Kashima Antlers’ slow start to the 2018 MEIJI YASUDA J1 League season continued with a 2-1 loss at Shonan Bellmare on Saturday.

An own-goal was cancelled out by Yuma Suzuki, but Miki Yamane’s stoppage-time winner was enough to condemn Antlers to defeat, as they sit 10th in the standings.

Things are at least looking up for Urawa Reds who held on to beat Vegalta Sendai 1-0 for their first win of the season - Shinzo Koroki’s early strike doing the job.

Fast starters Shimizu S-Pulse were meanwhile held 0-0 at Jubilo Iwata but Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo had no such issues overcoming their opposition, hammering Nagoya Grampus 3-0.

Cerezo Osaka therefore rose on par with S-Pulse’s nine points this term with their 2-1 result over Sagan Tosu sealed by goals either side of half-time.