Machida Zelvia retook first place in the MEIJI YASUDA J2 League on Saturday with a 1-0 win at Kamatamare Sanuki.

Kentaro Shigematsu’s goal after just six minutes was enough to push the southwestern Tokyo side above Consadole Sapporo, whose scheduled match against Roasso Kumamoto has been postponed to a later date.

Cerezo Osaka managed just a 0-0 draw at Ehime FC to remain in second place with 24 points.

Vietnamese phenom Nguyen Cong Phuong made his J.League debut for Mito Hollyhock, coming on in the 87th minute of their 1-1 draw against Giravanz Kitakyushu. 

Kazuki Hara put the visitors up in the 72nd minute, but Hiroki Bandai saved the day for Hollyhock fans with his last-second equaliser.

At Ajinomoto Stadium, a massive gathering of Matsumoto Yamaga fans watched their team run rampant over helpless hosts Tokyo Verdy in a 4-0 win. 

Masaki Miyasaka netted the opening goal before Hiroyuki Takasaki delivered a hat trick between the 28th and 59th minutes.