SHIZUOKA (AP) Struggling Shimizu S-Pulse survived a late onslaught to stun fading Kashima Antlers 1-0 in the J. League on Sunday.
Chikashi Masuda and Danilo both went close as Kashima turned up the heat in the late stages at Nihondaira Stadium, but Shimizu hung on to move out of the drop zone thanks to the first league goal of Takuya Honda's career.
Victory lifted Shimizu up to 13th in the 18-team standings while Kashima's miserable run of league form leaves the defending champions eight points adrift of leaders Urawa Reds with a game in hand.