Kashima Antlers have regained their lead on top of the J-League table after defeating Shimizu S-Pulse 2-1.

Marquinhos opened the scoring in the 18th minute for the Antlers before Masashi Motoyama added a second in the 50th minute.

Eight minutes later, Shimizu got one back through Takuma Edamura but it was all they could muster as the Antlers held strong and recorded their third victory in a row.

Coach Oswaldo Oliveira was pleased with his side's performance.

"Today's two goals were both beautiful goals produced through combination passes and I'm really happy about them," said Oliveira.

"I think we showed our skills very well. It's good to keep the lead.

"We still have one more game than the others due to the AFC Champions League, but we are always fighting to stay on the top. Hopefully we can keep playing like this."