Omiya Ardija took out local rivals Urawa Reds in the Saitama Derby on first half goals from Cho Young-Cheol and Rafael, and, unlike Antlers and Frontale today, there was to be no 3-2 comeback for Reds. While Reds were undefeated in the lleague since their opening day loss to Sanfrecce, Ardija had not won for four games so this result was very much against current form, but only as much as the home side deserved out of this match.

Cho’s goal came through a good pass from Watanabe, but Cho still had work to do but the Korean turned on a sixpence and slid the ball past the keeper to give his team the lead. Rafael made it 2-0 before the half hour mark with a superb header from a Cho left wing cross. Reds threw everything into getting a goal back before half time, with Umesaki, Marcio Richardes, Nagata, Hirakawa and Kashiwagi all having a chance but being denied by poor finishing or excellent keeping. The 2nd half continued with Reds pushing for goals but Kitano in the Ardija goal was equal to everything thrown at him and it was Omiya who almost made it 3-0 on the break when Cho sent a long chip that had the Reds’ keeper scrambling to get back on his line and tip the ball over. Three impressive points for Omiya, but probably just a blip in Reds return to form this season?