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Fukushima United faced a stern test as they welcomed Ehime FC to Fukushima on a humid summer afternoon. Both teams came into the match eager to continue their progression up Japan's Football League standings.

Ehime knew they'd have their work cut out for them against the spirited home side, who relish the chance to showcase their talents in front of passionate local supporters. Within minutes of kickoff it became clear end-to-end action would be the order of the day.

Fukushima's pacy wingers looked to stretch Ehime with direct runs in behind, but found the visitors' back three holding firm for now. At the other end, Ehime's main threat came from the boots of veteran striker Takamune, although two early efforts flew narrowly wide.

As the first half developed, it was Fukushima who began to command more of the possession. Midfield schemer Suzuki pulled the strings adeptly from the center of the park, finding pockets of space and keeping things ticking over.

One of Suzuki's incisive through balls picked out Kanazawa on the left flank. He cut inside sharply, flummoxing his marker, and drilled a low effort towards the far post which the goalkeeper did well to palm away under pressure.

From the resulting corner, Fukushima's pressure told as the ball was only half-cleared to the edge of the box where Otomo smashed home a fierce 20-yard strike that found the top corner 聾. Cue pandemonium in the stands as the home faithful celebrated the opener.

Fukushima continued to keep their foot on the gas after the restart, knowing Ehime would up their game. Some stout defending and committed challenges kept the away side at bay, although Takamune continued to probe for an equalizer, having a shot tipped over.

As the match entered its final stages, fatigue started to set in for both camps. Chances continued to come and go as each team searched for a decisive goal. Substitute Ito looked to have secured victory for Fukushima deep into stoppage time, neatly converting a rebound after the keeper saved his initial strike, but the offside flag spared Ehime's blushes.

In the end, Fukushima had done enough to claim the three points, moving them up to fifth place. For Ehime, there are certainly positives to take despite the loss as they push for a playoff spot themselves. Both teams will now look ahead to their next league assignments, hoping to maintain momentum. - https://mbscore.tv/match/fukushima-united-vs-ehime-18778035