19.04.2014 14:56 h

Football: Vissel Kobe climb to top of J-League

Duell in Tokyo
Duell in Tokyo

Promoted side Vissel Kobe beat Kashima Antlers 3-2 on Saturday to climb into first place in the J-League for at least 24 hours.

Keijiro Ogawa scored a header in the 69th minute to give Vissel the win after twice going behind to Antlers, who were reduced to 10 men when Takeshi Aoki conceded a penalty that Marquinhos converted two minutes before Ogawa's winner.

Previous leaders Sanfrecce Hiroshima fell one point behind Vissel, but can reclaim the top spot with a win away to Albirex Niigata on Sunday.

"Going top of the league has a lot of meaning for us," said Vissel manager Ryo Adachi, who led his team to promotion as second-division runners-up last season.

"We are serious about challenging for the title this season. Even if we're only top for one day, it's still very important."

Urawa Red Diamonds leapfrogged Antlers and moved level on points with Sanfrecce after beating Kawasaki Frontale 1-0 thanks to Tomoya Ugajin's 68th-minute goal.

Unfashionable Sagan Tosu moved alongside Antlers on 15 points with a 3-0 win over Vegalta Sendai.

Shimizu S-Pulse crushed bottom side Tokushima Vortis 4-0 to leave the first-division debutants on zero points after eight games.

Vortis have scored once and conceded 26 goals.

Yokohama F Marinos were brought back down to earth after their midweek AFC Asian Champions League win over South Korea's Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, drawing 0-0 with Kashiwa Reysol.

Japan defender Yasuyuki Konno hit an 88th-minute winner to lead Gamba Osaka past Omiya Ardija 2-1, FC Tokyo beat Cerezo Osaka 2-0, and Ventforet Kofu beat Nagoya Grampus 2-0.