Dipolog qualifies for U23 quarters

TIONGKO FIELD, Davao City, Philippines - Dipolog formalized their entry into the quarterfinals of the PFF Suzuki Under-23 National Cup with a 3-nil demolition job on hardluck North Cotobato at the Tiongko Field in Davao City.

National team player Jerry Barbaso made a strong case for a return to active duty by putting his imprint on Dipolog’s first three goals that snuffed the fight out of the visitors.

In the 37th minute, Barbaso, moved to central midfield by Dipolog’s English head coach Reginald Jukes in their 7-1 whitewashing of Cagayan de Oro the day before, dispossessed a Cotobato player of the ball.

Barbaso pressed forward and found line mate Emerlito Alcalde lingering just outside the box. With two defenders crowding him, Alcalde swung the ball to left-winger Sergio Pellerin who ran up in support. Pellerin lofted a well placed cross inside the box that midfielder Sparke Española headed past North Cotobato keeper James Alloro.

Three minutes later, Barbaso’s set piece from 30 yards out curled around the wall and veered right back in. The ball dipped and Alloro, caught flat-footed, had no chance.