Mu Kanazaki struck in the second half as Kashima Antlers bounced back from last weekend's defeat to Gamba Osaka with a 1-0 win away to Ventforet Kofu in the J. League first division on Saturday.

Kanazaki scored the clincher with a well-taken header in the 61st minute and it was only a combination of the woodwork and fine goalkeeping from Kohei Kawata that prevented the seven-time league champions from winning by a much bigger margin.

"It was a lame performance at home (to Gamba). We were away today but wanted to make sure that we got three points and I am glad we were able to achieve that," Kanazaki said.