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Laguna shatters Negros' double hopes after draw at Davao

Carlo Polli hides his head after yet another wasted chance by Stallion Laguna in their stalemate with Davao Aguilas Bellmare. Kennelf Monteza/Dugout Philippines
By Kevin Estrada
MANILA -- Ceres Negros' double dreams in the PFL went up in smoke after Davao Aguilas and Stallion Laguna eked out a goalless draw in the penultimate Group A tiff of the Copa Paulino Alcantara tonight at the Rizal Memorial.

Only needing a point from their final two matches, Ernest Nierras' herd did the job in the first time of asking, although they missed their chances to zoom ahead of the home side on goal difference.

That draw meant that Laguna are through to the last four after garnering their fourth point with one match to spare, one ahead of the reigning two-time league champs in the Group of Death.

However, their heroic stalemate came at the cost of Matthew Nierras, who had to be replaced just 12 minutes into the match on a suspected ACL tear after he had collided with Matthew Hartmann.

Davao will have to thank Patrick Deyto form saving their blushes between the sticks, as he thwarted numerous attempts by Jhan-Jhan Melliza multiple times.

Davao Aguilas Bellmare: Deyto (GK), Hartmann, McDonald, De Jong  (James YH 46'), Phil YH (C), Minniecon (De Bruycker 79'), Grommen (Clariño 65'), Tull, Matas, Gadia, Casambre
DAB unused: Bayan (GK), Rota, Aristorenas, Otomo

Stallion Laguna: Rosalia (GK), Nierras (Villareal 12'), Linatoc, Alquiros, Doctora (C) (Na 76'), Melliza, Ko, Sy, Ishihara, Polli, Arboleda (Bedia 89')
STL unused: Tripulca (GK), Tuason, Amistoso, Regala

Follow him on Twitter: @KevinLEstrada