Marquinhos Keeps Antlers in the Hunt

A 59th minute strike by their Brazilian forward sees Kashima earn a narrow 1-0 win and keep their faint hopes of a fourth straight title alive. Meanwhile, we still enjoy an eight point lead at the top, but now may have to wait a couple of weeks before being able to claim our first league title.

Japan Times: Antlers revive slim title hopes with win over Grampus

Maya Impresses in VVV Victory

Maya Yoshida made his second appearance for VVV in their 4-1 win over Willem II on Friday. He only came on as a second half sub, but seems to have impressed in his brief appearance, earning the highest rating of the VVV players. (At least, I think that's what the ratings on the left of the Limburger site means. )

Limburger.NL: Van Dijk begint met zelfde elf tegen Willem II (Dutch only)

Maya Finally Makes VVV Debut

Former Grampus defender Maya Yoshida, transferred to VVV Venlo last year, finally makes his debut for the club. His debut was delayed by a broken foot suffered in training shortly after his transfer in January. He had been training with Nagoya Grampus over the summer, so he should soon be back to full match sharpness. Looks like he needs to get up to speed PDQ. :-)



Mainichi Daily News: Yoshida makes debut but Venlo crash to 5-3 defeat

Grampus Open Up 11-point Gap

Both Gamba and the Antlers lost this weekend (Ganba 2-4 Vissl, Albirex 2-1 Antlers), meaning that we now enjoy an eleven point lead at the top. This gives us effectively a four game cushion with six games to go. A win next week at Kashima would all but mathematically rule out Kashima from any chance of the title, and means that all the pressure will be on them to keep things 'interesting' for at least another week.

No Tulio. No Mu. No Chance...

... for Cerezo Osaka.
We still had Josh fit and that was enough as the lanky Aussie converted a first half penalty to give us all three points. The visitors has the edge in possession (51-49%) and 'shots' (18-10), but failed to make it count. Another game gone, and we still have at least an eight point lead at the top. Now it is up to Gamba and the Antlers to show they can also live with the pressure and maintain their challenge.

Grampus Lineup
                          Seigo Narazaki
Hayuma Tanaka, Mitsuru, Chiyotanda, Takahiro Masukawa, Shohei Abe
Naoshi Nakamura (Akira Takeuchi 88’), Danilson, Magnum, Yoshizumi Ogawa (Igor Burzanovic 79’)
            Josh Kennedy, Keiji Tamada (Keita Sugimoto 65’)

Grampus Eke Out Another Three Points

Despite being outshot 15-11 by a home team desperate for some points, Grampus emerge from Home's Stadium Kobe with all three points. First half goals from Tamada and Danilson proving enough to ensure the 2-1 win and means they will end the weekend with at least their existing eight-point lead at the top of the standings.

There are seven games left of the season, but the next two against Cerezo then the Antlers are likely to decide whether we get another nail-biting end to the season or an early victory parade in Nagoya.

Grampus
                  Seigo Narazaki
Hayuma Tanaka, Tulio, Takahiro Masukawa, Shohei Abe
Yoshizumi Ogawa, Danilson, Magnum (Keita Sugimoto 66’), Mu Kanazaki (Igor Burzanovic 59’)
       Josh Kennedy, Keiji Tamada (Mitsuru Chiyotanda 85’)