A fortuitous own-goal gave Consadole Sapporo a key 1-0 win against Roasso Kumamoto on Thursday night in a MEIJI YASUDA J2 League match previously postponed by April’s Kumamoto Earthquake.
The hosts dominated from the outset but would not find their way onto the scoreboard until the 67th minute.
Akito Fukumori’s cross into the penalty area was deflected into the net by a Roasso defender.
The result brought Consadole level with most of the league at 30 matches played, giving them a nine-point lead over second place Matsumoto Yamaga.
Roasso, who have two games in hand, remain in 16th place with 33 points.