J.League wrap: Shimizu topple Sendai, Gamba lose again

6 May 2012 15:02

Shimizu S-Pulse closed the gap on league leaders Vegalta Sendai, while struggling Gamba Osaka fell to yet another J.League defeat.

A 40th-minute goal from Genki Omae was enough for Shimizu to beat Vegalta and cut their lead at the top to two points.

It has now been nine years since Shimizu were last beaten by Vegalta, a 3-1 loss in 2003.

Third-placed Sanfrecce Hiroshima also kept pace with the top two, scoring three late goals to prevail 5-2 at Kashima Reysol.

Two goals from Japanese striker Hisato Sato, taking his tally to nine in 10 league games, had given Sanfrecce a 2-0 lead after 50 minutes but Kashiwa hit back with two goals of their own.

The game seemed destined for a draw before three goals in the final five minutes from Naoki Ishihara and Yojiro Takahagi moved the visitors within four points of Vegalta Sendai.

Gamba Osaka's recent slump continued, losing 1-0 at Omiya Ardija to remain in the relegation zone.

Young-Cheol Cho's goal on 74 minutes condemned Gamba to their third consecutive defeat.

Kawasaki Frontale emerged victorious from Toyota Stadium, edging ninth-placed Nagoya Grampus 3-2.

Before fans could take their seats, Yusuke struck inside the first minute to give fifth-placed Kawasaki the perfect start.

Australia international Josh Kennedy hit back eight minutes later to restore parity but a first-half brace from Takuro Yajima secured all three points for Kawasaki, despite a late consolation from Jungo Fujimoto.

Visiting Tokyo FC, coming off an impressive 4-2 victory over A-League outfit Brisbane Roar in the AFC Champions League, beat Albirex Niigata 2-0.

Goals from Yohei Kajiyama and Tatsuya Yazawa ended Tokyo's three-game losing streak in the J.League.

Yokohama F Marinos edged lowly Consadole Sappora 2-1 at the Nissan Stadium.

Former Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamara had his 22nd-minute goal cancelled out by Sapporo's Hiroyuki Furuta before Hiroyuki Taniguchi popped up with 12 minutes remaining to ensure victory for the home side.

There were two penalties awarded in the game at Cerezo Osaka but it was Vissel Kobe who prevailed, courtesy of a Takuya Nozawa strike 20 minutes from time.

Elsewhere, fourth-placed Urawa Red Diamonds played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at Jubilo Iwata, while the match between Kashima Antlers and Sagan Tosu finished goalless.