Shin Minki struck two minutes before the end to lift Manila Digger to a 2-1 win over Maharlika Taguig in the PFL last Saturday.
The opening match of a hot Matchday 4 started off closely contested with both teams having promising spells. Maharlika struck first in the 34th minute, but Manila Digger forward Sangcheon Jeon leveled the scoreline just before halftime.
Both teams were mainly tentative in the second half and lacked flair although Digger goalkeeper Yuya Kuriyama was called into action a number of times to come up with crucial saves.
An on-target attempt from the left wing courtesy of midfielder Shin Minki in the dying minutes of the game proved to be enough as Manila Digger edged Maharlika Taguig FC, 2-1, earlier today at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Drama ensued as there was a potential handball on the play from Digger as the ball was goal-bound. Referee Clifford Daypuyat and his linesmen after further discussion deemed that there was no infraction and awarded what proved to be the game-winner.
The result from Digger propels them to two wins in as many games as the newcomers keep pace with the more established PFL teams.
Manila Digger FC starters: Kuriyama (GK), Barsanilla, Ashley, Jeon, Flores, Giganto, Regala, Marzan, Ebarle, Jahana, Shin (captain)
Maharlika Taguig FC starters: Sene, Abo, Canicosa, Lucas Del Rosario, Otuyemi, Basa, Mailly, Nkoa, Uy, Terando, Anton Del Rosario (captain)
Manila Digger FC scorers: Jeon 43’, Shin 88’
Maharlika Taguig FC scorers: Lucas Del Rosario 34’