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Japan: Kashima's lead in J-League cut to one point [Sat Aug 27th, 2005]
Tokyo (Reuters) - After topping the standings all season, Kashima Antlers' lead in the J-League was cut to one point following a 2-0 defeat at Tokyo Verdy.
Brazilian striker Washington scored both Verdy's goals early in the second half, but Kashima were undone by Daiki Iwamasa's second first half sending-off in a week.
Although Verdy had utility player Kazuyuki Toda and midfielder Jun Tamano dismissed late in the game, the Antlers could find no way back as Gamba Osaka closed to within a point of them in the standings.
Gamba left it late at home to champions Yokohama F-Marinos before veteran midfielder Mitsuteru Watanabe scored his second goal with a looping header in injury time to seal a 3-2 victory.
Urawa Reds leapt back into third place with a 2-0 win at Nagoya Grampus Eight, and Sanfrecce Hiroshima slipped one spot to fourth after being held to a 1-1 draw away to Kawasaki Frontale.
Bottom club Vissel Kobe edged Oita Trinita 2-1 at home, while the matches between Jubilo Iwata and FC Tokyo and Albirex Niigata and JEF United Chiba both ended in 1-1 draws.
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