The Kashima Antlers strengthened their title bid by beating Urawa Reds 1-0 on Friday, with Serginho poaching the winner shortly after entering as a second-half substitute.

The grudge match at Kashima Stadium saw the two longtime rivals and recent Asian Champions League winners do battle amid vastly different fortunes in the first division.

Reigning Asian champion Kashima was looking to solidify its J1 lead after coming into the match with only goal difference separating it from second-place FC Tokyo, with Yokohama F. Marinos lurking just one point back.