Goalkeeper Takashi Kasahara was the hero as second-division Mito Hollyhock stunned its illustrious local rival Kashima Antlers 3-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw to advance to the fourth round of the Emperor's Cup on Wednesday.

Kasahara pulled off a string of saves to keep Kashima at bay in regulation and extra time but he saved his most important stop until the shootout, keeping out Takahide Umebachi's effort with a diving save to seal a famous victory.

Kashima had plenty of chances to take the lead in an entertaining first half on the Ibaraki coast but found Kasahara in superb form.