Persija beats Persiraja, takes lead

JAKARTA (JP): Persija now leads the western division of the 2001 Bank Mandiri soccer league after defeating visitors Persiraja Banda Aceh at the Lebak Bulus Stadium, South Jakarta, Wednesday.

Persija striker Widodo C. Putro produced the home team's sole goal two minutes before the final whistle blew to put Persija on top of the standings with 17 points.

Play maker Luciano Leandro fed Bambang Pamungkas the ball who directly gave it to Widodo. Widodo kicked the ball into the net despite the best efforts of Persiraja goalie Sukirmanto.

Referee Ahmadi issued two yellow cards to Jody Kartika and Ibrahim Hehanusa of Persiraja, Antara reported. (yan)