KASHIWA, Chiba Pref. -- Relegation threatened Kashiwa Reysol kept its J. League Division One survival hopes on track after edging Shimizu S-Pulse 1-0 on Edilson's first-half penalty on Wednesday night at Hitachi Kashiwa Stadium.
With four more matches remaining in the second stage, Kashiwa improved its points total to 26 and its overall standing to 13th, widening its lead over relegation rival Sanfrecce Hiroshima and passing Vissel Kobe.
Reysol's went ahead in the 40th minute. Forward Yuji Unozawa, latching onto a pass from Brazilian midfielder Richardinho in the box, was brought down by Shimizu 'keeper Takaya Kurokawa for a penalty. Edilson stepped up and calmly converted the spot kick.
"Our players knew the importance of today's game and they gave their all," Reysol manager Marco Aurelio said.