Kyodo World Service, September 22nd, 2007
Oita Trinita pushed Yokohama FC further toward the relegation
trapdoor and boosted their own chances of survival in the process
with a 2-0 win in the J-League on Saturday.
Daiki Takamatsu pounced on a loose ball to fire home the opener
from close range after 32 minutes at Kyushu Oil Dome and Masato
Yamazaki wrapped up the win three minutes before the interval.
''Our aim was to make sure we took points in two consecutive
matches and we have achieved that goal,'' said Oita manager Pericles
Chamusca, whose side were denied victory by a last-gasp goal in last
week's 2-2 draw at Kawasaki Frontale.
''With the (hot) weather and the game being an early kickoff, we
knew we had to use our brains in the first half today. But we managed
to score goals and achieve our aim,'' added the Brazilian.
Oita's victory could take them eight points clear of the
relegation zone depending on the results of later matches, while
bottom club Yokohama, with just 11 points from 26 games, look almost
certain to return to the second division after just one season in the
top flight.
Fellow strugglers Omiya Ardija also saw their relegation fears
increase after a 1-0 defeat at home to JEF United Chiba, Daisuke
Saito deciding the match for the visitors after 33 minutes at Komaba
Stadium.
Elsewhere, Yoshito Okubo took his tally for the season to 13
with a double as Vissel Kobe hammered Nagoya Grampus Eight 5-0.
Leaders Urawa Reds take on Yokohama F Marinos in the pick of
Saturday's evening fixtures while Gamba Osaka travel to Jubilo Iwata
on Sunday.
