Kashima Antlers kept themselves firmly in contention for the J. League first-stage title after a 2-0 away win over Urawa Reds on Saturday.

Mu Kanazaki and substitute Yuma Suzuki scored second-half goals at Saitama Stadium to leave Antlers one point behind leaders Kawasaki Frontale with two games of the first stage remaining.

Third-place Urawa is also still in the mix six points further back with two games in hand over both Frontale and Antlers, but a 1-0 loss for fourth-place Omiya Ardija against Albirex Niigata means the first stage is now officially a three-horse race.