Japanese Non-league Football News

There are new leaders in the Hokushinetsu League Division 2, which is looking as if it may be one of the closest of the Regional Leagues in 2007. Saurcos Fukui, known until the close season as FC Kanazu and with an eye on a JFL and a J-League place, squeezed past Granscena Niigata 1-0 to move to the top at the expense of FC Antelope Shiojiri, who could only draw at Ohara School JaSRA.

Relegated side Teihens FC go third following a 2-1 win over Maruoka Phoenix and even CUPS Niigata are also in touch with the promotion race. Following defeats in their first two matches, the side promoted from the Prefectural Leagues looked outclassed at the higher level of football but have since steadied the ship and in round 4 beat poor Toyama Shinjo Club 4-2.



A rather distant shot of Granscena Niigata and Saurcos Fukui

Sun 29 Apr: Ohara School JaSRA 1-1 FC Antelope Shiojiri
Sun 29 Apr: Saurcos Fukui 1-0 Granscena Niigata
Sun 29 Apr: Teihens FC 2-1 Maruoka Phoenix
Sun 29 Apr: Toyama Shinjo Club 2-4 CUPS Niigata

1. Saurcos Fukui 9 (+5)
2. FC Antelope Shiojiri 8 (+2)
3. Teihens FC 7 (+6)
4. Maruoka Phoenix 6 (+2)
5. Granscena Niigata 6 (+2)
6. CUPS Niigata 6 (-3)
7. Ohara School JaSRA 4 (-2)
8. Toyama Shinjo Club 0 (-12)



FC Antelope put away a penalty against Ohara School