Goals from Shuhei Akasaki and Yuma Suzuki propelled Kashima Antlers to their first victory since mid-July in a 2-1 win at Avispa Fukuoka.

The 2016 MEIJI YASUDA J1 League First Stage champions have struggled in the last month, culminating in a 0-1 loss to Santa Fe in last Wednesday’s Suruga Bank Championship.

But Akasaki’s goal in the 27th minute followed by Suzuki’s effort with 10 minutes remaining in the match was enough to get past last-place Avispa, despite an own goal by 19-year-old Antlers defender Yuki Kakita deep into stoppage time.

Following their first win in five matches, Antlers remain in third place overall in the J1 standings, eight points behind current leaders Kawasaki Frontale and six points ahead of fourth place Sanfrecce Hiroshima.