Brazilian striker Pedro Junior struck a superb winner as reigning champions Kashima Antlers smashed Kashiwa Reysol's 10-match unbeaten streak with a 3-2 away victory in the J. League on Sunday night.

Kashima benefited from two costly errors by Kashiwa goalkeeper Kosuke Nakamura to take a 2-1 lead in a pulsating encounter, and although Cristiano leveled for Reysol, Pedro Junior had the last word with the clincher 18 minutes from time.

The result saw Kashiwa concede top spot in the table to Cerezo Osaka (35 points) at the halfway stage of the season. Cerezo came from behind to win 3-1 at home to FC Tokyo. Kashiwa (34) is second and Kashima (33) third with a game in hand on the top two.