Yu Kobayashi scored for a fifth straight game to give Kawasaki Frontale a 1-0 win over FC Tokyo on Saturday and open up a five-point lead at the top of the overall J. League table.
Frontale — who narrowly missed out on the first-stage title to Kashima Antlers — looked to be heading toward a goalless draw at Todoroki Stadium until Japan striker Kobayashi headed home from Shintaro Kurumaya's cross in the 81st minute.
The win, coupled with a 2-1 loss for Antlers at home to Urawa Reds, extended Frontale's lead in the overall table, and also sent them top of the second-stage standings after previous leaders Yokohama F. Marinos could only manage a 1-1 draw with Jubilo Iwata.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.