The J. League has a new leader, and after more than five years away from the summit, Yokohama F. Marinos are not likely to give up first place without a fight.

Kazushi Kimura's side took advantage of previous pace-setters Kashiwa Reysol's 3-2 defeat at Kawasaki Frontale on Saturday, drawing 1-1 with Omiya Ardija a day later to go top for the first time since March 21, 2006.

Marinos looked to have slipped off the pace slightly after a barnstorming start to the season, but a run of five straight runs put them right back in contention and not even a 74th-minute equalizer for Omiya could prevent a changing of the guard.