Global Cebu nips Ilocos XI, boosts PFL bid

MANILA, Philippines — Global Cebu FC scraped past cellar-dwelling Ilocos United, 3-2, to fortify its position in the Top Four of the Philippines Football League table Sunday night at Cebu Sports Complex.

Wesley dos Santos, cashing in on an assist by Yu Hoshide, scored the marginal goal in the 78th minute as the Global booters secured maximum points for 40 overall, five off third-running Ceres Negros (14-3-4).

Global is making a push for the Top 2 seeds in the PFL playoffs in a race with pacesetting FC Meralco Manila (51 on 15-6-3), Kaya Makati (47 on 14-5-8). and regional rival Negros.

Ilocos, which has only one win to show in 25 fixtures, remained with seven markers.

Cebu and Ilocos fought on even terms after 45 minutes of play with Arthur Kouassi (19’ and 45’) and Darryl Roberts (21’, 43’) trading braces before Dos Santos restored order for the fancied club with the go-ahead and eventual game-winner.

In the other game, Davao Aguilas clawed back from two goals down to salvage a 2-2 draw with JPV Marikina over at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Brad MCDonald (56’) and Harry Sawyer (82’) delivered the goods as the Aguilas improved to 15 points on 2-9-11. Marikina hiked its tally to 28 (8-4-11).