Football: Lowly Yokohama FC earn much-needed win against Fukuoka
YOKOHAMA (Kyodo) -- Yokohama FC forward Keisuke Muroi found the net in the 59th minute to secure a much-needed 1-0 win at home to Avispa Fukuoka in J-League first-division football on Saturday.
Manager Shuhei Yomoda's men came into the clash at Nippatsu Mitsuzawa Stadium in 19th place on the back of three straight J1 losses, with only local rivals Yokohama F Marinos beneath them in the standings.
Muroi was initially ruled to have been offside before he swept the ball into the net off a header from strike partner Solomon Sakuragawa, but a review by the video assistant referee found him onside.
Fukuoka came close to equalizing late in the contest. A a lack of accuracy in front of goal, however, proved costly.
The result marked a six-game winless stretch for Fukuoka, who had been on top of the table before the skid.
Elsewhere, second-place Kashiwa Reysol defeated Fagiano Okayama 2-0 at home to cut Kashima's top-flight lead to one point before the Antlers play Kawasaki Frontale on Sunday.
Marcelo Ryan scored from the penalty spot in the 13th minute of second-half extra time after a handball in the box, giving FC Tokyo a 1-0 home win over Vissel Kobe.
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