Midfielder Toshiyuki Abe scored one and set up the other as Vegalta Sendai won 2-1 away at Vissel Kobe to move to the top of the J. League on Saturday.

The former Urawa Reds man sent over a cross from the left for Brazilian midfielder Silvinho to head home on 69 minutes and put the visitors firmly in control when he grabbed the second eight minutes from time.

Kunie Kitamoto gave Kobe a glimmer of hope when he pounced on a loose ball to reduce the arrears with three minutes remaining but it was too little, too late as Sendai held on to maintain its unbeaten start to the first stage.

The win moved Sendai top on 10 points from four games played although Yokohama F. Marinos can reclaim pole position with a win at home to Oita Trinita on Sunday.