With Kawasaki travelling to already-relegated Oita Trinita tomorrow, the Antlers moved two points clear at the top of the table with just two games remaining as Nozawa turned home Yuzo Tashiro's cross eight minutes before half-time.

The win also secured the Antlers' a place in next season's Asian Champions League after guaranteeing a top-three finish.

Third-placed Gamba Osaka remained well in the hunt just three points off the pace after Brazilian striker Lucas and Cho Jae-jin scored in either half to secure a 2-0 win at Shimizu S-Pulse as they extended their unbeaten run to nine games.

Lucas turned home Kazumichi Takagi's cross after 15 minutes to open the scoring before Cho stepped off the bench to seal the win with 19 minutes remaining.

"To reach the top of the table, we need to collect points," said Gamba coach Akira Nishino. "Our players are aware of that and played with strong determination from the start."

Elsewhere, Brazilian striker Edmilson completed his hat-trick in stoppage time as fourth-placed Urawa Red Diamonds edged out Jubilo Iwata 3-2.

Edmilson's 22nd-minute opener had set the home side on their way, but two goals from Jubilo's Ryoichi Maeda in four second-half minutes handed the visitors the lead with 30 minutes remaining.

But after equalising with eight minutes remaining after following up after Marcus Tulio Tanaka's shot rebounded off the post, Edmilson snatched a dramatic three points with a fine strike from the edge of the area.

With Oita and JEF United already relegated, Kashiwa Reysol earned three points as Francoaldo Franca scored to secure a 1-0 win at Albirex Niigata, while fellow struggler's Omiya Ardija shared a goalless draw with Montedio Yamagata.

Kashiwa remained in the final relegation place but moved within four points of Omiya with Montedio, Vissel Kobe and Kyoto a further point clear.

Elsewhere, Vissel Kobe were held to a 2-2 draw at home by Yokohama F. Marinos, while Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Nagoya Grampus Eight shared a goalless draw.