URAWA -- The Urawa Reds moved one step closer to promotion on Sunday after edging Shonan Bellmare 1-0 in extra time at Komaba Stadium.
Urawa midfielder Toshiyuki Abe struck the game's only goal from the edge of the box after a short free-kick from Shinji Ono in the 114th minute.
The win gave Urawa a two-point lead over promotion rival Oita Trinita. With two games left, the Reds can secure a spot in the first division as early as Thursday if it beats host Omiya Ardija in 90 minutes and Oita fails to beat Bellmare.
"In extra time, we were feeling frustrated with our own worthless moves," said Abe.
Abe's shot took a slight deflection and sailed a few inches out of the reach of Shonan goalkeeper Yuji Ito, who had frustrated the Reds earlier.
Elsewhere, J2 champion Consadole Sapporo was held to a 1-1 draw by cellar-dweller Ventforet Kofu at home. Omiya downed Vegalta Sendai 2-0.