Josh Kennedy scored a double to help Nagoya Grampus to a 2-1 away win over Vegalta Sendai in Japan yesterday. The Australia international backed up his midweek goal in the loss to Urawa Reds to keep Nagoya in second position on the table.

He scored in the 39th minute from the penalty spot before scoring the winner in the 89th minute after Fernandinho had equalised five minutes earlier.

Kennedy has now scored seven league goals in eight appearances which is a great sign heading into the World Cup where he is expected to play a key role for the Socceroos.

In other J-League matches, Yokohama Marinos won 3-2 away at Urawa Reds, Albirex Niigata inflicted the first defeat on Shimizu S-Pulse by winning 2-0 away, Vissel Kobe won 3-0 at home over Jubilo Iwata and FC Tokyo defeated Montedio Yamagata 3-0.