J.League wrap: Ventforet record rare win, Montedio struggles persist

Ventforet Kofu remain in the J.League relegation zone despite beating Albirex Niigata 2-1 on Wednesday.

Visitors Ventforet took the lead through Brazilian forward Paulinho four minutes before half-time at the Tohoku Denryoku Big Swan Stadium.

It took seven minutes of the second half for another Brazilian, midfielder Bruno Lopes, to level for hosts Albirex.

With 19 minutes remaining, Katsuya Ishihara struck to restore the visitors’ lead. Albirex proved unable to muster another equaliser, handing the away side just their third victory of the season.

Ventforet remain third from bottom, but are now level on points with 15th-placed Urawa Reds and just one point behind Albirex in 14th.

Urawa remain outside the relegation zone on goal difference only courtesy of their 0-0 draw away to Montedio Yamagata, also on Wednesday.

A point apiece at the Yamagata Park Stadium left the hosts second from bottom, six points away from safety.