Cerezo Osaka 4 - 1 Sagan Tosu

An entertainingly open game and there could have been more goals but for the woodwork and of course the goalkeepers. Spreading the goals around a bit this game with the player of the East Asian Cup tournament Yamaguchi scoring the first after Kakitani's persistence. Sakemoto scored a bit of a fluke goal before Sagan Tosu scored their only goal of the game. Yokoyama got our third and had a fine game in a midfield lacking Simplicio anchored by him and Ogihara allowing Yamaguchi to play further forward. Defender Yamashita scored the fourth which was also a just reward for his recent performances deputising for Moniwa.

Cerezo Osaka 2 - 1 Sagan Tosu Nabisco Cup May 15th

A poorly attended Wednesday week night cup match despite the promise of a place in the quarter finals after this victory. Sagan Tosu scored in the first minute but this actually gave us something to chase and play for from the start so we did well. Maruhashi equalised with a great free-kick and teenage sensation Minamio grabbed the winner to leave us second in our group.

Nicest fans in Japan, the poor attendance revealed that away fans in Kincho now have seats instead of a grassy knoll

Our view of the Maruhashi free-kick, he's the one just under the beer person's nose

 

Cerezo Osaka 3 - 2 Sagan Tosu

Another action packed game finishing 3-2, thanks to a truly woeful penalty by Tosu's Toyoda. Both the penalty decisions were dubious. Ours was given for an accidental handball which Kakitani remained cool enough to score. Tosu's was for an accidental collision which earned Jin-Hyeon a booking. So a pretty fortunate three points keeps us out of the relegation zone for now and it was nice to see the Sagan Tosu fans after they gave us such a great reception in Saga on the opening day of the season. Sagan Tosu are enjoying a solid first season in J1 managed by former Cerezo and South Korea midfielder Yoon Jong-Hwan. Kodama came in at left-back for the suspended Maruhashi but did little to suggest he could keep that spot. On Wednesday we face Montedio Yamagata in the Emperor's Cup which will see the return of Branquinho who they have on loan from us at the moment.

Away to Sagan Tosu

Sagan Tosu's first ever game in J1 ended 0-0 in the Best Amenity Stadium. They played well and had the better chances. Their fans were really welcoming despite the biggest police presence I've ever seen at a J-League match. Our supporters responded by congratulating them on getting to J1. The match itself wasn't a great one. We've got another Brazilian manager this year, Sergio Soares so two new Brazilians made their debuts. Our new no.9 Kempes didn't look too good at all but hopefully he's just needs some time to settle in, otherwise he'll soon join a long list of average Brazilians we get on loan. The other chap Branquinho is our new no.10 and showed some nice touches but again needs a bit of time show if he can add something to the team. Our two defensive midfielders in a 4-2-3-1 were Ogihara and Yamaguchi who both did so well for the Japan U23s midweek to help them qualify for London (Kiyotake and Ogihara both scored). Hopefully their partnership can go from strength to strength this season. More chances for the youngsters needed this season instead of Brazilian journeymen would be nice too. Next up the Kansai Derby!

More J1 cheerleaders and another odd mascot

Our away support in good voice as usual

Kim Bo-Kyung hit the bar with this free kick

Friendly and enthusiastic Tosu fans