Kennedy helps Nagoya take J-League lead

Joshua Kennedy scored once and assisted with another to lead defending champions Nagoya Grampus to a 3-0 win over Sanfrecce Hiroshima as they took the J-League lead on Saturday. The Australia international striker helped with Yoshizumi Ogawa's opening goal in the 23rd minute, and then he himself found the net in the 39th minute with his 10th goal of the season to tie for the lead in the goal standings. Kensuke Nagai added an insurance goal in injury time. Nagoya have now 42 points, one above Kashiwa Reysol, who will play Jubilo Iwata on Sunday. They are followed by Gamba Osaka and Yokohama Marinos on 40 points, and Hiroshima on 32. Both Gamba Osaka and Yokohama had a chance to take the lead in the standings, but Gamba drew with Cerezo Osaka 1-1 in a derby match, while Yokohama crashed to a 2-0 defeat to Vissel Kobe. In other games, seven-time former champions Kashima Antlers pulled off their third straight win by beating Vegalta Sendai 1-0. Yuya Osako earned a penalty chance twice with skipper Mitsuo Ogasawara missing the first in the 23rd minute and Brazilian midfielder Fellype Gabriel duly cashing in in the 29th minute. Shimizu S-Pulse blanked Omiya Ardija 3-0, while Montedio Yamagata defeated Ventforet Kofu 3-1.