Manila Digger FC bounced back from their loss to Davao Aguilas last week with a 3-2 win over Mendiola FC 1991 in Saturday’s third fixture at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
With both teams looking to regain footing in the standings, it was Mendiola, that drew first blood in the 17th minute. Japanese midfielder Hiromasa Ishikawa slotted home the opener after a neat play towards the box.
Digger soon equalized five minutes later. Sangcheon Jeon found Eric Giganto in the box, who then sent a curling effort past John Betanio.
Earl Piñero ensured that Manila Digger headed to the half with the lead with a strike in the second minute of first half stoppage time with a shot towards the near post that left Betanio beaten despite having a touch to the ball.
Daiki Jahana completed the turnaround with Digger’s third goal in the 60th minute. Giganto turned from scorer to playmaker to send the ball to Jahana who finished it with ease.
Mendiola mounted another fight back late in the match when Ishikawa scored his second goal in the 89th minute with a header from Nicolai Abalos, and almost equalized in stoppage time, but Sylver Pormento skied his shot.
Manila Digger FC Starters: Kuriyama, Barsanilla, Regala, Ebarle, Shin, Jeon, Ugwu, Giganto, Piñero, Jahana, Marfiga
Goal Scorers: Giganto 21′, Piñero 47′, Jahana 69′
Mendiola 1991 FC Starters: Betanio. Polinag, Tanamor. Rena, Rasonable, Hajimahdi, Ladines, Nitta, Ghamlouche, Ishikawa, Abalos
Goal Scorers: Ishikawa 16′
