelt secured maximum points for coach Risto Vidakovic’s side, which continued to impress even without its top defenders and top scorer sidelined by injuries.
The Busmen were already ahead, 3-1, at halftime when OJ Porteria was sent off along with JPV coach Dan Padernal.
“It’s not easy playing one player less,” said Vidakovic. “I don’t know how long we can do that.”
Over at Rizal Memorial Stadium, the Davao Aguilas ended a frustrating run of losses to Kaya-Iloilo with a 3-1 victory, while Stallion Laguna firmed up its hold of fourth spot after a 4-0 spanking of Global Cebu in Biñan.
Robert Lopez Mendy scored on his return to action for Kaya, but goals from Sung Min Kim, Tyler Matas and Phil Younghusband ensured his strike was a mere consolation.
Ceres has 35 points, 12 ahead of Davao and Kaya.