Bentleigh re-took top spot off South Melbourne on Friday (with the latter still yet to play this weekend) in a productive week for the Greens in which they also defeated their nemesis in the FFA Cup during the week. Adrenaline ran high as they then saw off Avondale FC 3-1 at Kingston Heath.
Meanwhile, both Pascoe Vale and Northcote City were coming off wins the week prior, with City breathing down Paco’s necks – only four points behind in their attempt to break free of the relegation. However, Pascoe Vale had other ideas, winning 3-1 at CB Smith Reserve.
It took just two minutes for Davey van’t Schip to slot the ball under Anthony Bouzanis for the lead.
Braedyn Crowley was coming off a five goal match against the Melbourne Knights and Alex Pavlidis had to be on his guard to deny the front man from continuing his good form.
Yet it was van’t Schip who struck again after half an hour to double Pascoe Vale’s lead.
It was essentially game, set and match in the 51st when Adam Nakic rose to head Matt Lazarides’ corner into the goal to make it 3-1
While there was a glimmer of hope for Northcote after a James Papadimitriou goal in the 73rd minute, a second yellow card to Greg Lombardo minutes later dashed those hopes, and Pascoe Vale walked away 3-1 winners, again increasing their gap away from the relegation zone, and now seven points ahead of Northcote.
At Kingston Heath, the Greens looked to be struggling early from their midweek FFA Cup encounter when Jonatan Germano struck in the 21st minute.
However, going behind almost seemed to be the spark to light Bentleigh into life, with Matt Thurtell hitting back to equalise just moments later.
Lambros Honos was fresh from his break due to being cup tied, and he was a constant threat in attacking midfield playing in the likes of Ryan Paczkowski and Chris Lucas.
But it was Paczkowski who delivered to Lucas for a fantastic volleyed finish to then swing the pendulum in the hosts’ favour early in the second half.
Lucas then turned provider to Paczkowski, who finished home to seal the 3-1 victory.
Germano had the opportunity to give the hosts some late nerves, but his spot kick was saved and the follow up was missed.
Bentleigh Greens now sit on top on equal by virtue of goal difference, with South able to re-take the lead if they defeat Bulleen Lions as Lakeside on Sunday.
Image: Graeme Furlong