TOKYO: Milivoje Novakovic scored a brace as table-topping Omiya Ardija enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 win over lowly Ventforet Kofu in the J-League on Saturday.
Novakovic opened the scoring from the penalty spot after just four minutes, with Kosuke Kikuchi doubling the lead midway through the first half. Novakovic found the net again just before half-time to give his side a three-goal cushion.
“I’m very satisfied with the game today. I’m satisfied with our performance and the result of 3-0 as well. We took a lucky goal on a penalty,” said Omiya’s Slovenian coach Zdenko Verdenik.
“We slowed down in the second half and allowed Kofu to make a decisive chance three or four times. The leading team shouldn’t make technical, tactical errors like that. Although we won, we must improve that.” Omiya are top of the J-League on 32 points, with 10 wins and two draws, five points clear of Yokohama Marinos. Kashima Antlers are in third place on 25 points.
Seitaro Tomisawa headed home in the 77th minute to give Yokohama a 1-0 win over Sagan Tosu, while seven-time champions Kashima recovered from two goals down to beat FC Tokyo 3-2.
Hiroshima saw off Shonan Bellmare 2-0 and Osaka were 2-1 winners over Nagoya Grampus.
Former Japanese international striker Yoshito Okubo scored twice as Kawasaki Frontale beat Albirex Niigata 2-1.
Shimizu S-Pulse were 2-0 winners over Vegalta Sendai while Oita Trinita drew 1-1 with Jubilo Iwata.
Urawa meet Kashiwa Reysol on Sunday.
J-League leaders Omiya romp to 3-0 win
