Ceres-Negros FC returned to winning ways after it dispatched Philippine Air Force FC 5-0 last May 29 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila. Bienvenido Maranon and Curt Dizon,found the back of the net against the resolute Airmen.
The Busmen hard time breaking the deadlock against a well drilled Air Force defense but Maranon was precise in the 15th minute after he drilled a 20-yard free kick to the top corner.
The Spaniard almost had two more chances in the first half but goalkeeper Kenneth Dolloso was equal to the opportunity. Ceres-Negros went to the break with a slim 1-0 lead.
The Negros squad doubled the advantaged in the 52nd minute after Maranon laid off to Curt Dizon who smashed the ball to the roof of the net. Ceres almost made it three but Angelo Marasigan scoffed his chance in front of goal minutes later.
The visitors hit the woodwork in the 62nd after an Omid Nazari volley. Maranon recovered the ball before passing it to Porteria whose attempt was wide of the target.
Three players were sent off in the 67th after an altercation on the pitch. Geve Cadiz was sent off for punching OJ Porteria while the Ceres winger and Air Force Defender Antonio Albor was sent off for a prior incident.
The cards changed the tune of the match as Ceres-Negros turned on the offensive. Super had a good chance with volley but Dolloso was there for the save. Maranon slotted in a Dizon cross to make it 3-0.
The AFC Cup topscorer almost made it a hat trick after breaking the offside trap but the keeper was there again to make the save. Dizon scored his brace in the 81st while Maranon finally completed his hat trick a minute later.
The score may have been bigger if not for Dolloso who had to stop good chances from Martin Steuble and substitute Blake Powell. The matched finished with the Busmen running away with the five goal win.
The victory also saw the debuts of Ronnie Bayan, Angelo Marasigan, and Powell in the season. Ceres-Negros will face Global Cebu on June 1 at the PFF Training Center in Carmona, Cavite. Kickoff is set at 330pm.
All photos from Philippines Football League/Cezar Dancel
