ICHIHARA, Chiba Pref. -- The Kashima Antlers took a clear lead in the J. League Division One second stage standings on Wednesday night by beating JEF United Ichihara 2-1 for their sixth straight win against no losses, coupled with second place Gamba Osaka's 2-1 defeat to Avispa Fukuoka.
At Ichihara Seaside Stadium, Kashima midfielder Mitsuo Ogasawara put the Antlers ahead in the 31st minute by curling in a 25-meter free kick into the top right of the goal. Two minutes later, Japan striker Atsushi Yanagisawa, returning after a two-match suspension, headed in an Akira Narahashi cross from the right.
With a 2-0 comfortable lead, Yanagisawa was replaced by veteran forward Yoshiyuki Hasegawa early in the second half after complaining a pain in the left hamstring.
JEF forward Takafumi Ogura scored a header off a corner from Katsutomo Ohshiba in the 80th minute, which was just Kashima's second goal allowed so far in the second stage.
Nakayama nets 100th
Visiting Jubilo Iwata scraped by Vissel Kobe 3-2 thanks to an injury-time goal from Naohiro Takahara after squandering the lead twice after the break on Wednesday.
Jubilo forward Masashi Nakayama netted a pair of goals, including his 100th career league goal.
At Tokyo's National Stadium, Japan forward Tatsuhiko Kubo opened the scoring after 22 minutes and midfielder Chikara Fujimoto doubled the lead on the stroke of halftime as Sanfrecce Hiroshima condemned FC Tokyo to their first defeat in the second stage with a 2-1 victory.
Substitute Takuya Jinno pulled one back five minutes from the final whistle, which proved to be too late for the third-placed J-1 newcomers.
Nagoya Grampus Eight continued its fine play of late as it crushed Cerezo Osaka 3-0 at Nagai Stadium.
For complete J. League summaries and standings please see Sports Scoreboard.