Fading Kashiwa Reysol were held 0-0 at home to Omiya Ardija as leaders Gamba Osaka's bid for a second title in three seasons got another boost in the J-League on Saturday.
Oita Trinita midfielder Daisuke Takahashi (left) reacts with midfieler Tsukasa Umesaki after scoring a
goal to tie at 2 on final minute of Saturday's game against Kashima Antlers at Kyushu Oil Dome in Oita.
KYODO PHOTOThe surprise package of the season so far, promoted Kashiwa were completely outplayed by Omiya and poor finishing in the last 15 minutes proved costly as they slipped further behind front-running Gamba, who ran out 2-1 winners at home to 10-man Yokohama FC.
Japan internationals Hideo Hashimoto and Yasuhito Endo scored a goal each half at Expo Stadium to lift Gamba seven points clear of idle Urawa Reds, who are in China playing in the "A3" East Asian Championship.