A late Leo Ceara winner gave Yokohama F Marinos a 2-1 home win over Shimizu S-Pulse in the J-League first division on Sunday, Celtic-linked manager Ange Postecoglou guiding his side to their 10th win in 16 games this term.

Two of the Australian's late substitutes combined for the 89th-minute winner, Kota Mizunuma's low cross from the right, finding its way to the Brazilian Ceara to slide home from close range.

Marinos, who had an 11-game unbeaten run snapped in May, moved up to third in the J1 table on 34 points, having only lost twice so far while playing fewer games than leaders Kawasaki Frontale and second-place Nagoya Grampus.

Leo Ceara (L) of Yokohama F Marinos celebrates scoring the winning goal in his team's 2-1 defeat of Shimizu S-Pulse at Nissan Stadium in the J-League first division on May 30, 2021. (Kyodo)

"The players were fantastic, it was a difficult game, the weather was hot, and they played defensive and we had to be patient," said Postecoglou, whose name has been mentioned for Celtic's top job.

"We started the game really well, created good chances, and they got the equalizer, but the players never stopped, they never gave up, the ones who started and ones who've come on, and they got the reward. That's why I was really happy."

Yokohama needed four minutes to take the lead at Nissan Stadium, Tokyo Olympic hopeful and former Maritimo forward Daizen Maeda pacing down the left before the speedster's cross was met at the far post on the half volley by Brazilian Elber.

But Shimizu, who ended their nine-game winless run on Wednesday with a 3-0 home win over FC Tokyo, continued to show signs of improvement with a good spell of possession and drew level in the 41st minute.

Right wing-back Elsinho dribbled down the right, and his low cross found Thiago Santana, who had his initial shot saved by keeper Yohei Takaoka but poked home the rebound.

Elber shot narrowly wide three minutes into the second half after a clever Maeda back heel as Yokohama dominated, but Postecoglou eventually turned to the bench. He brought on Ceara in the 77th minute and Mizunuma in the 85th minute.

"If you don't score the goals, then it becomes difficult, but the most important thing is we don't lose our discipline, we keep playing our football, and that's what players did," said Postecoglou, whose next league game is scheduled for June 23.

"It's been a tough sort of schedule, so it gives us the chance for our players to recover and look forward to three cup games next week (from June 6), and hopefully go well there," said Postecoglou, who was seen waving to home supporters after the game.

Postecoglou, who led Marinos to the J1 title in 2019, has managed Australia, with whom he won the Asian Cup in 2015, as well as Brisbane Roar, Melbourne Victory and South Melbourne.

The 55-year-old is linked with the Celtic job after they ended their pursuit of Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe. The Parkhead club failed to win their 10th straight Scottish Premiership this term as local rivals Rangers went unbeaten to win the title.

Vissel Kobe's Douglas (far L) celebrates with his teammates, including Andres Iniesta (far R), after scoring a goal during the first half of a J-League football match against Sagan Tosu on May 30, 2021, at Noevir Stadium in Kobe, western Japan. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Elsewhere, leaders Kawasaki Frontale extended their J1 record unbeaten run to 20 games with a 2-1 win at home over Kashima Antlers, 93rd-minute substitute Yu Kobayashi needing just a minute to find the net in added time.

Sagan Tosu went down to fourth after being held 1-1 at Vissel Kobe, while FC Tokyo played out a scoreless draw at home with Sanfrecce Hiroshima, as did Urawa Reds and Nagoya Grampus at Saitama Stadium.

Vegalta Sendai went three games unbeaten after grabbing a 1-1 home draw against Cerezo Osaka, while promoted Tokushima Vortis also had a 1-1 home draw with Shonan Bellmare.

Struggling Oita Trinita won their third game of the season, a 2-1 home win in their Kyushu derby with promoted Avispa Fukuoka, ending the visitors' seven-game unbeaten run.

Gamba Osaka defeated last-place Yokohama FC 2-0 on a brace by Leandro Perieira at home for their second straight win.


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