Manilla Digger still on top

Manila Digger maintained its slim hold on top spot in the Philippines Football League after edging out Davao Aguilas-University of Makati, 1-0, over the weekend at Rizal Memorial Stadium. Gambian-born Modou Manneh scored the only goal of the match during the second half as the Diggers remained ahead of the table with 15 points following their fifth win against one defeat in the league season. Manneh produced his fifth goal of the campaign with a left-footed shot from close range that beat out Aguilas keeper Dini Ouattara as Manila Digger stayed two points ahead of its closest pursuers. Defending two-time champion Kaya-Iloilo, One Taguig and Dynamic Herb Cebu all have 13 points apiece after posting victories. Shuto Komaki of Japan produced a hat trick to carry Kaya past struggling Mendiola FC 1991, 9-1, and stay unbeaten with four wins and one draw while his compatriot Masaya Kobayashi struck the eventual winner in the second half as Cebu survived upset-minded Maharlika Taguig, 1-0. One Taguig ripped the Philippine Football Federation Youth National Team, 4-0, behind Naoto Hiraishi’s first-half goal plus three more from Junior Sam, Andres Aldeguer and Solomon Okereke. All three are four clear of Stallion Laguna, which suffered a third straight loss after opening the season with three straight wins with its shock 3-0 loss to Loyola FC. Rico Andes scored twice for Loyola, which now has six points in six matches.—Jonas Terrado