NIIGATA (Interstat) — Kazuyoshi Shimabuku scored in the 82nd minute to give Albirex a 1-0 victory over Fujieda in a J2 League match Friday at Denka Big Swan Stadium.

Albirex improved to 1-0 in league play and across all competitions, while Fujieda dropped to 0-1 in both.

The decisive goal came with eight minutes remaining in regulation. Shimabuku’s strike ended a tense, scoreless contest that was marked by two yellow cards. Yusuke Onishi was cautioned in the 52nd minute, and Kota Watanabe received a booking in the 60th.

Fujieda pushed for an equalizer in the closing stages but could not find the breakthrough despite several late chances, allowing Albirex to secure all three points at home. Albirex’s defense limited Fujieda to few clear-cut opportunities. The result gives Albirex an early advantage in the J2 League standings, while Fujieda will look to bounce back in its next fixture on the road against Kataller on Aug. 28.