J-League Sunday Review

Ryota Moriwaki scored late on to rescue a 1-1 draw for Sanfrecce Hiroshima at Kashiwa Reysol today and keep them in third place in the J. League.

Hiroshima created a number of good chances with former Japan striker Hisato Sato coming close to finding the net with his efforts in the 12th and 23rd minutes.

But Kashiwa, struggling to move away from the relegation zone, fought hard and had chances themselves through Brazilian forward Popo and Minoru Suganuma.

The hosts went ahead in the 53rd minute when Hiroshima goalkeeper Yoji Nakabayashi's punched the ball away following a Kashiwa corner but it fell kindly for Yusuke Murakami in the area and his deflected shot flew into the back of the net.

Hiroshima rallied and their efforts paid off in the 84th minute when Moriwaki collected a loose ball following a corner and slotted home from the edge of the box.

The draw means Hiroshima are unbeaten for the last nine games and reduced the gap between themselves and J.League leaders Kashima Antlers to six points.

"It was a hard game for us as our opponents were desperate for points and this was their home game," said Hiroshima coach Mihailo Petrovic.

"We deserved our equaliser as we were taking the initiative in the game but we should have scored with the two big chances we created in the first half.

"Our players have done really well so far and we'll keep on working hard."

Meanwhile, Vissel Kobe were held to a 2-2 draw by JEF United Chiba.

South Korean midfielder Park Kang-jo gave the hosts an early lead with his eighth minute strike but that was cancelled out by Neto Baiano in the 34th minute when the Brazilian successfully converted a penalty.

Park put the hosts ahead again in the 56th minute but Chiba showed good resolve to snatch a draw when midfielder Kohei Kudo equalised two minutes from time.