InsideJapan News Network

Yokohama F Marinos beat Omiya Ardija by the odd goal this weekend, and in doing so lengthened their lead atop Japan's premier football league.

The game, which represents the Marinos' fifth straight victory in the J-League, was set alight by one player in particular as 31-year-old striker Masashi Oguro hit both of their goals in the 2-1 win.

Second-placed Kashiwa Reysol did not do themselves any favours as they were held to a goalless draw away to Vegalta Sendai, who finished 14th in the J-League last year.

Elsewhere in the top Japanese division, Nagoya Grampus' 3-0 demolition of Avispa Fukuoka piled further pressure on Reysol's Brazilian manager Nelsinho Baptista.

That win means that Nagoya are now only two points off of the second place that Reysol have been attempting to make their own.

Each team in the J-League has played either 18 or 19 games, putting the season at just over its half-way point. The top three teams in the league go on to play in the prestigious AFC Champions League.

Written by Mark Smith  


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