If there is one thing to be said about Kashima Antlers so far this season it is that they have been consistently inconsistent. But an impressive come-from-behind 2-1 victory away to FC Tokyo on Thursday showed what they are capable of when they have the bit between their teeth — and it gave a glimpse of brighter times ahead for coach Osvaldo Oliveira and his players.
Kashima's winner came with seven minutes remaining when Marquinhos lofted a perfect cross from the right of the area for substitute Chikashi Masuda to direct a firm header past FC Tokyo 'keeper Hitoshi Shiota. It was a deserved winner for the more adventurous side of a second half that had started so promisingly for the hosts.
After a pretty dismal first half, Paulo Wanchope's headed goal on 58 minutes was the culmination of a classy little move that gave the home side hope. Lucas picked up the ball on the edge of the area, exchanged a one-two with Ryoichi Kurisawa and chipped the ball to the far post where the Costa Rican striker was waiting to score his first league goal of the season.