Kashima Antlers preserved their five-point cushion at the top of the J. League after a 2-0 win away to first-division whipping boys Vissel Kobe on Thursday.
Frontale midfielder Marcus scores with a header in the 28th minute of Thursday's game against Yokohama F. Marinos in Kawasaki. Frontale prevailed 2-1.
Japan international Masashi Motoyama put Kashima on the way to its sixth consecutive victory when he struck from 12 meters on the half hour and Takuya Nozawa sealed the result, with Alex Mineiro again the provider in the 64th minute.