MANILA, Philippines – Green Archers United Globe pumped up life in their sagging bid to stay in the first division after taking down Phil. Air Force, 4-2, Thursday night in the United Football League at the Emperador Stadium in McKinley Hill.
It took a late comeback anchored by Jesus Melliza to bring the Archers back to life.
With the Archers down by one, 2-1, Arnie Pasinabo set up the stage for Melliza’s heroics with the equalizer in the 81st minute. Melliza took over from there as he assisted Agbayomi Olowoyeye’s goal four minutes later then sealed the victory with his own scoring act one minute into the injury time.
It was the only third win of the season for the Archers who climbed up to seventh spot with 11 points tied with PSG but trail on goal difference.
The loss was a bitter pill to swallow for the Airmen, who grabbed the lead when Ian Araneta completed a brace early in the second half.
Former Air Force star winger Chieffy Caligdong opened fire in the 31st minute to give the Archers an early one-goal lead. It did not stay that long as Araneta struck back three minutes later with both clubs settling for 1-1 stalemate at the half.
The Airmen absorbed their 11th loss against two wins as they got stuck in the ninth place with six points, two draws ahead of last place Army.
The cellar dweller at the end of the season will be automatically relegated to the second division while the ninth placer will fight for his spot in the first division against the second placer in the lower division.