Shimizu saw a chance to close in on the top spot last week pass them by when they struggled to find a point with a last kick equaliser against Cerezo and today they could afford no mistakes if they were to keep within touching distance of Sendai. Unfortunately, this game did not go as planned, although, despite a couple of easier chances, for Kashiwagi in particular, the only goal of the game came just before half time, and it was Abe who squeezed the ball home on the second attempt from a corner.
Alex Brosque saw his second yellow card for a challenge on Marcio Richardes before the hour was up and then Haraguchi did his best to extend the lead for the home team. In the 67th minute the young forward twisted and turned through three defenders but saw his shot just over and minutes later he raced down the right wing and slipped the ball across for Kashiwagi, who forced a fine save from Hayashi.
Abe hit the bar with a header and Reds had a nicely worked goal disallowed, quite correctly, for offside, and S-Pulse lost a game that they really should have won, IF they are to prove they are championship-challenging material.