SAITAMA — Omiya Ardija raised hopes of a genuine J. League title race with a comprehensive 3-1 win over league leaders Kashima Antlers on Saturday night.
Antlers looked to be cruising toward a third consecutive title after opening up an eight-point gap at the top of the table, but a fifth-minute goal from Tomoya Uchida at Nack 5 Stadium gave notice that Ardija were not going to roll over and hand them the crown.
Substitute Kohei Tokita made the points safe with another in the 82nd minute, before Mato Neretljak put the finishing touches to an assured counterattacking performance that hit Kashima where it hurt and made a mockery of Omiya's lowly league position.