Avispa Fukuoka leapt into the MEIJI YASUDA J2 League lead following Sunday’s Round 15 action.

The Kyushu side made quick work of Zweigen Kanazawa in a 5-0 away win. Wellington scored twice alongside Daisuke Ishizu to make it 3-0 at half-time, with Riki Matsuda recording his own brace in the second half.

Naoki Yamada’s game-winner gave Shonan Bellmare a 2-1 win at Matsumoto Yamaga, allowing them to stay on pace with the leaders on points while trailing on goal difference.

Yokohama FC were not as lucky on the road, losing 2-1 at Fagiano Okayama to fall into third. Jumpei Arai’s 85th-minute effort was not enough to overcome goals by Yuta Toyokawa and Shingo Kukita for the hosts.

Kamatamare Sanuki fell into last place following their 2-1 defeat to Thespa Kusatsu Gunma, who moved into 21st place with their third win in four matches. 

Despite falling behind 1-0 in the 31st minute, Hitoshi Morishita’s men fought back with Kazuma Takai’s 41st-minute equaliser and Shohei Okada’s game-winner on the hour.

Veteran Keiji Tamada gave Nagoya Grampus a crucial game-winner in their 2-1 win at Ehime FC, while JEF United Chiba and Roasso Kumamoto fought to a 1-1 draw at the Fukuda Denshi Arena.