Ceres rises to the top

Bienve Marañon fired four goals as Ceres-Negros rolled to a second straight win at the expense of Global, 8-0, on Saturday to seize top spot in the Philippines Football League at PFF Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.

The Spanish striker jacked up his tally to eight goals just three matches into the season as the Busmen overpowered a Global side that absorbed its second straight defeat.

Bosnian striker Mahir Karic also opened his account for Ceres with a second half brace, while Mike Ott and Jeffrey Christiaens were also on the scoresheet for coach Risto Vidakovic’s side, which has seven points, one ahead of Kaya-Iloilo.

Kaya, however, has a game in hand and can reclaim top spot with a win against Global in its next game on June 15.

Over at Biñan Football Stadium, Jo Warren Bedia made the most out of his first start for Stallion Laguna, bagging a brace in a 3-0 demolition of Philippine Air Force.

Bedia, a standout from University of St. La Salle in Bacolod City, scored twice in the first half, before Nathan Alquiros sealed maximum points with a 75th-minute goal for the home side.

It was Stallion’s first win of the season, following a draw against Ceres-Negros on opening day last Saturday and a loss to Kaya-Iloilo last Wednesday.

“My players came out with something to prove in this match,” Stallion coach Ernie Nierras said.