Shoma Doi scored in the 79th minute as Kashima Antlers finally broke down Omiya Ardija's stubborn resistance to claim a 1-0 win in the J. League on Saturday.
Ardija went into the match at Nack 5 Stadium searching for their first points of the season after losing their opening four games, and Hiroki Shibuya's side looked to have done enough to claim a draw after frustrating the defending champions on a chilly night in Saitama.
But Kashima's persistence paid off when Doi slotted the ball past substitute goalkeeper Hitoshi Shiota to give the visitors all three points, sending them level on points with Vissel Kobe at the top of the table after five games of the season.
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