In a tense, hard-fought affair at Lemon Gas Stadium, Tokyo Verdy edged Shonan Bellmare 1-0 on Friday, seizing a vital three points that may prove pivotal in their campaign to climb clear of the J1 League’s relegation zone.

The match’s only goal arrived in the 55th minute, when Itsuki Someno latched onto a clever through ball from Yuta Matsuhashi and coolly slotted past the Bellmare goalkeeper, igniting celebrations among the Verdy faithful. The move was a rare moment of attacking clarity in a match that otherwise showcased defensive resilience and midfield sparring.

Shonan, lingering near the foot of the table, had shown early industry but struggled to create clear chances. Their efforts to respond to Verdy’s opener were repeatedly stifled by the visitors’ well-drilled back three and the composure of goalkeeper Matheus Vidotto.

Verdy’s tactical discipline was underlined by a series of calculated substitutions: Shōji Toyama’s introduction at halftime injected fresh energy into the forward line, while the later arrival of Koki Morita helped maintain midfield composure as Bellmare pushed forward. Shonan, in turn, turned to Tomoya Fujii and Kosuke Onose to try to spark a late revival, but the home side’s final passes repeatedly broke down in the face of Verdy’s disciplined defensive structure.

Physicality rose in the second half, with Verdy’s Yuta Matsuhashi and Yosuke Uchida each booked as Bellmare increased their urgency. As the minutes ticked away, Tokyo Verdy’s defensive focus became paramount. A late yellow card for Takumi Inami in stoppage time typified Verdy’s commitment to holding their slender lead.

The final whistle confirmed not only three hard-earned points for Tokyo Verdy but also a continued struggle for Shonan Bellmare, whose inability to convert possession into goals keeps them perilously close to the relegation trapdoor.

With this win, Tokyo Verdy leapfrogs crucial competition in the lower reaches of the J1, while Shonan’s search for attacking answers grows ever more urgent as the season’s end approaches. Both teams left the pitch knowing that, in the tightest of margins, one moment of quality can shape the fate of an entire season.