Jubilo Iwata moved a step closer to clinching the J. League's first-stage title on Saturday as veteran Japan striker Masashi Nakayama headed home the winner to give his side a 1-0 victory at Kashiwa Reysol.
Nakayama nodded in Yugoslav midfielder Aleksandar Zivkovic's corner in the sixth minute at Kashiwanoha Koen Stadium to move Jubilo nine points clear at the top of the table with four games of the first stage remaining.
Despite the absence of a number of key players, including injured Japan internationals Hiroshi Nanami and Naohiro Takahara, Jubilo rarely looked like surrendering their lead.