Match Report
Shimizu S-Pulse, 1st with 82 points, sat 48 points above Tochigi (18th, 34). Tochigi's recent output outran their position: 14th on form over five rounds, 18th in the table. Scoring rates set the scale: Tochigi 0.87 scored and 1.5 conceded per game, Shimizu S-Pulse 1.79 and 1, with the league averaging 1.24.
Tochigi arrived off three consecutive draws.
Kanseki Stadium (Utsunomiya) in Utsunomiya hosted the game. On the scoreboard, it was 0-0 at the break; 1 second-half goal set the final 0-1.
Goal scorers
Shimizu S-Pulse: Jelani Reshaun Sumiyoshi (50')