ROUND 19

In the latest instalment of the most unpredictable and eccentric league on planet football, Ventforet Kofu ended a gargantuan losing sequence with a 1-0 away victory over Cerezo Osaka, while Albirex Niigata notched up a third consecutive win, with a 3-1 home triumph over Ghotbi’s unpredictables, Shimizu S-Pulse.

At the top of the table, Omiya Ardija continued their recent downward trajectory as they lost 1-0 at Kashima Antlers. Verdeniks men have failed to take a single point from their last four matches and have dropped from first to fourth in the process. Antlers have crept into 5th position but remain ten points behind leaders Sanfrecce Hiroshima, whose winning streak was halted by Urawa Reds who won 3-1 in Saitama.

Yokohama F Marinos collected three valuable points away to Shonan Bellmare with a 2-1 victory to move into second spot.

Jubilo Iwata lost by the odd goal in five to a rejuvenated Nagoya Grampus who have now won four on the spin and are approaching mid table respectability. Vegalta Sendai and Kashiwa Reysol both enjoyed 2-1 victories at home against Kawasaki Frontale and Sagan Tosu respectively.

Elsewhere Oita Trinutas relegation credentials received further endorsement with a 2-0 reverse away to FC Tokyo, which moves the gasmen from eighth up to sixth.

STANDINGS

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