Challenge League Eighth Round

Vegalta Sendai come from two down to win 3-2

Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita  2 - 3  Vegalta Sendai Ladies
(Attendance: 207)

Having swept aside Bunnys Kyoto in style last week, Vegalta Sendai showed that they have fighting spirit too this week as they came from two down to win by three goals to two, with the winning goal coming in injury time. Unfancied Shizuoka stunned the visitors with two first half goals, the first from Sayama was followed by Okuda's third of the season. Vegalta responded before the break, Nakamura with her first for the club reducing the arrears. Top scorer Ito Minako had been rested and only came off the bench on 64 minutes, and twenty minutes later she had the equaliser. Entering injury time it looked like Sendai might find themselves four points adrift of Takahashi, but up popped Uetsuji to win the game for the visitors. In total Sendai had 29 shots at goal whereas Shizuoka only had four, with a solitary attempt in the second half. Sendai remain the hot favourites to win the division, and with the news that Sameshima Aya wishes to return to Japan and join the club after the Olympic campaign, the future looks bright for Tohoku's leading team.

Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita:
Maehara Ringo, Nishiyama Mei, Kitaoka Chiaki, Kanefuda Anzu (capt), Iida Miku, Suzuki Rina, Sayama Momoko, Ogata Yurika, Shirai Aoi, Okuda Mika, Oda Kanna
Subs: Matsuno Miyuki (Shirai Aoi, 53 mins), Komagata Nana (Okuda Mika, 67 mins), Kinpara Reika (Oda Kanna, 81 mins)
Unused subs: Takahashi Miharu, Himono Chiho
Scorers: Sayama Momoko (21 mins), Okuda Mika (26 mins)

Vegalta Sendai Ladies:
Amano Misaki, Nakamura Mami, Sakai Yuki, Osafune Kana, Yamamoto Risa, Shimokozuru Aya (capt), Uetsuji Yumi, Nakahara Saori, Kakazu Asuka, Ideue Asako, Yasumoto Sawako
Subs: Koyama Kie (Yamamoto Risa, HT), Ito Minako (Nakahara Saori, 64 mins), Takahashi Nana (Koyama Kie, 77 mins)
Unused subs: Saita Yuki, Tanaka Keiko
Scorers: Nakamura Mami (36 mins), Ito Minako (85 mins), Uetsuji Yumi (90+1 mins)
Booked: Uetsuji Yumi


JFA Academy Fukushima  6 - 0  Ehime FC Ladies
(Attendance: 87)

JFA Academy ran riot against Ehime with Masuya Rika scoring another two goals to bring her season's total to seven. In the first half JFA scored four, those coming from Kojima, Masuya, Narumiya and Kitagawa. In the second half they relaxed more and added just two more from six shots (having had 13 in the first half), those coming from Masuya again and a first for Moriya.

This results sees the Academy girls move in to fifth, while Ehime stay in the bottom half of the table.

JFA Academy Fukushima:
Inoue Nene, Yoshitake Manami, Norimatsu Ruka, Miyake Shiori (capt), Yamamori Anna, Moriya Miyabi, Narumiya Yui, Mizutani Yuki, Kitagawa Hikaru, Kojima Miku, Masuya Rika
Subs: Sunaga Manami (Kojima Miku, 66 mins), Kojima Hikaru (Masuya Rika, 70 mins), Mori Sayaka (Norimatsu Ruka, 78 mins), Kadoi Megumi (Kitagawa Hikaru, 83 mins)
Unused subs: Hirao Chika
Scorers: Kojima Miku (9 mins), Masuya Rika (22, 60 mins), Narumiya Yui (36 mins), Kitagawa Hikaru (39 mins), Moriya Miyabi (64 mins)

Ehime FC Ladies:
Osako Hanako, Kushiyama Saki, Onoyama Nana, Marugata Rie, Sato Hiromi, Iwamoto Yuka, Yamashiro Miyuki, Akune Mana, Nishigawa Sayumi, Nakada Maiko (capt), Ogawa Akari
Subs: Haruyama Saori (Ogawa Akari, 44 mins), Hagiwara Masumi (Sato Hiromi, 70 mins), Niwa Mizuho (Iwamoto Yuka, 70 mins)
Unused subs: Moriga Mahiro, Matsuyama Miki


Sfida Setagaya FC  4 - 2  Tokiwagi Gakuen High School
(Attendance: 403)

In a somewhat surprising result, Sfida Setagaya got the better of the travelling schoolgirls of Tokiwagi in front of a respectable crowd of over 400. It was no surprise that Tokiwagi took the lead early, first year student Nishikawa Ayaka getting her first ever league goal for the school. Setagaya hit back in the 12th minute through Mori Hitomi - her sixth of the season. At half-time then the score was one each with the feeling that the game could go either way.

Four minutes into the second half Setagaya scored again, and in the next twelve minutes scored two more to seal the victory. Ishibuchi got the first and third of these goals, bringing her season total to seven, and sandwiched between these goals was Mori's seventh of the season, this time from the penalty spot.

Tokiwagi had a small consolation with fifteen minutes to go, as star striker Michigami Ayaka scored her fourteenth of the season to keep her top of the scoring records. Tokiwagi have now lost two in a row and the Challenge League East champions of the last two seasons have their work cut out if they are to challenge this year.

Sfida Setagaya FC:
Kawaguchi Mana, Nagasawa Yume, Kawashima Tamai, Tanaka Marina (capt), Fukuhara Nao, Oshima Sayuri, Tanaka Mariko, Mori Hitomi, Minemoto Chizuru, Ishibuchi Yuki, Sasago Masae
Subs: Usuda Haruka (Minemoto Chizuru, 61 mins), Uchiyama Tomoka (Ishibuchi Yuki, 81 mins), Kotabe Yuri (Oshima Sayuri, 85 mins), Kurokawa Hikari (Tanaka Mariko, 88 mins), Muramatsu Yuki (Kawaguchi Mana, 90+2 mins)
Scorers: Mori Hitomi (12, 58 mins), Ishibuchi Yuki (49, 61 mins)

Tokiwagi Gakuen High School:
Hayashizaki Mei, Takamura Chisato, Okamori Kasane (capt), Okakura Mika, Nishikawa Ayaka, Hirata Miki, Matsuura Nagisa, Sasaki Miwa, Michigami Ayaka, Ito Miki, Horii Mizuki
Subs: Shiraki Akari (Horii Mizuki, HT), Kosuda Rina (Nishikawa Ayaka, 61 mins), Kawasaki Saya (Matsuura Nagisa, 61 mins), Tanaka Yasuko (Sasaki Miwa, 88 mins)
Unused subs: Kakinoki Runa
Scorers: Nishikawa Ayaka (2 mins), Michigami Ayaka (75 mins)


Nittaidai Football Club Ladies  1 - 4  FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme
(Attendance: 110)

FC Takahashi continue to lead the way in the Challenge League following this dominant display over fellow university students Nittaidai, who last week beat previously unbeaten Tokiwagi Gakuen. Takahashi's first three goals came from Takahashi, Takano and Sugita, who together have contributed fifteen goals to the cause this year. Sugita's goal was from the spot in the 55th minute and two minutes later Nittaidai had a goal back through Uemura - her third in three games. Despite the hope generated by this comeback, Nittaidai fell further behind to an own goal seven minutes later and thus the game ended 4-1 in favour of Takahashi, who remain two points clear at the top with one game more played.

Nittaidai Football Club Ladies:
Yamamoto Arisa, Sakurai Mayuka, Yamagata Hisami, Togashi Kaori, Abe Rie, Takashima Ruriko (capt), Oguri Mao, Ishii Chiharu, Kitano Rie, Shimada Chiaki, Uemura Shoko
Subs: Yamana Maki (Kitano Rie, 57 mins), Kudo Asami (Sakurai Mayuka, 65 mins), Fujisawa Marin (Ishii Chiharu, 85 mins)
Unused subs: Aoyagi Maririn, Nagashima Hikari
Scorers: Uemura Shoko (57 mins)
Booked: Yamagata Hisami

FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme:
Morimoto Kiyo, Takeda Arisa, Imanishi Azusa, Muramatsu Mafuyu, Koike Ayano, Shigemasa Kai, Takano Saki, Sugita Ami, Nishikawa Asuka, Noma Fumika, Takahashi Chiho (capt)
Subs: Kamata Ran (Koike Ayano, 73 mins), Kanbara Misaki (Nishikawa Asuka, 73 mins), Matsushita Fumiko (Shigemasa Kai, 75 mins), Adachi Eriko (Noma Fumika, 85 mins)
Unused subs: Yamamoto Ayaka
Scorers: Takahashi Chiho (23 mins), Takano Saki (40 mins), Sugita Ami (55 mins), Own Goal (62 mins)


Bunnys Kyoto SC  1 - 2 AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies
(Attendance: 120)

Nagano had their first win of the season at the expense of Bunnys, who nevertheless remain a point ahead of their guests. In the very first minute Hashiura Satsuki gave Nagano the lead and although it wasn't until the second minute of the second half that Urasaki doubled the lead, Matsumoto in the Nagano net hadn't been overly troubled. In the 76th minute Bunnys did get a consolation, with Oyama Natsuki scoring her second of the season.

Bunnys Kyoto SC:
Akiyama Tomomi, Hanazaki Rena, Fujino Aiko, Ii Kiyono, Sada Fumika, Ukita Kotone, Oyama Natsuki, Watanabe Juri, Miura Kyoko (capt), Miyai Mina, Kinjo Keina
Subs: Fujimoto Ami (Miyai Mina, 78 mins), Kawachi Erika (Oyama Natsuki, 90 mins)
Unused subs: Isashi Kaede, Yanagimura Ayano, Hattori Sae
Scorers: Oyama Natsuki (76 mins)
Booked: Fujimoto Ami

AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies:
Matsumoto Azumi, Satou Kaede, Hatano Saki, Tanaka Nami, Yamashita Mayumi, Urasaki Yuka, Murayama Yuri, Takagi Nao (capt), Hanabusa Misa, Hashiura Satsuki, Uchiyama Tomoyo
Unused subs: Sayama Marina, Kitagawa Minamo
Scorers: Hashiura Satsuki (1 min), Urasaki Yuka (47 mins)
Booked: Hanabusa Misa, Satou Kaede


Je Vrille Kagoshima  4 - 1  Japan Soccer College Ladies
(Attendance: 288)

Je Vrille Kagoshima had only their second win of the season against a beleaguered JSCL side who have just two points from their eight games. By the thirteen minute mark the home side were two up, with goals from Shimada and Niiho. Sasaki pulled one back for JSCL a few minutes later, before Sannomiya and Nakashima make the result safe in the second half. Of the four Kagoshima scorers, only Nakashima had previously netted this season, and indeed is the only player on the team to have scored more than once.

Je Vrille Kagoshima:
Eguchi Mika, Miyazako Fumika, Imanaka Yuri, Kurahara Honami, Nakae Maki (capt), Niiho Madoka, Kobayashi Natsumi, Sannomiya Shiki, Shimada Naoko, Nozaki Ayumi, Nakashima Ayaka
Subs: Moriwaki Satsuki (Kobayashi Natsumi, HT), Nijima Yuki (Moriwaki Satsuki, 85 mins), Hamada Erina (Miyazako Fumika, 90 mins), Mitsudome Kanami (Niiho Madoka, 90+1 mins)
Scorers: Shimada Naoko (6 mins), Niiho Madoka (13 mins), Sannomiya Shiki (58 mins), Nakashima Ayaka (67 mins)
Booked: Miyazako Fumika

Japan Soccer College Ladies:
Fukada Ayami, Shinagawa Ayaka, Hayashimoto Saki, Takahashi Sakura, Hayakawa Kumiko, Toriumi Mai (capt), Sasaki Shiori, Goto Sanae, Shanou Miki, Nakayama Aoi, Sakaguchi Yuki
Subs: Toyota Yuri (Hayakawa Kumiko, 80 mins)
Unused subs: Komatsu Akane, Usui Rika, Kato Yoshimi
Scorers: Sasaki Shiori (19 mins)

Nadeshiko League Seventh Round

Belle dig in to gain creditable draw with INAC Kobe

INAC Kobe Leonessa  0 - 0  Okayama Yunogo Belle
(Attendance: 9,272)

League leaders and favourites again this season INAC Kobe had their first real test of the season when they took on Belle today in Kumamoto today. Neither side had made a change from last week's games. The game started predictably given what we have seen of these teams thus far, and as early as the fourth minute Kinga had a free shot on goal which was saved and held by Fukumoto. Kawasumi Nahomi was making inroads against Kado Yuka on the left and it looked to be only a matter of time before INAC would score.

However, in the tenth minute, a mistake at the back saw a glorious chance for Nakano to put 1-0 up, but her shot was blocked by Kaihori and then cleared away for a corner. A crunching tackle on Miyama minutes later saw Miyama herself step up and struck just wide from the free kick.

Both teams seemed to have weathered each other's storms but in the 16th minute Kawasumi had the best chance yet when she twisted inside but her shot hit the post and was eventually cleared away. Takase was clear through on goal moments later but was well tackled when just about to pull the trigger. INAC were looking to get their attackers free down the middle with long balls over the top while Belle were attacking almost exclusively down the right, and were as always heavily dependent on Miyama.

For the next ten minutes not much goalmouth action was to be seen, until Tanaka completely missed the ball when she was passed to, with Miyama picking up the ball directly in front of goal. However she snatched at the shot when she had more time than she appreciated and the chance was gone. Kawasumi had a good run at goal, accelerating away from her marker moments before, but she was as well marshalled as she could be, and could only shoot high and wide.

Again the game entered a lull, with the Belle players seemingly having both done their homework on INAC's attacking ploys and also having more determination not to give away sloppy goals following last week's 3-0 disappointment against Beleza. This meant that Belle had little attacking threat, as most of their players rarely ventured forward, preferring to stay back or in deep midfield positions to snuff out INAC's attacks. Most of their good attacking play was coming through Miyama as expected and again she was the victim of a hard tackle, this time by Sawa in the 40th minute. Her floated ball into the box was easily caught by Kaihori and the INAC 'keeper aimed a long ball towards Takase, who was taking on 16-year-old Nagamachi Yuri, but the young defender had been a match for the powerful Takase all game and again was up to the challenge.

Matsuoka Miki had a headed chance after good work and a nice cross from Nakano in the 42nd minute which went just wide, and INAC had a few attacks of their own to finish the half. There was plenty to think about at half-time for both sides with the game scoreless.

American Rebecca Moros (simply called "Becky" on the team sheet) made her first appearance for INAC, coming one at half-time for . She found herself in the thick of the action early as INAC looked to press on for the lead goal. INAC were not able to find any real cutting edge though, until in the 55th minute Sawa was sent through on goal by a very well played pass from Ohno, but the 33-year-old shot over when she would have felt she should have at least been on target.

The game thereafter sparked into life. Following an interception at the back for Belle by Kado, Moros had all the time in the world to leave an indelible mark on the game but she didn't get a proper shot off and the chance was easily saved.

Again the American was involved when Kinga got down the right, was held up and when the ball came loose Moros flicked it up and Kawasumi headed straight at the 'keeper when she really should have scored. A long ball from the back for Belle saw Kai and Kaihori collide, with the ball running loose. Nakano couldn't take advantage and the chance was lost, while for INAC Kai was injured in the face having caught Kaihori's elbow. Not being able to continue, Minamiyama came on in her stead. INAC continued to get in close to goal with Ohno and then Moros both having shots collected by the 'keeper. Fukumoto was at full stretch in keeping out a Moros shot, but the play was called back for offside anyway.

Nakano had a chance to cross following a free kick but the ball was blocked away for a corner. Free-kicks and corner kicks represented Belle's best chance to score, with Miyama taking both at every opportunity. INAC looked to break away when they could, using Moros and Kawasumi's speed to stretch the defence but Fukumoto showed composure and reliability in the Belle goal. In the 69th minute, following a good Kawasumi run, Moros hit the crossbar with Fukumoto at full stretch. From a Kinga cross in the 72nd minute, Moros had another great chance but Fukumoto produced a great reaction save, though the ball was headed straight at her.

Yokoyama Kumi came on for Nakagawa in the 76th minute for Belle, Yokoyama making her fifth substitute appearance. Not long after Kawasumi had another shot on goal having played an effective one-two with Moros but again Fukumoto was equal to the task.

Entering the last ten minutes, Tanaka headed over for a corner but it seemed that time was running out for INAC to extend their 100% record. The trouble that Moros was causing seemed to suggest that she should be included in the starting lineup, especially as Nakajima had not shown much to impress. Takase had met her match in young Nagamachi and drifted out of the game. Kawasumi always looked dangerous against the slower Yasuda. For their part Belle actually came more into the game in its closing stages, gaining more possession and holding the ball more in midfield.

Substitute Yokoyama saw some of the ball in the closing stages, dribbling well and causing INAC worries which prevented them from committing more forward.

Belle survived a late scare when the ball ran free from Fukumoto's grasp but she managed to claw it back, again good work in the danger area from Moros caused chaos in the Belle penalty area.

And so it finished 0-0, INAC's toughest game to date and a good point for the delighted Belle players, with the Kyushu crowd of over 9,000 well rewarded for their attendance with an exciting game.

INAC Kobe Leonessa:
Kaihori Ayumi, Kinga Yukari, Kai Junko, Tanaka Asuna, Takara Ryoko, Ji So-Yun, Sawa Homare, Ohno Shinobu (capt), Takase Megumi, Nakajima Emi, Kawasumi Nahomi
Subs: Rebecca Moros (Nakajima Emi, HT), Minamiyama Chiaki (Kai Junko, 61 mins)
Unused subs: Takenaka Rei, Tanaka Yoko, Beverly Goebel

Okayama Yunogo Belle:
Fukumoto Miho (capt), Yasuda Kuniko, Kado Yuka, Tsuhako Yumiko, Nagamachi Yuri, Takahashi Haruka, Nakano Manami, Nakagawa Chihiro, Miyama Aya, Arimachi Saori, Matsuoka Miki
Subs: Yokoyama Kumi (Nakagawa Chihiro, 76 mins)
Unused subs: Ikegaya Natsumi, Shigemoto Shiho, Nakamura Miki, Mizushima Kumi


Fukuoka J. Anclas  2 - 3  Albirex Niigata Ladies
(Attendance: 372)

Niigata managed to find a late winner to see off the fighting spirit of Anclas, who are still without a win this season. Local girl Kawamura Mari scored her first of the season just after the half-hour to give the home fans something to shout about. Following a free kick move which broke down, Hanada and Kushige combined in midfield and Kawamura picked up the ball outside the area and unleashed a powerful shot towards goal which nestled in the bottom corner. Otomo will certainly feel she should have dived earlier for it though, as it was within reach.

Four minutes into the second half Niigata were level and two minutes later were in front. Their equalising goal came from another Fukuoka local, Saeki Aya. Anclas showed a severe lack of determination and decisiveness in defence and were simply bullied off the ball throughout the move. Yamamoto Arina stole in ahead of two defenders and gave a quick ball to Saeki who turned onto her right foot and side-footed the ball home. The lead goal was scored by Kubota Mayu, who now has two goals in her first four appearance for the club. Saito took the ball up the left wing, beating her marker with distinction and when her pass into the middle was only partially blocked, Kubota pounced and easily finished with leisure.

Niigata continued to press for a third to kill the tie, but it was Anclas who got the next goal, and it was another tremendous strike, this time by Akiyama Ryo. From a corner kick, the ball wasn't cleared properly and Sato knocked the ball back invitingly for Akiyama to sidefoot the ball into the top left hand corner.

Having come back impressive fashion, Anclas may have felt they deserved something from the game, though it was not to be. Niigata made their dominance tell with just seven minutes to go, when Nakamura hit a long ball to Yamazaki, who headed it on deftly to Kamionobe. She took the ball on about fifteen metres and launched an unstoppable drive into the top corner to the delight of the small number of travelling fans.

Fukuoka are next at home to Belle in a game in which they really must try harder defensively, while Niigata are once again on the road, though with a shorter trip to play Sayama.

Fukuoka J. Anclas:
Sawada Norimi, Uchihori Ritsuko (capt), Isokane Midori, Kiyohara Marie, Akiyama Ryo, Hanada Aiko, Doshita Misato, Shibuya Yumiko, Kawamura Mari, Sato Kaede, Kushige Aoi
Unused subs: Yatagai Mikiko, Fujimoto Yuki, Kuzuma Riyo, Tagashira Yoko, Hirata Hikari
Scorers: Kawamura Mari (34 mins), Akiyama Ryo (70 mins)
Booked: Kiyohara Marie

Albirex Niigata Ladies:
Otomo Maiko (capt), Yamamoto Arina, Kitahara Kana, Nakamura Kaede, Wakabayashi Minori, Kawamura Yuri, Kamionobe Megumi, Saito Yuri, Saeki Aya, Yamazaki Marumi, Kubota Mayu
Subs: Kodama Keiko (Saito Yuri, 61 mins)
Unused subs: Suwa Erina, Nakamura Saki, Hirai Sakina
Scorers: Saeki Aya (49 mins), Kubota Mayu (51 mins), Kamionobe Megumi (83 mins)


Speranza F.C. Osaka Takatsuki  3 - 2  JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies
(Attendance: 947)

Just under 1,000 spectators were present to witness Speranza win their first game of the season and it was the 14-year veteran and Osaka local Itami Emi who got the home side off to a tremendous start in just the fourth minute. Following some patient build-up play down the left, Hamada gave a perfect pass to Itami through the gap between two defenders and the midfielder slotted home having made a great break through the middle undetected. However, almost immediately from the restart, JEF were level. Again it was build-up play down the left, Hosokawa put in a cross which was missed by Ikadai, but Hosaka was on hand to slot the ball home.

There were only thirty seconds between the two opening goals, but another thirty minutes before Matsuda Nozomi scored the lead goal, again for Speranza. Following a throw-in for JEF, their attacking move broke down and Speranza moved forward in numbers. Maruyama held the ball up in midfield, running across the field while allowing the forwards to get into position. She gave the ball back to Torao, who hit a first time pass to Matsuda, who beat the offside trap and from just outside the are struck a sweet shot home to Funada's left.

Speranza extended their lead ten minutes after half-time. Matsuda lay the ball back to Toyoda who curled in an inviting cross for the completely unmarked Tsuboi who produced a marvellous diving header to beat Funada at her far post.

JEF scored again with 14 minutes remaining to give themselves hope, captain Fukusawa Risa finishing off a move featuring excellent linkup play between herself, Takahashi and Yamamoto. But it was not to be, as Speranza managed to hang on to open a four point gap between themselves and Anclas at the foot of the table.

Speranza F.C. Osaka Takatsuki:
Suzuki Risa, Torao Naomi, Okuda Akiko (capt), Hirano Satoko, Akiba Yumeko, Tsuboi Ayako, Itami Emi, Toyoda Nayuha, Matsuda Nozomi, Hamada Haruka, Maruyama Karina
Subs: Shimamura Yuko (Hamada Haruka, 82 mins), Asano Miki (Tsuboi Ayako, 90+1 mins)
Unused subs: Ueno Yukiko, Toyama Sayuri, Takahashi Chizuru
Scorers: Itami Emi (4 mins), Matsuda Nozomi (38 mins), Tsuboi Ayako (56 mins)

JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies:
Funada Mayu, Takahashi Sachie, Kawamura Mariko, Tezuka Saori, Chino Shoko, Hosokawa Motoyo, Ikadai Risa, Yanai Rina, Hosaka Nodoka, Kawamura Noriko, Fukasawa Risa (capt)
Subs: Shimizu Yuka (Ikadai Risa, 36 mins), Yamamoto Naomi (Kawamura Noriko, 62 mins), Koike Kokoro (Yanai Rina, 68 mins)
Unused subs: Sakuramoto Naoko, Shimada Ayako
Scorers: Hosaka Nodoka (5 mins), Fukasawa Risa (76 mins)


AS Elfen Sayama FC  2 - 0  Iga FC Kunoichi
(Attendance: 1,112)

Iga will have left Sayama feeling that the 2-0 scoreline was a poor reflection for the effort they put in, having had far more attacking chances. For Sayama, this result moves them into seventh, two points above Iga.

The first goal didn't arrive until the 60th minute. From a right sided corner taken by Watanabe, goalkeeper Ono punched ineffectively and Yajima and Sawada combined on the left, with Sawada crossing for Suzuki to head home, Ono diving back from where she came but only managing to get fingertips to the ball.

Seven minutes later Muraoka scored her second of the season. Iga, having pressed for an equaliser with some promise, were hit by a sublime piece of play by star player Azami Rie. Taking a short pass from Suzuki on the right wing she twisted and turned past three defenders and gave a pinpoint curling pass to Watanabe who couldn't get a shot away, so held the ball up and passed back to the veteran Muraoka to score with a first time hit into the bottom corner.

Kobayashi, Nasu and Noichi tried hard for Iga but couldn't make any breakthrough, and Iga's total of four goals in eight games - the lowest in the division - tells its own story. They'll hope to do better again JEF United next weekend, while Sayama are again home, to Niigata.

AS Elfen Sayama FC:
Arima Shizuka, Segi Aiki, Shibata Satomi, Takahashi Yuko, Yajima Yuki, Azami Rie, Sawada Yuka, Kobayashi Natsumi, Watanabe Ayaka, Muraoka Natsuki (capt), Suzuki Kaoruko
Subs: Hagiwara Aimi (Sawada Yuka, 83 mins), Uchida Saki (Shibata Satomi, 89 mins)
Unused subs: Otani Haruka, Kumagai Sayaka, Otani Erina
Scorers: Suzuki Kaoruko (60 mins), Muraoka Natsuki (67 mins)

Iga FC Kunoichi:
Ono Maya, Takeda Yuki, Miyasako Tamami, Ono Suzuka (capt), Fujimoto Ayano, Nasu Maiko, Miyamoto Tomomi, Kobayashi Makiko, Tsutsumi Saki, Noichi Aya, Haji Madoka
Subs: Nakade Hikari (Noichi Aya, 60 mins), Matsunaga Yoshie (Haji Madoka, 77 mins), Matsunaga Tomoe (Takeda Yuki, 85 mins)
Unused subs: Kuno Fubuki, Sato Ai


NTV Beleza  2 - 2  Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies
(Attendance: 2,742)

In a pulsating match both of these top teams had chances to win though at the same time both will be relatively happy with the draw. Urawa took the lead through the league's top scorer Kira Chinatsu, and incredibly it was the fourth game in a row in which an Urawa throw-in resulted in a goal. Just as in last week's game Tsuchihashi threw to Shibata, who headed back across the face of the goal for Kira to swing at the ball with her right foot and send it home.

Into the second half, and Beleza came storming back, first through veteran Kanako Ito with her first goal since the opening rout over Anclas. Sakaguchi spotted both Ito and Iwabuchi - who had hit the bar in the first half - running through the middle untracked, and hit a long ball towards them. Iwabuchi chested it down but before having the chance to shoot Yano slid in and inadvertently played Ito in for a straightforward chance to shoot and score.

Less than fifteen minutes later Beleza were ahead, and this time it was Iwabuchi who finished off the move. Wada Naoko had moved forward to take a throw-in and when the ball came back to her she was dispossessed by Ito, who had an impressive game in midfield. The ball came loose and the always impressive Sakaguchi gave a wonderful pass to Iwabuchi who outran Kohata and slotted home with tremendous composure past Yamago.

Urawa pushed forward looking for an equaliser and in the 78th minute Arakawa hit the left-hand post. In the very last minute she would not be denied as from a similar position she finished with aplomb. The ball had been passed from the back to the right, then left, then right again. Goto received the ball in the box, gave a short pass to Tsuchihashi, and she produced an idea cross for fellow 32-year-old Arakawa to side-foot home with her right past Matubayashi.

Beleza and Urawa stay second and third respectively, with next weekend's big match-up being Urawa's trip to Kobe to play INAC, while Beleza will look to get a comfortable win over Speranza Osaka.

NTV Beleza:
Matsubayashi Miku, Ariyoshi Saori, Iwashimizu Azusa (capt), Doko Mayo, Sudo Akiko, Ito Kanako, Sakaguchi Mizuho, Hara Natsuko, Kiryu Nanase, Nagasato Asano, Iwabuchi Mana
Subs: Nakasato Yu (Kiryu Nanase, 82 mins), Tanaka Mina (Nagasato Asano, 90 mins)
Unused subs: Soyama Kanako, Kinoshita Shiori, Kobayashi Yayoi
Scorers: Ito Kanako (53 mins), Iwabuchi Mana (67 mins)

Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies:
Yamago Nozomi, Tsuchihashi Yuki, Kohata Shiho, Yano Kyoko (capt), Wada Naoko, Shibata Hanae, Yanagita Miyuki, Niwata Akiko, Kato Chika, Kira Chinatsu, Arakawa Eriko
Subs: Naomoto Hikaru (Yanagita Miyuki, 71 mins), Goto Michi (Kira Chinatsu, 82 mins), Dozono Ayano (Kato Chika, 88 mins)
Unused subs: Ikeda Sakiko, Kishikawa Natsuki
Scorers: Kira Chinatsu (22 mins), Arakawa Eriko (90 mins)

Nadeshiko League Sixth Round

Albirex Niigata Ladies  1 - 3  INAC Kobe Leonessa
(Attendance: 3, 146)

Following INAC's leading scorer Kyokawa Mai's knee ligament injury, Nakajima Emi started in the central striker position, while for Niigata Yamamoto Arina made her first start following a substitute appearance last week, and Saito Yuri was recalled to the starting lineup.

In only the second minute, INAC had their first chance. Following a distinct lack of conviction in the Niigata defence the ball fell to Kawasumi whose shot hit the crossbar. Thereafter Niigata asserted themselves and had one or two good chances of their own as they caused the hesitant INAC defence more early problems than they have had to face in their previous matches.

From almost nothing, and with Niigata having had most of the play, INAC had the lead after 15 minutes. Ohno Shinobu got her fourth of the season following another wonderful one-two, this time with Takase, which set her free to score relatively easily. Kawasumi had a difficult chance to make it 2-0 after 17 minutes but could only volley wide. She had found herself in a lot of space which will have alarmed the Niigata manager.

On 20 minutes Takase made it 2-0 after a long ball from Ohno was very poorly dealt with by Kitahara. The defender seemed to be in two minds as to what to do with the ball and Takase simply bullied her off it to calmly slot the ball home.

Thereafter Niigata looked to get their forwards into positions where they could run in on goal from long balls, while INAC mixed it up with their midfielders coming forward to support the forwards, working the ball wide and also through the middle, though there wasn't much in the way of goalmouth action.

It was another terrible mistake by the Niigata defence which led to the third INAC goal in the 39th minute. Yamamoto gave a very poor pass which was easily intercepted by Takase. She gave the ball inside to Nakajima Emi who fed the onrushing Ohno who turned inside, avoiding the sliding tackle by Kawamura, and placed the ball in the bottom left hand corner.

So at half-time having only had four shots at goal INAC had a three goal lead and their domination at the top of the league table was looking set to continue.

Neither team made a change at half-time. In the 51st minute a long ball from Kinga found Kawasumi free, the ever-lively winger took the ball around the keeper only for her shot to hit the post and go wide.

At the other end a lazy pass from Tanaka gave the ball straight back to Niigata who had their first chance of the second half, but they were unable to score and from the corner kick the ball ended up at the other end with Ohno given a chance to complete her hat-trick, but the keeper did well and the chance was lost. By this stage of the game the play was opening up with space developing for the wide players. In the 56th minute Kinga gave a long ball to Ohno down the right which she just kept in and from her cross Sawa was just denied by the keeper.

Kawasumi had a good chance that was blocked by Otomo in the Niigata goal after the keeper had been hurried into taking a clearance kick by Nakajima. INAC weren't entirely comfortable at the back either, with their defenders being repeatedly dispossessed and hurried into inaccurate passes by the Niigata players.

In the 65th minute Niigata made a double substitution, Kodama and Hirai coming on for the visibly tired Saito and Kubota. Not long after Nakajima made way for Minamiyama up front for INAC.

Entering the last twenty minutes it was clear that INAC were happy with their three goal lead and starting to play in a more relaxed way. Niigata continued with their tactic of trying to find their forward players with long balls, but it was a feature of the entire game that they were repeatedly caught offside.

Yamazaki got a goal back in the 78th minute following another mistake, this time by Kaihori, as the hitherto untroubled keeper played the ball directly to Yamazaki who was standing just outside the area. While Kaihori was put under pressure, and did have two of her own players to whom we must presume she was attempting to play it, she would surely have been better advised to have put her foot through the ball to clear the danger.

Ohno had another chance to take her third when she was set through on goal by Kawasumi but she let the ball go too far wide of the post and the chance was gone. This chance, and other good chances which fell to INAC thereafter, was indicative of the last few minutes of the game as Niigata went forward with more confidence after their goal and more gaps were left at the back.

Niigata fought gallantly but could not find another goal to make the finale interesting, INAC will be pleased with the points but will be disappointed to have once again allowed the opposition a poor goal.

INAC face Belle at home next Saturday in their first genuine challenge, while Niigata will feel that they can pick up three points away to Fukuoka.

Albirex Niigata Ladies:
Otomo Maiko (capt), Yamamoto Arina, Kitahara Kana, Nakamura Kaede, Wakabayashi Minori, Saeki Aya, Kawamura Yuri, Kamionobe Megumi, Saito Yuri, Yamazaki Marumi, Kubota Mayu
Subs: Kodama Keiko (Saito Yuri, 65 mins), Hirai Sakina (Kubota Mayu, 65 mins)
Unused subs: Suwa Erina, Nakamura Saki, Hori Yoshie
Scorers: Yamazaki Marumi (78 mins)

INAC Kobe Leonessa:
Kaihori Ayumi, Kinga Yukari, Kai Junko, Tanaka Asuna, Takara Ryoko, Ohno Shinobu (capt), Sawa Homare, Ji So-Yun, Takase Megumi, Nakajima Emi, Kawasumi Nahomi
Subs: Minamiyama Chiaki (Nakajima Emi, 68 mins)
Unused subs: Takenaka Rei, Tanaka Yoko, Nakada Ayu
Scorers: Ohno Shinobu (15, 39 mins), Takase Megumi (20 mins)


Okayama Yunogo Belle  0 - 3  NTV Beleza
(Attendance: 3, 385)

Having taken full points from the lower ranked teams in the division in their first four games, Belle now find themselves six points off the top in fourth spot having lost in consecutive games. Having lost 1-0 away to Urawa last week and, more devastatingly, 3-0 at home to Beleza, Belle now must feel that whatever chance they had at winning their first title is slipping away.

As for Beleza, they're hyping their home game on June 10th against champions and title favourites INAC Kobe and are in no mood to be out of touch by the time that game rolls around. Within ten minutes they had taken the lead through Iwabuchi Mana - her fourth of the season and one of her best. Nagasato received the ball from Iwabuchi, who played the ball to Sakaguchi Mizuho who was just on the edge of the area, facing her own goal. The experienced international drew the Belle defenders' attention to her while Iwabuchi made space for herself, and Sakaguchi played the perfect short pass to release the 19-year-old to score clinically.

Four minutes later Nagasato made it 2-0 and already it looked like the game was up for Belle, given that Beleza had only conceded one goal in their previous games. This time Iwabuchi provided the assist, with Sudo giving her the ball on the left wing. She spotted Nagasato running into the area with and with Tsuhako not marking tightly enough, the Olympic hopeful scored with a well-timed and well-aimed header, and not for the first time this season.

Beleza continued making good chances which on another day may have been converted, with Iwabuchi in particular guilty of blazing over when she had more time than she probably appreciated. Belle had very few goal attempts, with Miyama Aya's shot from outside the area which dipped just over being their main attacking highlight.

Right after the restart Beleza had a three goal cushion, and this time it was Sakaguchi who scored with her first goal for Beleza. Beleza won a corner when a Nagasato shot was parried around by Fukumoto for a corner kick. From the corner played deep by Ito, Sakaguchi rose above two defenders and headed in at the far post, though Fukumoto will feel she should have done better, as she rather weakly palmed the ball into the inside of the net.

For the remainder of the match Belle came more into it in an attacking sense, and had far more shots at goal. Belle's main problem may well rise from their dependence on Miyama Aya in the middle of the park, as all good things come through her, and with decent opposition being able to stifle her creativity, most of the other Belle players cannot compensate, for instance by drawing defenders and defensive midfielders away from Miyama.

Belle next play INAC Kobe away in another daunting challenge they will need to raise their confidence for. In the other top of the table clash, Beleza play Urawa.

Okayama Yunogo Belle:
Fukumoto Miho (capt), Yasuda Kuniko, Kado Yuka, Tsuhako Yumiko, Nagamachi Yuri, Takahashi Haruka, Nakano Manami, Miyama Aya, Nakagawa Chihiro, Arimachi Saori, Matsuoka Miki
Subs: Yokoyama Kumi (Arimachi Saori, 61 mins)
Unused subs: Ikegaya Natsumi, Shigemoto Shiho, Nakamura Miki, Mizushima Kumi
Booked: Kado Yuka

NTV Beleza:
Matsubayashi Miku, Sudo Akiko, Ariyoshi Saori, Iwashimizu Azusa (capt), Doko Mayo, Hara Natsuko, Ito Kanako, Kiryu Nanase, Sakaguchi Mizuho, Nagasato Asano, Iwabuchi Mana
Unused subs: Soyama Kanako, Kobayashi Miharu, Kobayashi Yayoi, Nakasato Yu, Tanaka Mina
Scorers: Iwabuchi Mana (9 mins), Nagasato Asano (13 mins), Sakaguchi Mizuho (46 mins)


Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies  5 - 0  Speranza F.C. Osaka Takatsuki
(Attendance: 1,246)

Newly promoted Speranza had no answer to the attacking potential of their hosts today in Saitama, in a game which saw Kita Chinatsu take the lead in the scoring charts this season with a perfect hat-trick - a goal with her left foot, right foot and head.

It was Kira who opened the scoring on 15 minutes. Following a Speranza throw and attempted clearance the ball found Yanagita who played the ball forward, just over the head of the last defender. Kira, having beaten offside, found herself one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Keeping a cool head, she simply passed the ball right-footed into the net.

Urawa's second goal didn't arrive until first half injury time, though they had had plenty of possession and chances, whereas Speranza had only a solitary attempt at goal. From a Speranza free kick their attacking move broke down, and with several of their players having gone forward Urawa were able to break at speed, stretching the play down the left wing. Arakawa picked up the ball and played a sublime one-two with Kira and easily beat Suzuki to make it 2-0 at the half.

Urawa wasted no time in the second half securing all three points. On 50 minutes Kira had her second, another straightforward goal made by quick thinking. Arakawa was awarded a free kick and took it very quickly to Shibata, who immediately spotted Kira making a darting run into the box. A perfectly weighted ball saw Kira pick it up behind her marker and she slotted home, this time with her left.

Four minutes later Kira had her hat-trick, and this one was with the head. For the third game in a row, Urawa scored through getting a player free from a throw-in. Again it was Tsuchihashi with the pinpoint throw, this time to Shibata, who got to the dead ball line and cross in front of goal for Kira to dive in and head home.

Another nine minutes later Shibata herself got on the scoreboard with her first of the season. Yano Kyoko punted a very long ball forward to Arakawa following an Urawa throw-in. The Speranza defence raced back but in doing so lost track of the Urawa forwards, and when Arakawa stopped and looked up, she found Shibata racing in at the far side. A splendid pass was controlled perfectly by Shibata with her first touch, and she lashed the ball home emphatically.

To their credit, Speranza had matched Urawa for attempts, but simply didn't have the class to stay with their more illustrious opponents. Urawa play Beleza in the big match on Sunday, while Speranza will be hoping for something against JEF United to keep them out of danger at the bottom.

Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies:
Yamago Nozomi, Tsuchihashi Yuki, Yano Kyoko (capt), Dozono Ayano, Wada Naoko, Niwata Akiko, Yanagita Miyuki, Shibata Hanae, Kato Chika, Kira Chinatsu, Arakawa Eriko
Subs: Kishikawa Natsuki (Dozono Ayano, 45 mins), Goto Michi (Kira Chinatsu, 59 mins), Naomoto Hikaru (Arakawa Eriko, 78 mins)
Unused subs: Ikeda Sakiko, Kohata Shiho
Scorers: Kira Chinatsu (15, 50, 54 mins), Arakawa Eriko (45 mins), Shibata Hanae (63 mins)

Speranza F.C. Osaka Takatsuki:
Suzuki Risa, Torao Naomi, Okuda Akiko (capt), Hirano Satoko, Akiba Yumeko, Tsuboi Ayako, Toyoda Nayuha, Itami Emi, Matsuda Nozomi, Hamada Haruka, Maruyama Karina
Subs: Kameoka Natsumi (Hirano Satoko, 53 mins), Asano Miki (Itami Emi, 84 mins), Shimamura Yuko (Maruyama Karina, 84 mins)
Unused subs: Ueno Yukiko, Toyama Sayuri
Booked: Toyoda Nayuha


Iga FC Kunoichi  2 - 1  Fukuoka J. Anclas
(Attendance: 1,202)

Iga held on at home for a 2-1 victory over struggling Fukuoka in what was their first victory of the season. The Kunoichi took six points from Fukuoka last season and will be pleased to have completed the first half of that double today.

The teams were well matched throughout the first half, but in the 33rd minute Iga made the breakthrough when Akiyama Ryo brought down Kobayashi Makiko in the penalty area, the referee not hesitating to point to the spot. Kobayashi herself stepped up to score her first goal of the season, sending the 'keeper the wrong way.

The second half also saw the teams well-matched, but it was Iga again who scored decisively. Following an Anclas throw-in near the half-way line which was poorly controlled by Shibuya Yumiko, the ball broke loose and Iga's Miyamoto Tomomi booted the ball high towards Nakade who, running into the box, pushed the ball on with her head and stretched out to lob the ball over the onrushing Sawada. For Nakade that was her second goal in two games having been brought on as a substitute.

Fukuoka did show some fight, and thirteen minutes later were back in the game with a goal from Isokane Midori, who with this, her second goal of the season, became Anclas' highest scorer, illuminating the dearth of goals the team has managed to score this year. Doshita Misato crossed deep from a corner kick and Isokane raced into the box to head home unmarked. What's remarkable is that this goal was almost a replica of Isokane's first goal of the season against Elfen Sayama, when she headed home unmarked at the far post from a deep cross by Doshita.

Unfortunately for Anclas, both in this game and that one, they couldn't claw back another goal and this fifth defeat of the season sees them bottom with just one point. Iga's players will feel confident that they can stay mid-table this season.

Iga FC Kunoichi:
Ono Maya, Miyasako Tamami, Ono Suzuka (capt), Sakaguchi Sakie, Fujimoto Ayano, Nasu Maiko, Miyamoto Tomomi, Kobayashi Makiko, Tsutsumi Saki, Matsunaga Yoshie, Sonomura Nana
Subs: Nakade Hikari (Sonomura Nana, 55 mins), Haji Madoka (Matsunaga Yoshie, 69 mins), Sato Ai (Sakaguchi Sakie, 90+1 mins)
Unused subs: Kuno Fubuki, Matsunaga Tomoe
Scorers: Kobayashi Makiko (33 mins), Nakade Hikari (60 mins)

Fukuoka J. Anclas:
Sawada Norimi, Kiyohara Marie, Uchihori Ritsuko (capt), Isokane Midori, Akiyama Ryo, Shibuya Yumiko, Doshita Misato, Hanada Aiko, Kuzuma Riyo, Kawamura Mari, Sato Kaede
Subs: Tagashira Yoko (Kuzuma Riyo, HT)
Unused subs: Yatagai Mikiko, Tanihara Yukari, Kushige Aoi
Scorers: Isokane Midori (73 mins)


JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies  3 - 1  AS Elfen Sayama FC
(Attendance: 726)

JEF United stay mid-table following their second win of the season. They took a 2-0 lead into half time through Tezuka Saori and an own goal. Tezuka has become a regular starter this year having only played once last year. From a corner by captain Fukusawa, the ball was not dealt with by the defence and the ball broke free for Tezuka to slot it home on 35 minutes.

The own goal also came as a result of a corner kick not dealt with well. With the ball coming loose on the right side, Hosokawa took control, and then saw Chino signalling for the pass. With a pass into space Chino took control near the dead ball line, crossed invitingly and the unfortunate Otani Erina put the ball into her own net while trying to block the cross.

Last week's heroine Azami Rie pulled one back for Sayama just after the restart - with another classy finish showing her fearless approach. A JEF United throw-in was intercepted by Sawada and she played the ball long towards Azami who ran from inside her own half onto the ball and flighted the ball beautifully over Funada who had come outside her area - she was trying to cover for the lack of pace in her two central defenders - but Azami's shot was too well hit and too well timed to be prevented.

Sayama pushed on for the equaliser but late in the game JEF's heroine from last week Yamamoto came off the bench again to score to settle the tie with a tremendous diving header for which she leaped from outside the area, fellow substitute Shimizu Yuka providing the perfectly weighted cross.

JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies:
Funada Mayu, Takahashi Sachie, Hosokawa Motoyo, Kawamura Mariko, Tezuka Saori, Chino Shoko, Ikadai Risa, Kawamura Noriko, Hosaka Nodoka, Yanai Rina, Fukasawa Risa (capt)
Subs: Shimizu Yuka (Ikadai Risa, 56 mins), Yamamoto Naomi (Fukasawa Risa, 80 mins), Koike Kokoro (Yanai Rina, 90+2 mins)
Unused subs: Sakuramoto Naoko, Shimada Ayako
Scorers: Tezuka Saori (35 mins), Own Goal (41 mins), Yamamoto Naomi (90 mins)
Booked: Ikadai Risa

AS Elfen Sayama FC:
Arima Shizuka, Otani Erina, Shibata Satomi, Takahashi Yuko, Yajima Yuki, Azami Rie, Sawada Yuka, Kobayashi Natsumi, Watanabe Ayaka, Suzuki Kaoruko, Muraoka Natsuki (capt)
Subs: Kumagai Sayaka (Muraoka Natsuki, 61 mins), Sugiyama Takako (Suzuki Kaoruko, 74 mins), Uchida Saki (Otani Erina, 90+1 mins)
Unused subs: Otani Haruka, Segi Aiki
Scorers: Azami Rie (47 mins)

Challenge League Seventh Round

Japan Soccer College Ladies  0 - 0  Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita
(Attendance: 130)

Shizuoka find themselves dropping away from contention following this no score draw against struggling JSCL in Niigata today. Shizuoka had made a number of changes, with Iida Miku and Nishigaya Yukino making their first starts. Shizuoka's games have featured the fewest goals - they've scored seven so far, with eight against. JSCL stay eleventh of twelve, while Shizuoka are now fifth, five points behind Tokiwagi Gakuen.

Japan Soccer College Ladies:
Fukada Ayami, Shinagawa Ayaka, Hayashimoto Saki, Takahashi Sakura, Hayakawa Kumiko, Toriumi Mai (capt), Sasaki Shiori, Goto Sanae, Shanou Miki, Nakayama Aoi, Sakaguchi Yuki
Subs: Iwasaki Manami (Nakayama Aoi, 63 mins), Toyota Yuri (Shanou Miki, 79 mins)
Unused subs: Komatsu Akane, Usui Rika, Matsumoto Hotaru

Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita:
Maehara Ringo, Matsuno Miyuki, Kanefuda Anzu (capt), Kitaoka Chiaki, Iida Miku, Nishiyama Mei, Nishigaya Yukino, Ogata Yurika, Sayama Momoko, Okuda Mika, Oda Kanna
Subs: Suzuki Rina (Nishigaya Yukino, HT), Komagata Nana (Matsuno Miyuki, 66 mins)
Unused subs: Takahashi Miharu, Kinpara Reika, Atsumi Yuka


Ehime FC Ladies  1 - 1  AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies
(Attendance: 500)

Ehime FC Ladies took the lead early in this game against bottom side Nagano but couldn't capitalise on their dominance. To their credit Nagano kept pace for much of the game and will be pleased to have come away with a point. Haruyama Saori got her fifth of the season in the eleventh minute, heading in from a Ogawa corner.

In the 71st minute Nagano scored the equaliser in exactly the same fashion, with Uchiyama heading in an Urasaki corner. Ehime have seven points from seven games while Nagano remain bottom having scored fewer goals than JSCL.

Ehime FC Ladies:
Osako Hanako, Kushiyama Saki, Onoyama Nana, Marugata Rie, Sato Hiromi, Nishigawa Sayumi, Iwamoto Yuka, Yamashiro Miyuki, Haruyama Saori, Nakada Maiko (capt), Ogawa Akari
Subs: Akune Mana (Sato Hiromi, 72 mins)
Unused subs: Hagiwara Masumi, Kutsuna Arisa, Uesato Saki, Niwa Mizuho
Scorers: Haruyama Saori (11 mins)

AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies:
Matsumoto Azumi, Satou Kaede, Tanaka Nami, Hatano Saki, Yamashita Mayumi, Urasaki Yuka, Murayama Yuri, Takagi Nao (capt), Hanabusa Misa, Hashiura Satsuki, Uchiyama Tomoyo
Subs: Sayama Marina (Hanabusa Misa, 88 mins)
Unused subs: Kitagawa Minamo
Scorers: Uchiyama Tomoyo (71 mins)
Booked: Hatano Saki


FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme  3 - 0  Je Vrille Kagoshima
(Attendance: 250)

FC Takahashi maintained their position at the top of the table with an extremely comfortable 3-0 victory over Je Vrille Kagoshima, who did not have a single shot at goal in the entire game. Takahashi Chiho scored her sixth of the campaign - and her fourth in three games - to give the students the lead in the 10th minute, a lead which the team held comfortably until half time. In the 58th minute Noma Fumika stepped up to score a penalty kick which, given Kagoshima's lack of shooting prowess, made the game safe. In the second minute of injury time Sugita Ami scored her fourth of the season to add some gloss to the scoreline.

FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme:
Morimoto Kiyo, Takeda Arisa, Muramatsu Mafuyu, Kanamori Ayaka, Koike Ayano, Shigemasa Kai, Takano Saki, Sugita Ami, Noma Fumika, Takahashi Chiho (capt), Kanbara Misaki
Subs: Kamata Ran (Koike Ayano, HT), Nishikawa Asuka (Kanbara Misaki, HT), Matsushita Fumiko (Noma Fumika, 70 mins), Tanaka Shiho (Takeda Arisa, 76 mins)
Unused subs: Yamamoto Ayaka
Scorers: Takahashi Chiho (10 mins), Noma Fumika (58 mins), Sugita Ami (90+2 mins)

Je Vrille Kagoshima:
Eguchi Mika, Miyazako Fumika, Hamada Erina, Nijima Yuki, Kurahara Honami, Niiho Madoka, Kobayashi Natsumi, Shimada Naoko, Sannomiya Shiki, Nakashima Ayaka (capt), Imanaka Yuri
Subs: Nakae Maki (Hamada Erina, 12 mins), Moriwaki Satsuki (Nijima Yuki, 50 mins), Nozaki Ayumi (Sannomiya Shiki, 78 mins)
Unused subs: Mitsudome Kanami


Tokiwagi Gakuen High School  0 - 2  Nittaidai Football Club Ladies
(Attendance: 100)

Tokiwagi fell to a first loss of the season as Nittaidai showed their title credentials with their sixth win from seven games. Tokiwagi were unchanged while Nittaidai brought in Abe Rie for her first start, while also recalled were Oguri, Takashima and Yamana. Yamazaki Yuuki gave the visitors the lead in the 33rd minute and in the second half Uemura Shoko secured the points. Nittaidai overtake Tokiwagi in the table, moving into third. Next week they play leaders FC Takahashi in an unmissable game in Kanagawa. Tokiwagi are away to Sfida Setagaya.

Tokiwagi Gakuen High School:
Hayashizaki Mei, Takamura Chisato, Okamori Kasane (capt), Okakura Mika, Nishikawa Ayaka, Hirata Miki, Matsuura Nagisa, Shiraki Akari, Michigami Ayaka, Ito Miki, Sasaki Miwa
Subs: Kawasaki Saya (Shiraki Akari, 34 mins), Yagami Yuriya (Matsuura Nagisa, 67 mins), Kosuda Rina (Nishikawa Ayaka, 80 mins), Mitamura Momoko (Yagami Yuriya, 83 mins)
Unused subs: Kakinoki Runa
Booked: Takamura Chisato

Nittaidai Football Club Ladies:
Yamamoto Arisa, Sakurai Mayuka, Yamagata Hisami, Togashi Kaori, Abe Rie, Oguri Mao, Takashima Ruriko (capt), Yamana Maki, Ishii Chiharu, Shimada Chiaki, Uemura Shoko
Subs: Kitano Rie (Yamana Maki, 84 mins), Fujisawa Marin (Ishii Chiharu, 88 mins), Kudo Asami (Uemura Shoko, 90+2 mins)
Unused subs: Aoyagi Maririn, Nagashima Hikari
Scorers: Ishii Chiharu (33 mins), Uemura Shoko (78 mins)
Booked: Ishii Chiharu


JFA Academy Fukushima  3 - 0  Sfida Setagaya FC
(Attendance: 140)

JFA Academy got back to winning ways following their defeat to high-flying Nittaidai last weekend, with goals from Kojima, Norimastu and Narumiya. The schoolgirls took the lead as early as the eighth minute, with Kojima scoring following good work by Miyake and Mori. On the half-hour Norimatsu scored to make it 2-0 following a corner kick. Finally in the 83rd minute Narumiya put the result beyond doubt when she shot past Kawaguchi Mana in the Setagaya goal. Both teams are now mid-table, with JFA Academy one point better off.

JFA Academy Fukushima:
Hirao Chika, Mori Sayaka, Miyake Shiori (capt), Norimatsu Ruka, Yamamori Anna, Moriya Miyabi, Narumiya Yui, Mizutani Yuki, Kadoi Megumi, Masuya Rika, Kojima Miku
Subs: Yoshitake Manami (Norimatsu Ruka, 80 mins), Kojima Hikaru (Masuya Rika, 85 mins), Kitagawa Hikaru (Kadoi Megumi, 74 mins), Sunaga Manami (Kojima Miku, 44 mins)
Unused subs: Inoue Nene
Scorers: Kojima Miku (8 mins), Norimatsu Ruka (30 mins), Narumiya Yui (83 mins)

Sfida Setagaya FC:
Kawaguchi Mana, Nagata Maya (capt), Yoshitomi Momoko, Okada Ayame, Fukuhara Nao, Sasago Masae, Tanaka Mariko, Minemoto Chizuru, Mori Hitomi, Uchiyama Tomoka, Nagasawa Yume
Subs: Usuda Haruka (Minemoto Chizuru, HT), Ishibuchi Yuki (Uchiyama Tomoka, HT), Kawashima Tamai (Yoshitomi Momoko, 64 mins), Nagasaki Akane (Nagata Maya, 64 mins)
Unused subs: Muramatsu Yuki
Booked: Sasago Masae, Okada Ayame


Vegalta Sendai Ladies  11 - 1  Bunnys Kyoto SC
(Attendance: 1,450)

Vegalta Sendai again underlined why they are the favourites to win the Challenge League as they tore Bunnys apart with 11 goals, seven of which came in the first half. Among the scorers were Ito Minako who now has twelve for the season, Nakahara Saori who scored four, with six in total in all games. Uetsuji Yumi scored a brace to bring her season total to seven, as did Koyama Kie who came on as a substitute for the fourth game in a row. Another substitute, Yasumoto Sawako scored the other goal just on the stroke of half-time having just come on. For Bunnys Kinjo Keina scored a late consolation goal. Sendai's goal difference is now +35, which may be crucial come the end of the season, though with convincing wins like this, and with the only unbeaten record in the division, the title may not come down to such small margins. Bunnys live to fight another day, and next week they play bottom side Nagano looking for some form of recovery.

Vegalta Sendai Ladies:
Saita Yuki, Nakamura Mami, Sakai Yuki, Osafune Kana, Ideue Asako, Shimokozuru Aya (capt), Uetsuji Yumi, Kakazu Asuka, Ono Hitomi, Nakahara Saori, Ito Minako
Subs: Yasumoto Sawako (Ono Hitomi, 43 mins), Takahashi Nana (Shimokozuru Aya, 55 mins), Koyama Kie (Kakazu Asuka, 61 mins), Tanaka Keiko (Nakamura Mami, 75 mins)
Unused subs: Amano Misaki
Scorers: Nakahara Saori (2, 27, 47, 50 mins), Ito Minako (16, 33 mins), Uetsuji Yumi (37, 41 mins), Yasumoto Sawako (45+2 mins), Koyama Kie (62, 74 mins)

Bunnys Kyoto SC:
Akiyama Tomomi, Hanazaki Rena, Fujino Aiko, Ii Kiyono, Ukita Kotone, Oyama Natsuki, Sada Fumika, Watanabe Juri, Kinjo Keina, Miyai Mina, Miura Kyoko (capt)
Subs: Fujimoto Ami (Miyai Mina, 74 mins), Yamashita Yu (Miura Kyoko, 89 mins)
Unused subs: Isashi Kaede, Yanagimura Ayano
Scorers: Kinjo Keina (79 mins)
Booked: Sada Fumika, Akiyama Tomomi

Nadeshiko League Fifth Round

Urawa boost title hopes as Belle suffer first setback of season

Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies  1 - 0  Okayama Yunogo Belle
(Attendance: 2,098)

In front of just over 2,000 fans in fine - but windy - conditions, Urawa Red Diamonds put themselves back into the reckoning for the title with a 1-0 win over fellow contenders Okayama Yunogo Belle. Urawa showed their attacking intentions as early as the first minute when a slick passage of play from Shibata freed Arakawa who had the first shot on target but it was blocked and cleared. Belle's first chance came in the fourth minute from a free kick which was headed goalwards by Arimachi but was easily collected by Yamago. Arimachi found herself in a good shooting position again in the ninth minute but she scuffed the shot and the chance was lost.

For the opening seventeen minutes Urawa had attacked relentlessly, trying to bring in the midfielders to support Kira and Arakawa up front, though without ever having a decent chance. Eventually the pressure told though, and from a throw in Kira found herself free of her marker and from an ever-tightening angle found the net past through the keeper's legs. Kira had been hitherto tightly marked by Yasuda, but just as in their previous victory over Niigata a pinpoint throw had found her free to advance untouched and score her fourth goal of the season.

Urawa continued to attack and in the 25th minute Niwata made a run from outside the area to get on the end of a cross, but from a tight angle she could only hit the post and Fukumoto was relieved to collect the rebound. From a free kick in the 29th minute Wada Naoko found herself free but her long range effort sailed high and wide. With thirty minutes gone there was very little sign of an equaliser from Belle, with Arimachi their main threat, hassling the Urawa defence and in the 34th minute she drew a foul from Kohata Shiho which earned a yellow card for the Urawa midfielder in her maiden season. All the while in midfield Miyama was probably feeling she was not having as much of an impact as she would have liked, and her most dangerous balls were from a smattering of free kicks in midfield.

And so the pattern established continued until half time, with Kato, making her first start, and Wada finding themselves in acres of space on the left feeding Arakawa and Kira in the middle looking for a second. Attacks down the right were less frequent but no less potent when the opportunity arose. Belle looked for a way through but had little or no penetration. Just before half-time Yokoyama Kumi replaced Mizushima Kumi as Belle looked for more attacking prowess up front.

Entering the second half Belle sought to find their wingers with long balls, particularly down the left wing, but the wind had not relented and this tactic proved ineffective, with passes finding no one but Yamago in the Urawa net. At the back Urawa were well marshalled, kept their shape and never panicked. The Urawa philosophy of passing from the back, through midfield to the wingers who looked to find Kira and Arakawa found them the more likely to score. In the 55th minute Tsuchihashi on the right found Shibata in the box and her pass across the box was volleyed over by Kira. It wasn't close to goal by any means, but it was one of the better chances given their dearth in the second half.

For Belle their first half change of Yokoyama for Mizushima was beginning to show some promise as the smaller 18-year-old seemed more powerful and more willing to run at the defence. But it was to Urawa that the best chances were falling, with Kira having two chances fall to her, the second a last gasp save following a mistake by Yasuda at the back for Belle. For Belle, possibly their best chance came when Nakano attempted a cross from the left following good work by Arimachi, the wind caught the ball and it headed goalward. Fortunately for Nozomi in the Urawa goal the ball dipped enough that she could catch it.

Kira Chinatsu's work was over for the day in the 70th minute as she was replaced by Goto Michi. Shortly after Belle had their first genuine shot on goal of the second half. The industrious Yokoyama received a long pass to the right wing and looked inside. Wada Naoko who was tracking her showed some inexperience in sliding in to block a cross which never came. With a neat turn Yokoyama took the ball past the grounded Wada, turned outside past Yano and shot at goal, with Yamago happy to palm the shot round the post for a corner. From the corner Kado Yuka headed in but the goal was ruled out for a foul, presumably by Nakano on the 'keeper. At the other end 16-year-old Nagamachi Yuri cleared away a Goto shot, though it looked like it was destined to go wide anyway.

In the 80th minute Naomoto Hikaru, a transfer from Anclas, replaced Niwata Akiko for Urawa. The rest of the game petered out somewhat. Both sides continued to attack but the only chance of note was when Yokoyama found Matsuoka in front of goal. Matsuoka finished tidily though Yokoyama was ruled offside with replays showing that it was a close call, and Yokoyama would argue that she was level when the ball was played.

For Belle, this defeat will dent their confidence in their abilities to compete with Beleza and particularly INAC Kobe, while Urawa's despair at their inability to win their prior two games will feel even more acute following this win. Certainly they will feel that they can win their next match against Speranza, while Belle host Beleza in the match of the weekend.

Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies:
Yamago Nozomi, Tsuchihashi Yuki, Kohata Shiho, Yano Kyoko (capt), Wada Naoko, Shibata Hanae, Yanagita Miyuki, Niwata Akiko, Kato Chika, Kira Chinatsu, Arakawa Eriko
Subs: Goto Michi (Kira Chinatsu, 70 mins), Naomoto Hikaru (Niwata Akiko, 80 mins)
Unused subs: Ikeda Sakiko, Suzuki Rina, Dozono Ayano
Scorers: Kira Chinatsu (17 mins)
Booked: Kohata Shiho

Okayama Yunogo Belle:
Fukumoto Miho (capt), Yasuda Kuniko, Kado Yuka, Tsuhako Yumiko, Nagamachi Yuri, Takahashi Haruka, Nakano Manami, Miyama Aya, Mizushima Kumi, Arimachi Saori, Matsuoka Miki
Subs: Yokoyama Kumi (Mizushima Kumi, 44 mins)
Unused subs: Ikegaya Natsumi, Shigemoto Shiho, Nakamura Miki, Nakagawa Chihiro
Booked: Takahashi Haruka


Fukuoka J. Anclas  0 - 3  JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies
(Attendance: 315)

A casual glance at the result would lead one to believe that Fukuoka were easily outclassed by JEF United, but the fact is that for most of the game the sides were relatively well matched. Both sides came into this match having only scored two goals in four games each. In the first half both sides had chances but neither could find the net.

Eventually in the 73rd minute former Anclas player Fukusawa Risa scored to give JEF United the lead. Takahashi Sachie played a pass along the turf from her own half to Kawamura to run onto. The 13-year veteran played the ball into the box towards Fukusawa but it seemed to be too close to the marking defender to be penetrative. However Fukusawa darted in front and poked it home with her outstretched right peg.

Substitute Yamamoto scored in her first appearance this season to make it 2-0 after 81 minutes. Anclas have suffered badly when defending quick breaks against them and this goal exemplified that, with the move for the goal beginning with a throw-in by their own corner flag. From a long ball Shimizu Yuka received the ball just inside the JEF half and then held it up until reinforcements could arrive. Fukasawa made herself available on the right touchline and attacked down the right unopposed. Upon reaching the Anclas penalty area she simply shrugged off the sole challenge made, looked up and gave the perfect cross for Yamamoto to bury the header past Sawada.

With the game nearing its conclusion Anclas could feel the game was up, and after 88 minutes Yamamoto got her second to secure the game. From a corner by Hosokawa Motoyo, who was a substitute in this and every game this season, Yamamoto easily beat the three defenders around her to head in at the near post from inside the six yard area.

This win moves JEF United into sixth ahead of their clash next Saturday with AS Elfen Sayama who are level on points as things stand. Fukuoka J. Anclas travel to Iga to play the Kunoichi who similarly are hitherto winless.

Fukuoka J. Anclas:
Sawada Norimi, Uchihori Ritsuko (capt), Isokane Midori, Hanada Aiko, Akiyama Ryo, Doshita Misato, Kawamura Mari, Kiyohara Marie, Shibuya Yumiko, Kuzuma Riyo, Sato Kaede
Subs: Tagashira Yoko (Isokane Midori, 52 mins), Tanihara Yukari (Sato Kaede, 59 mins), Yatagai Mikiko (Akiyama Ryo, 75 mins)
Unused subs: Kushige Aoi
Booked: Kiyohara Marie

JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies:
Funada Mayu, Takahashi Sachie, Kawamura Mariko, Tezuka Saori, Chino Shoko, Ikadai Risa, Hanagiri Naomi, Hosaka Nodoka, Yanai Rina, Fukasawa Risa (capt), Kawamura Noriko
Subs: Shimizu Yuka (Tezuka Saori, 63 mins), Yamamoto Naomi (Hanagiri Naomi, HT), Hosokawa Motoyo (Ikadai Risa, 43 mins)
Unused subs: Koike Kokoro, Shimada Ayako
Scorers: Fukasawa Risa (73 mins), Yamamoto Naomi (81, 88 mins)


INAC Kobe Leonessa  2 - 1  Iga FC Kunoichi
(Attendance: 3,910)

The league champions welcomed Iga FC Kunoichi to Kobe this afternoon for another game which they expected to win. Both the team and the television companies covering their games are surely looking forward to the upcoming top of the table clashes. For their part, the Kunoichi arrive on the back of two impressive draws against Urawa and Beleza and have looked one of the more impressive lower table sides.

In the opening stages the Iga defence defended well, closing down the INAC players early and biting at their ankles, though they themselves found it difficult to break out and with ten minutes played neither side had yet had a shot at goal. As they had done in earlier games, the INAC midfield tried to get Kawasumi and Takase free on the wings, with Kyokawa waiting to pounce. A foul by Sakaguchi on Ji So-Yun in the 13th minute just outside the are gave Ono the opportunity to cross to Kyokawa who headed well over. Another foul just outside the box on Ji So-Yun, this time by Fujimoto, gave INAC the lead on 16 minutes. Ji So-Yun took the free kick herself and Takase volleyed with her left past Ono for her fourth goal of the season. After the goal INAC continued to press with Tanaka shooting just wide in the 20th minute following a neat backheel from Kawasumi.

Iga were playing the ball around neatly to one another, but their players were packed together too tightly, and there was no width to their game. INAC began to mix up their play as the half went on, and Sawa came more into the game as her team tried to attack through the middle more, pulling the Iga defenders out of position. With 30 minutes gone though, the goal remained the sole good opportunity - Tanaka heading over following confusion in the Iga defence on the half-hour.

With a flash of brilliance, Ohno Shinobu doubled the lead for INAC after 32 minutes. She played a wonderful one-two with Kyokawa, dribbled around the last defender and poked the ball home. Shortly after Kyokawa was worryingly stretchered off with an apparent leg injury. Kawasumi had a glorious chance to make it 3-0 in the 35th minute but shot straight at the keeper. This had come not long after Kaihori in the INAC net had come racing out of her area and almost gifted Iga a goal.

As Kyokawa couldn't continue, Minamiyama came on in her stead in the 36th minute. As the half wore on, Kawasumi found herself in more and more space on the left wing in which she could work her magic and time and again INAC had chances to increase their lead. Entering the final minute Noichi Aya had a shot from well outside the area for Iga when she had options left and right, her haste in shooting at the first opportunity evidence of Iga's lack of belief in their ability to make chances thereafter. That was only Iga's second shot of the half, in contrast to INAC's 10.

Into the second half, and the pattern of the game remained much the same. In the 57th minute Ono palmed away a Takase volley which looked destined to finish in the back of the net and from the corner kick Tanaka had another chance to head towards goal but put it well over. From a free kick well inside their own half, Miyamoto launched a long ball towards Nakade Hikari and she found herself in acres of space, half-time substitute Nakade ran through on goal and steered the ball past Kaihori with supreme composure to give Iga hope in the 59th minute. As in previous games the INAC defence was found to be less than 100% organised or composed.

Stung by this goal, INAC launched a flurry of attacks on the Iga goal though buoyed by their success, the Kunoichi dug in and refused to give way. A pattern of INAC attacking down the wings and Iga trying to hit them with long balls until the 69th minute, when Sawa had a goal chalked off for offside. Ohno had a shot from outside the area which hid the crossbar and bounced down. Sawa headed the ball in but the assistant referee had her flag raised. Replays showed that Sawa was at no point offside, though there was no protest. Following this incident INAC had corner after corner which found Tanaka's head though as before she was off target each time. Ji So-Yun received a yellow card in the 76th minute for not retreating from a free kick, indeed it was a feature of the game that Iga tried to take quick free kicks at every opportunity, when at times they'd have been better advised to take their time. A minute later Iga brought on Matsunaga for Haji, and she immediately began chasing and tackling hard in an attempt to break up INAC's rhythm.

In the 84th minute Kinga found herself free in the area following a trademark roving run down the right but she could only shoot over. Matsunaga continued to make a nuisance of herself at both ends and a nice ball freed Nakade in the area but when the ball came back to Kobayashi she could only lash the ball well wide, though Iga had shown movements that were worrying INAC at the back. A terrible ball by Kai Junko led to another promising attack by Iga but Kobayashi couldn't find the target with her header.

In the second minute of additional time, Iga had their last chance from a corner but the ball INAC will feel relieved to have got the win, especially as they will feel that they should have killed the game off. For their part, Iga will probably feel that they should have taken the game to INAC more, as they only really started attacking in the closing stages of the game.

INAC Kobe Leonessa:
Kaihori Ayumi, Kinga Yukari, Kai Junko, Tanaka Asuna, Takara Ryoko, Sawa Homare, Ohno Shinobu (capt), Ji So-Yun, Takase Megumi, Kyokawa Mai, Kawasumi Nahomi
Subs: Minamiyama Chiaki (Kyokawa Mai, 36 mins)
Unused subs: Takenaka Rei, Tanaka Yoko, Nakajima Emi, Nakada Ayu
Scorers: Takase Megumi (16 mins), Ohno Shinobu (32 mins)
Booked: Ji So-Yun

Iga FC Kunoichi:
Ono Maya, Miyasako Tamami, Michikura Hiroko, Ono Suzuka (capt), Fujimoto Ayano, Nasu Maiko, Miyamoto Tomomi, Kobayashi Makiko, Tsutsumi Saki, Noichi Aya, Haji Madoka
Subs: Nakade Hikari (Noichi Aya, HT), Matsunaga Yoshie (Haji Madoka, 77 mins)
Unused subs: Kuno Fubuki, Takeda Yuki, Park Yubin
Scorers: Nakade Hikari (59 mins)


NTV Beleza  3 - 1  Albirex Niigata Ladies
(Attendance: 3,183)

Having disappointingly dropped two points away to Iga in their previous game, Beleza were determined to win well against Niigata, and to give the fans in northern Akita a spectacle to remember. Within four minutes they had the lead. A loose ball in midfield was picked up by Sakaguchi who carried the ball infield looking for an option up front. Not finding one she gave the ball to Ariyoshi who herself gave the ball back to Iwashimizu who then picked out Iwabuchi who first miscontrolled and then chased the bouncing ball and just got enough of a touch to it to score before it reached the dead ball line. Beleza's second came nine minutes later and was something of a calamity for the Niigata goalkeeper Otomo. Another long ball from Iwashimizu towards goal was rushed at by Otomo who only succeeded in punching the ball straight to Kiryu who sidefooted into the empty net. Niigata's problem in the game was their inability to work the ball from the defence through to midfield and panicky, rushed passes simply allowed Beleza to recover the ball and launch attack after attack. By the 27th minute the game was over as a contest. Hirai Sakina was beaten by Hara Natsuko in the centre circle and the ball fell to Nagasato Asano who threaded the ball through precisely to Iwabuchi. The diminutive forward ran through on goal and placed the ball in the corner for her second of the game and third of the season.

Niigata didn't have much in the way of goal chances, but they did eventually score a consolation goal in the 87th minute, when a Niigata corner wasn't properly cleared. The ball found its way back to the taker of the original corner kick, Saito Yuri, who swung a beautiful cross in front of the Niigata forwards, who did well to stay onside and anticipate the cross. Kubota Mayu found herself on the end of the cross and poked it home for her first of the season, and indeed, the first goal for any Niigata player besides the injured Oishi Sayaka.

Both sides have tough assignments next weekend, Niigata host INAC Kobe while Beleza travel to Okayama to face Belle.

NTV Beleza:
Matsubayashi Miku, Sudo Akiko, Ariyoshi Saori, Iwashimizu Azusa (capt), Doko Mayo, Hara Natsuko, Ito Kanako, Kiryu Nanase, Sakaguchi Mizuho, Nagasato Asano, Iwabuchi Mana
Subs: Tanaka Mina (Hara Natsuko, HT), Nakasato Yu (Nagasato Asano, 77 mins), Soyama Kanako (Matsubayashi Miku, 90+1 mins)
Unused subs: Kinoshita Shiori, Kobayashi Yayoi
Scorers: Iwabuchi Mana (4,27 mins), Kiryu Nanase (13 mins)

Albirex Niigata Ladies:
Otomo Maiko (capt), Wakabayashi Minori, Kitahara Kana, Higashiyama Maiko, Nakamura Kaede, Kawamura Yuri, Saeki Aya, Kodama Keiko, Kamionobe Megumi, Yamazaki Marumi, Kubota Mayu
Subs: Yamamoto Arina (Higashiyama Maiko, HT), Hirai Sakina (Kodama Keiko, 34 mins), Saito Yuri (Hirai Sakina, 85 mins)
Unused subs: Suwa Erina, Nakamura Saki
Scorers: Kubota Mayu (87 mins)
Booked: Saito Yuri


Speranza F.C. Osaka Takatsuki  2 - 2  AS Elfen Sayama FC
(Attendance: 942)

A lively game in Osaka saw the teams share the spoils in a game both sides could have won. Arima Shizuka in the Sayama goal was the busier of the two keepers in the first half and in the 25th minute she found herself picking the ball out of the net when Tsuboi headed in the opening goal. Following some good interplay down the left wing, Hamada crossed goalwards and Tsuboi headed in when almost on the ground having dived bravely in front of Kumagai Sayaka, the ball just finding the corner. Speranza had most of the play for the rest of the half, but in the second half the game swung Sayama's way as they created far more chances on the Speranza goal. In the 58th minute they scored an excellent breakaway goal. With a Speranza attack breaking down at the Sayama penalty area, the impressive Azami Rie took the ball under control with an effortless flick, raced down the pitch and gave an inch perfect cross field pass to Watanabe Ayaka who took one touch and finished expertly past Suzuki.

In the 73rd minute Azami had a goal of her own, a goal her performance certainly merited. Following a Sayama goal kick the ball was flicked towards Azami by Suzuki Kaoruko. Her marker Hirano Satoko was clearly the favourite to win the ball but Azami's power and strength were simply too much as she took the ball in her stride and charged towards goal. Hirano's second attempt to win the ball back, or at least to hold Azami up, was equally futile and the small but powerful forward struck thunderously into the top corner of the net.

With time running out Speranza had the equaliser. Speranza's two substitutes Kameoka and Shimamura combined down the right wing, Shimamura collecting Kamoka's long pass. With the defence scrambling back, Shimamura picked out the onrushing Matsuda who kept her head and slotted home. All told, it was probably the fairest result.

Speranza F.C. Osaka Takatsuki:
Suzuki Risa, Torao Naomi, Okuda Akiko (capt), Hirano Satoko, Akiba Yumeko, Tsuboi Ayako, Toyoda Nayuha, Itami Emi, Matsuda Nozomi, Hamada Haruka, Maruyama Karina
Subs: Kameoka Natsumi (Hirano Satoko, 75 mins), Shimamura Yuko (Maruyama Karina, 85 mins)
Unused subs: Ueno Yukiko, Toyama Sayuri, Asano Miki
Scorers: Tsuboi Ayako (25 mins), Matsuda Nozomi (88 mins)

AS Elfen Sayama FC:
Arima Shizuka, Segi Aiki, Shibata Satomi, Takahashi Yuko, Kumagai Sayaka, Kobayashi Natsumi, Suzuki Kaoruko, Sugiyama Takako, Azami Rie, Muraoka Natsuki (capt), Watanabe Ayaka
Subs: Otani Erina (Segi Aiki, 58 mins), Saito Yuri (Sugiyama Takako, 70 mins), Uchida Saki (Suzuki Kaoruko, 77 mins)
Unused subs: Otani Haruka, Kawai Nayo
Scorers: Watanabe Ayaka (57 mins), Azami Rie (73 mins)

Challenge League Sixth Round

Nittaidai Football Club Ladies  4 - 2  JFA Academy Fukushima
(Attendance: 108)

JFA Academy brought in Hirata Mai for her first start (she played 12 minutes last week) as well as some other changes, while Nittaidai were unchanged.

Mizutani scored her second of the season to give JFA the lead, Uemura scored her first to equalise. Substitute Oguri scored a hat-trick in the space of 21 minutes to give Nittaidai a 4-1 lead, the first coming on 61 minutes, followed by strikes in the 66th and 81st minutes. Masuya Rika got one back for JFA in the 88th minute to keep up her good scoring record.

This win, Nittaidai's fourth in a row, moves them to the top of the table on goal difference overnight.

Nittaidai Football Club Ladies:
Yamamoto Arisa, Sakurai Mayuka, Yamagata Hisami, Togashi Kaori, Fujisawa Marin, Ishii Chiharu, Shimokawa Saori (capt), Kitano Rie, Ito Yukina, Shimada Chiaki, Uemura Shoko
Subs: Kudo Asami (Kitano Rie, 28 mins), Oguri Mao (Ishii Chiharu, 44 mins), Yamana Maki (Uemura Shoko, 80 mins)
Unused subs: Kamimura Aya, Sato Minami
Scorers: Uemura Shoko (49 mins), Oguri Mao (61, 66, 81 mins)

JFA Academy Fukushima:
Inoue Nene, Yoshitake Manami, Kojima Miku, Miyake Shiori (capt), Yamamori Anna, Norimatsu Ruka, Mizutani Yuki, Hirata Mai, Moriya Miyabi, Masuya Rika, Narumiya Yui
Subs: Kojima Hikaru (Moriya Miyabi, 75 mins), Sunaga Manami (Kojima Miku, 85 mins), Kadoi Megumi (Norimatsu Ruka, 85 mins)
Unused subs: Hirao Chika
Scorers: Mizutani Yuki (2 mins), Masuya Rika (88 mins)


Bunnys Kyoto SC  5 - 1  Japan Soccer College Ladies
(Attendance: 120)

Bunnys Kyoto had an impressive win over a JSCL side still searching for their first win, with four of the Bunnys goals coming from players scoring their first this season. Captain Miura Kyoko scored the first as early as the third minute, but JSCL struck back ten minutes later through Sakaguchi Yuki. JSCL's relief was very short-lived, as Oyama struck from a corner to restore the lead. In the second half Hanazaki and Miyai scored to put the result beyond doubt. Fujimoto added a fifth a few minutes before full-time. Bunnys' next game is the daunting trip to play Vegalta Sendai, while JSCL entertain Shizuoka.

Bunnys Kyoto SC:
Akiyama Tomomi, Fujino Aiko, Ii Kiyono, Sada Fumika, Ukita Kotone, Hanazaki Rena, Oyama Natsuki, Watanabe Juri, Kinjo Keina, Miura Kyoko (capt), Miyai Mina
Subs: Fujimoto Ami (Miura Kyoko, 69 mins), Yamashita Yu (Kinjo Keina, 89 mins)
Unused subs: Isashi Kaede, Yanagimura Ayano, Kawachi Erika
Scorers: Miura Kyoko (3 mins), Oyama Natsuki (15 mins), Hanazaki Rena (58 mins), Miyai Mina (69 mins), Fujimoto Ami (86 mins)

Japan Soccer College Ladies:
Fukada Ayami, Shinagawa Ayaka, Hayashimoto Saki, Takahashi Sakura, Goto Sanae, Sasaki Shiori, Toriumi Mai (capt), Hayakawa Kumiko, Shanou Miki, Nakayama Aoi, Sakaguchi Yuki
Subs: Iwasaki Manami (Nakayama Aoi, 68 mins)
Unused subs: Komatsu Akane, Usui Rika, Kato Yoshimi
Scorers: Sakaguchi Yuki (14 mins)
Booked: Shanou Miki


Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita  1 - 4  FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme
(Attendance: 173)

FC Takahashi cemented their place at the top of the table with another easy victory in Shizuoka. Charme were totally dominant up front and with 30 minutes had a 2-0 lead, with Takano and Takahashi both scoring to add to their tallies this season. Within two minutes of the restart Takano supplied the cross from which Takahashi scored her second. In the 66th minute substitute Kanbara scored her first of the season to make the scoreline emphatic. Shizuoka did manage to strike back almost immediately though, with Oda Kanna getting her second of the season to give the home side a consolation. Shizuoka lost ground on the four teams above them and will need to respond decisively in the upcoming games if they are not to fall too far behind.

Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita:
Maehara Ringo, Nishiyama Mei, Kitaoka Chiaki, Kanefuda Anzu (capt), Hirata Misato, Sayama Momoko, Ogata Yurika, Kanno Mie, Ishida Risa, Okuda Mika, Shirai Aoi
Subs:  Oda Kanna (Okuda Mika, HT), Matsuno Miyuki (Shirai Aoi, 60 mins), Suzuki Rina (Ishida Risa, 69 mins), Kinpara Reika (Kanno Mie, 87 mins)
Unused subs: Terada Ikumi
Scorers: Oda Kanna (67 mins)

FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme:
Yamamoto Ayaka, Takeda Arisa, Muramatsu Mafuyu, Imanishi Azusa, Koike Ayano, Shigemasa Kai, Takano Saki, Sugita Ami, Nishikawa Asuka, Takahashi Chiho (capt), Noma Fumika
Subs: Kanbara Misaki (Noma Fumika, HT), Tanaka Shiho (Koike Ayano, 63 mins), Matsushita Fumiko (Shigemasa Kai, 63 mins), Morimoto Kiyo (Yamamoto Ayaka, 75 mins), Komatsu Mina (Takahashi Chiho, 76 mins)
Unused subs: Morimoto Kiyo
Scorers: Takano Saki (25 mins), Takahashi Chiho (29, 47 mins), Kanbara Misaki (66 mins)


Je Vrille Kagoshima  0 - 3  Tokiwagi Gakuen High School
(Attendance: 354)

Tokiwagi Gakuen continued their run of good form beating Je Vrille Kagoshima after a very long trip to Kyushu. Kagoshima made three changes to their starting lineup and managed to contain Tokiwagi to just the one goal in the first half, the 13th of the season for Michigami Ayaka. Tokiwagi brought on Kawasaki Saya at half-time, replacing Sasaki Miwa, and she scored the two goals which made the game safe for the schoolgirls, with the impressive Ito Miki having a hand in both goals.

Je Vrille Kagoshima:
Eguchi Mika, Miyazako Fumika, Nakae Maki (capt), Nijima Yuki, Imanaka Yuri, Niiho Madoka, Kobayashi Natsumi, Sannomiya Shiki, Shimada Naoko, Moriwaki Satsuki, Nakashima Ayaka
Subs: Nozaki Ayumi (Kobayashi Natsumi, HT), Kurahara Honami (Moriwaki Satsuki, HT), Hamada Erina (Nijima Yuki, 74 mins), Mitsudome Kanami (Niiho Madoka, 90 mins)

Tokiwagi Gakuen High School:
Hayashizaki Mei, Takamura Chisato, Okamori Kasane (capt), Okakura Mika, Nishikawa Ayaka, Hirata Miki, Matsuura Nagisa, Sasaki Miwa, Michigami Ayaka, Shiraki Akari, Ito Miki
Subs: Kawasaki Saya (Sasaki Miwa, HT), Mitamura Momoko (Shiraki Akari, 66 mins), Kosuda Rina (Matsuura Nagisa, 87 mins), Kakinoki Runa (Takamura Chisato, 89 mins), Matsukubo Akari (Nishikawa Ayaka, 89 mins)
Scorers: Michigami Ayaka (13 mins), Kawasaki Saya (69, 85 mins)


AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies  0 - 6  Vegalta Sendai Ladies
(Attendance: 407)

Vegalta Sendai cruised to a 6-0 demolition of Nagano today to give their supporters more hope of the title this year, though by half-time they only led by the one goal, scored by their hitherto top scorer, Ito Minako. Indeed in the first half Sendai were restricted to just five shots at goal. Nagano couldn't maintain the pace though and in the second half the floodgates opened. Ito scored her second just after half-time and two goals from corner kicks, by Sakai and Shimokozuru settled it. In the closing stages Kakazu and Nakahara added two more to improve Sendai's goal difference, which may yet have a large part to play. Vegalta Sendai are unbeaten in second, Nagano are bottom.

AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies:
Matsumoto Azumi, Satou Kaede, Tanaka Nami, Hatano Saki, Yamashita Mayumi, Urasaki Yuka, Murayama Yuri, Takagi Nao (capt), Hanabusa Misa, Hamagaki Kana, Uchiyama Tomoyo
Subs: Hashiura Satsuki (Hanabusa Misa, 54 mins), Sayama Marina (Hamagaki Kana, 76 mins)

Vegalta Sendai Ladies:
Saita Yuki, Nakamura Mami, Yamamoto Risa, Osafune Kana, Ideue Asako, Shimokozuru Aya (capt), Kakazu Asuka, Uetsuji Yumi, Nakahara Saori, Ito Minako, Yasumoto Sawako
Subs:  Sakai Yuki (Nakamura Mami, HT), Koyama Kie (Yasumoto Sawako, HT), Tanaka Keiko (Yamamoto Risa, 86 mins), Takahashi Nana (Kakazu Asuka, 90 mins)
Unused subs: Saito Ayaka
Scorers: Ito Minako (15, 46 mins), Sakai Yuki (53 mins), Shimokozuru Aya (63 mins), Kakazu Asuka (83 mins), Nakahara Saori (90 mins)


Sfida Setagaya FC  4 - 6  Ehime FC Ladies
(Attendance: 405)

An extraordinary game finished with Ehime picking up their second win of the season to dent Setagaya's promotion hopes. Ehime had the lead through Nakada Maiko within three minutes, though Setagaya almost immediately hit back through Yoshitomi who scored her first goal this season in her first start. Tanaka made it 2-1 to the home side after 25 minutes though their lead was equally short-lived as Nakada got her second to level the game 2-2. Ehime took a lead into half-time following their third, from a shot by the recalled Marugata following a corner.

Setagaya again equalised in the 63rd minute, this time it was Sasago with her first of the season. Ehime pulled away though, with two goals in the nine minutes following, Ogawa Akari got the first and Nakada completed her hat-trick on 72 minutes. Setagaya pulled one back through Mori Hitomi, her fifth of the season with a quarter of an hour to go. Haruyama scored the final goal to pull Ehime clear again with twelve minutes remaining. Setagaya's Tanaka Marina became the first player to be sent off this season for any team.

Sfida Setagaya FC:
Kawaguchi Mana, Fukuhara Nao, Yoshitomi Momoko, Tanaka Marina (capt), Okada Ayame, Tanaka Mariko, Minemoto Chizuru, Mori Hitomi, Sasago Masae, Ishibuchi Yuki, Nagasawa Yume
Subs: Kawashima Tamai (Nagasawa Yume, 78 mins), Usuda Haruka (Minemoto Chizuru, 85 mins)
Unused subs: Muramatsu Yuki, Kurokawa Hikari, Uchiyama Tomoka
Scorers: Yoshitomi Momoko (6 mins), Tanaka Mariko (25 mins), Sasago Masae (63 mins), Mori Hitomi (75 mins)
Booked: Ishibuchi Yuki
Sent off: Tanaka Marina (two yellow cards)

Ehime FC Ladies:
Osako Hanako, Kushiyama Saki, Marugata Rie, Onoyama Nana, Sato Hiromi, Nishigawa Sayumi, Iwamoto Yuka, Yamashiro Miyuki, Haruyama Saori, Nakada Maiko (capt), Ogawa Akari
Subs: Niwa Mizuho (Ogawa Akari, 87 mins)
Unused subs: Moriga Mahiro, Hagiwara Masumi, Yamada Maya, Uesato Saki
Scorers: Nakada Maiko (3, 26, 72 mins), Marugata Rie (38 mins), Ogawa Akari (68 mins), Haruyama Saori (78 mins)
Booked: Sato Hiromi

Nadeshiko League Fourth Round

INAC maintain 100% record,  Kyokawa scores for fourth game in a row

JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies  1 - 3  INAC Kobe Leonessa
(Attendance: 4,739)

Kinga Yukari celebrated her 28th birthday on Wednesday and celebrated it in style today with the opening goal - and her first of the season - against a JEF United side in sunny Chiba. JEF had made one change from their previous game, with Hanagiri brought in to support Fukasawa up front, replacing veteran Shimizu Yuka. INAC brought Minamiyama back into the starting eleven, with Takase starting on the bench for the first time this season.

JEF United showed good attacking intent in the early stages, keeping their shape well and in the seventh minute had a chance from a corner but Takahashi could only head directly into the arms of Kaihori, though in her defence she was backing away from goal. JEF continued to hassle the INAC players who committed errors in midfield throughout the opening exchanges, and the home side continued to get some joy on the right wing.

With their first real chance, and with JEF having threatened again, INAC had the lead. Kawasumi made a trademark dash down the left wing and with the outside of her right foot flicked the ball across the face of the goal just before it crossed the dead ball line. A poor attempt at a clearance - a feature of JEF's prior game against Beleza - only resulted in Sawa picking up the ball by the penalty spot. She calmly gave it to the unmarked Kinga who slotted home easily, though JEF had had prior warning of her attacking intent as early as the fifth minute. Two minutes later Kyokawa had a glorious chance to make it 2-0 following more good work from Kawasumi but was too casual and only succeeded in finding Funada's grateful clutches.

JEF only managed one more shot in the half, a long-range effort from Kawamura. Having matched INAC until the goal, JEF couldn't get enough players forward to support the forwards. The league leaders started to turn the screw to end the half with a total of eight chances. JEF had continued to close down space for INAC but time and again the away side found space, with Kinga's raiding runs down the right being a notable feature. Ji So-Yun hit the outside of the bar in the 34th minute after Kyokawa had dragged several defenders towards herself. Kyokawa herself shot just wide moments later and the feeling was that a second goal would not be long in coming. Just before half-time another chance fell to Ji So-Yun, with an almost identical build-up to that of the goal. Instead of Kawasumi it was Sawa who provided the cross and this time the 'keeper was in the right position to stop the shot - which was not struck with full conviction.

At half-time INAC made two substitutions, Nakajima Emi and Takase Megumi coming on for Takara and Minamiyama - who had hid the crossbar with a header on the half-hour mark. JEF United started the second-half unchanged.

JEF started the second-half with another long range shot, this time from Hanagiri but again it was not danger to Kaihori. JEF continued to attack down the right while INAC tried to get the ball to Kyokawa up front as she tended to drag defenders away from the oncoming midfielders.

Kyokawa finally got her fifth of the season in the 58th minute. JEF had a chance to get women forward from a free kick in their own half. Ikadai was incorrectly caught offside moments later and from the free kick the ball found its way to Kinga who gave the ball to Takase on the right wing in acres of space. A simple cross along the ground was swept home by Kyokawa to the delight of the travelling fans. INAC had broken quickly and the JEF defenders couldn't get back into position quickly enough to pick up the attacking players.

Shimizu Yuka, who had shown good form against Beleza last week, came on for Hanagiri just before the hour. Moments later the JEF defence was caught out again as no one picked up the run of Ohno, who played a delightful one-two with Ji So-Yun to find herself clean through on goal. Ohno crossed an inviting ball to Takase who headed in from close range to give INAC the three goal lead their pressure had deserved.

It should have been 4-0 when a through pass by Ohno found Kawasumi through on goal. Initially held up well, she managed to wriggle free and get a shot off, which was instinctively saved by Funada. Crucially though, the ball was not held and Kawasumi regained control. Her attempt at a cross was rather tame and was grasped out of the air by the goalkeeper.

For JEF United Koike Kokoro replaced Yanai Rina on 62 minutes and Hosokawa Motoyo replaced Ikadai Risa in the 76th minute, both players making their fourth substitute appearances.

Into the last twenty minutes, and INAC continued to press but with less intensity and less concentration, while JEF continued to look to counter-attack. In the 75th minute Sawa Homare was inexplicably left unmarked in the box and had a free header on goal from a right-sided free-kick.

In the 80th minute JEF finally got themselves a consolation goal, minutes after both Kinga and Sawa had promising shots on goal. Following a glorious chance for Kyokawa to add another, a long ball from Takahashi caught the INAC defence napping. Tanaka Asuna headed the ball back to Kai Junko who fell over while attempting to control the ball on her chest. The ball fell kindly for Shimizu who kept her head to slot past Kaihori into the corner of the net for her first goal of the season.

Buoyed by this, JEF continued to snap at the heels of the INAC players and showed some promise for the rest of the season, though their main problems are at the back, as not for the first game the defenders showed a lack of strength and composure.

Kyokawa, who had missed when in front of goal with only the 'keeper to beat, was replaced in the 86th minute by former Tokiwagi classmate Nakada Ayu making her second substitute appearance of this campaign, but the silky dribbler had little opportunity to make an impact.

The game finished with both sides making mistakes and JEF could have had another goal in the 89th minute when they had three-on-three but a poor pass to Fukasawa meant the chance was lost.

INAC's next game is at home to Iga, another game they will be expected to win comfortably, while JEF United travel to Fukuoka, who play Sayama on Sunday.

JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies:
Funada Mayu, Takahashi Sachie, Kawamura Mariko, Tezuka Saori, Chino Shoko, Ikadai Risa, Hanagiri Naomi, Kawamura Noriko, Hosaka Nodoka, Yanai Rina, Fukasawa Risa (capt)
Subs: Shimizu Yuka (Hanagiri Naomi, 60 mins), Koike Kokoro (Yanai Rina, 62 mins), Hosokawa Motoyo (Ikadai Risa, 76 mins)
Unused subs: Yamamoto Naomi, Shimada Ayako
Scorers: Shimizu Yuka (80 mins)

INAC Kobe Leonessa:
Kaihori Ayumi, Kinga Yukari, Kai Junko, Tanaka Asuna, Takara Ryoko, Minamiyama Chiaki, Sawa Homare, Ohno Shinobu (capt), Ji So-Yun, Kyokawa Mai, Kawasumi Nahomi
Subs: Nakajima Emi (Takara Ryoko, HT), Takase Megumi (Minamiyama Chiaki, HT), Nakada Ayu (Kyokawa Mai, 86 mins)
Unused subs: Takenaka Rei, Tanaka Yoko
Scorers: Kinga Yukari (22 mins), Kyokawa Mai (58 mins), Takase Megumi (61 mins)
Booked: Kinga Yukari


Okayama Yunogo Belle  1 - 0  Speranza F.C. Osaka Takatsuki
(Attendance: 2,615)

Belle maintained their 100% record and maintained the pressure on INAC Kobe at the top of the table, though with a shots ratio of 18:2, they will feel that a 1-0 scoreline does not adequately reflect their superiority. Mizushima scored her second in two games following some fine close play from Miyama who threaded the ball through expertly to the feet of Mizushima who beat her marker and then placed the ball past the keeper into the top left corner of the net. Belle next play Urawa in a crunch match while Speranza are at home to Elfen Sayama.

Okayama Yunogo Belle:
Fukumoto Miho (capt), Yasuda Kuniko, Kado Yuka, Tsuhako Yumiko, Nagamachi Yuri, Takahashi Haruka, Nakano Manami, Miyama Aya, Mizushima Kumi, Arimachi Saori, Matsuoka Miki
Subs: Nakagawa Chihiro (Mizushima Kumi, 77 mins)
Unused subs: Ikegaya Natsumi, Shigemoto Shiho, Nakamura Miki, Nagamachi Yuri
Scorers: Mizushima Kumi (59 mins)

Speranza F.C. Osaka Takatsuki:
Suzuki Risa, Torao Naomi, Okuda Akiko (capt), Hirano Satoko, Akiba Yumeko, Toyoda Nayuha, Asano Miki, Itami Emi, Matsuda Nozomi, Hamada Haruka, Maruyama Karina
Subs: Shimamura Yuko (Maruyama Karina, 74 mins), Tsuboi Ayako (Toyoda Nayuha, 78 mins)
Unused subs: Ueno Yukiko, Toyama Sayuri, Kameoka Natsumi
Booked: Torao Naomi


Iga FC Kunoichi  0 - 0  NTV Beleza
(Attendance: 984)

Iga picked up their second point of the season while Beleza will undoubtedly see this as two points dropped, with the fact that they have yet to concede a goal in four games small consolation. On reflection though, Beleza will know that they were in some ways lucky to survive as on more than one occasion the Kunoichi lived up to their name, slipping past their markers and almost scoring. It took until the second half for the first decent chance to materialise. In the 54th minute a corner from the left was worked short and when the ball was eventually played into the box by Fujimoto, Matsubayashi in the Beleza goal elected to punch the ball. Unfortunately for her, she only succeeded in punching it against her own player and Iga captain Ono Suzuka was on hand to strike. However Sakaguchi Mizuho was on hand to clear the ball off the goal line just as glory beckoned for Iga. Beleza had probably their best chance in the 69th minute when Iwabuchi burst through midfield only to see her powerful shot parried away by Ono. Iga came forward again and again, getting in behind the Beleza defence, but couldn't get the goal which would have probably decided it. Iga travel to Kobe for another major test, while Beleza continue their tour of Tohoku with a home game against Niigata to be played in Akita.

Iga FC Kunoichi:
Ono Maya, Fujimoto Ayano, Miyasako Tamami, Ono Suzuka (capt), Michikura Hiroko, Miyamoto Tomomi, Nasu Maiko, Kobayashi Makiko, Tsutsumi Saki, Matsunaga Yoshie, Haji Madoka
Subs: Nakade Hikari (Matsunaga Yoshie, HT), Noichi Aya (Haji Madoka, 63 mins)
Unused subs: Kuno Fubuki, Yamaguchi Ayako, Matsunaga Tomoe

NTV Beleza:
Matsubayashi Miku, Sudo Akiko, Ariyoshi Saori, Iwashimizu Azusa (capt), Doko Mayo, Hara Natsuko, Ito Kanako, Kiryu Nanase, Sakaguchi Mizuho, Nagasato Asano, Iwabuchi Mana
Subs: Tanaka Mina (Nagasato Asano, 76 mins), Momiki Yuka (Kiryu Nanase, 89 mins)
Unused subs: Soyama Kanako, Yamada Shoko, Nakasato Yu
Booked: Sakaguchi Mizuho, Hara Natsuko


AS Elfen Sayama FC  3 - 1  Fukuoka J. Anclas
(Attendance: 467)

Sayama were pleased not only to gain their first points but also their first win of this campaign having come within a whisker of picking up a point against INAC Kobe. Sayama started with the same lineup as against INAC, while Anclas made three changes, Doshita, Kiyohara and Akiyama all starting this game, although none were making their first start. Muraoka opened the scoring early in the game. From an Anclas goal kick Sayama recovered possession, with Saito giving the ball to Azami who ran wide on the right to give herself space. From just outside the box she crossed to Muraoka who, surrounded by two defenders and facing her own goal, took a touch with her right foot and turned towards goal. With the ball appearing to have gone through one defenders legs, the 30 year old planted the ball past Sawada. Just before the half-hour mark Suzuki Kaoruko showed that she also has a few tricks in her locker in scoring her second of the season. A cross into the box found Muraoka and just as she ran out of space she gave the ball back out to Azami on the left side of the box. Azami gave a first time pass to Suzuki who took the ball, turned slickly to be her marker and scored with four defenders around her.

Anclas didn't merit a goal though they found themselves within touching distance after a mistake from the Sayama goalkeeper Arima. A cross floated in was about to cross the goal line when the 'keeper decided to try to control it, and instead poked it out for a corner kick. From Doshita's corner kick deep to the far post, Isokane charged towards it and headed it back across goal. The ball seemed to hit a defender on the way in but the goal was credited to the forward player.

Both sides had a dearth of chances in the second half but with eight minutes to play Sayama finally scored the goal which made the game safe. Watanabe attempted a rasping shot from outside the area which Sawada did well to palm over. Watanabe herself took the corner and the tall Kobayashi planted an unstoppable header into the top left hand corner of the net.

Three excellent goals and three deserved points for Elfen Sayama, while Anclas continue to struggle.

AS Elfen Sayama FC:
Arima Shizuka, Segi Aiki, Shibata Satomi, Takahashi Yuko, Kumagai Sayaka, Kobayashi Natsumi, Saito Yuri, Suzuki Kaoruko, Azami Rie, Muraoka Natsuki (capt), Watanabe Ayaka
Subs: Sugiyama Takako (Saito Yuri, HT), Uchida Saki (Suzuki Kaoruko, 61 mins), Hagiwara Aimi (Kobayashi Natsumi, 86 mins)
Unused subs: Otani Haruka, Otani Erina
Scorers: Muraoka Natsuki (10 mins), Suzuki Kaoruko (29 mins), Kobayashi Natsumi (82 mins)

Fukuoka J. Anclas:
Sawada Norimi, Akiyama Ryo, Uchihori Ritsuko (capt), Isokane Midori, Hanada Aiko, Kiyohara Marie, Doshita Misato, Tagashira Yoko, Kawamura Mari, Shibuya Yumiko, Sato Kaede
Subs: Kuzuma Riyo (Tagashira Yoko, 23 mins), Tanihara Yukari (Shibuya Yumiko, 75 mins)
Unused subs: Yatagai Mikiko, Kushige Aoi
Scorers: Isokane Midori (40 mins)


Albirex Niigata Ladies  0 - 1  Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies
(Attendance: 7,863)

Just how much are Niigata missing the injured Oishi Sayaka? Their only scorer with three goals (their other being an own goal) has been ruled out for six months and since her absence the Albirex Ladies have yet to score. For Urawa veteran Arakawa has had no such problems and in scoring her second of the season gave Urawa the three points they desperately wanted having disappointingly drawn their two previous games. In terms of chances the game was relatively even but it was the decisiveness and quick thinking of the Urawa Ladies which made the difference, when in the 61st minute a pinpoint accurate throw from Tsuchihashi near the half-way line to Kira on the right flank gave Urawa's top scorer an extra metre on her marker. From there Kira passed the ball across the box and Arakawa was there to hit it first time on the 'keeper's near side and the away side were understandably delighted. Having taken the lead Urawa were comfortable and Niigata had very few chances in the closing stages, though Kubota - in her first game - did hit the post following an excellent turn to give herself space. Niigata play Beleza next in Akita City, while Urawa take on Belle in what promises to be an exciting match.

Albirex Niigata Ladies:
Otomo Maiko (capt), Kitahara Kana, Higashiyama Maiko, Nakamura Kaede, Wakabayashi Minori, Saito Yuri, Kawamura Yuri, Kodama Keiko, Yamazaki Marumi, Hirai Sakina, Kubota Mayu
Subs: Nakamura Saki (Saito Yuri, 80 mins)
Unused subs: Suwa Erina, Ichitani Tomoko, Yamamoto Arina, Hori Yoshie

Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies:
Yamago Nozomi, Tsuchihashi Yuki, Kohata Shiho, Yano Kyoko (capt), Wada Naoko, Shibata Hanae, Naomoto Hikaru, Niwata Akiko, Yasuda Yuki, Kira Chinatsu, Arakawa Eriko
Subs: Yanagita Miyuki (Naomoto Hikaru, HT), Kato Chika (Yasuda Yuki, HT), Goto Michi (Arakawa Eriko, 67 mins)
Unused subs: Ikeda Sakiko, Dozono Ayano
Scorers: Arakawa Eriko (61 mins)