By SEAN ELLICOTT

Bentleigh Greens have moved to the top of the PlayStation 4 NPL Victoria table after a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Northcote City FC at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex on Friday night.

Greens skipper Wayne Wallace sent the hosts into the break with a 1-0 lead before three second half goals from Chris Lucas, Daniel Visevic and Matt Thurtell secured the result.

Northcote were forced to finish the match with only ten men following an incident on the stroke of half time, which resulted in youngster Aron Handakas receiving his marching orders.

Despite holding the numerical advantage for the second half, Bentleigh assumed control for majority of the contest.

Thirteen minutes was all Bentleigh had to wait for its first as Wallace tapped home a delicate build up from the Greens.

Northcote though proved resilient in the final third, testing Alastair Bray from range on the odd occasion.

But the visitors were dealt a blow moments before the break.

An altercation in the penalty area between Handakas and Luke Pilkington saw the former dismissed.

The referee's assistant spotted an infringement which saw Pilkington fall to the turf.

After the restart, Bentleigh capitalised on its numerical advantage with a second after 55 minutes.

Jack Webster's lob released Thurtell inside the penalty area, as the latter cut back to set up Chris Lucas for an easy finish.

Seven minutes later and the Greens added to their tally.

In his 50th league appearance for the club, substitute Jamie De Abreu provided a swift cross for Daniel Visevic to fire home from close range.

NPL Victoria's joint-leading goalscorer Matt Thurtell then completed the result in the final minutes of regulation time.

Liam McCormick provided the final ball as the striker neatly finished past Christopher Theodoridis into the bottom corner.

Victory sees Bentleigh move to the top of the table and continue it's undefeated start to the season heading into next week's derby against Oakleigh Cannons.

Ninth place Northcote City entertain South Melbourne next Sunday at John Cain Memorial Park.

Match details

Bentleigh Greens 4 (Wallace 13', Lucas 55', Visevic 63', Thurtell 86') defeated Northcote City 0 [HT 1-0].

Bentleigh Greens XI: 21. Alastair BRAY (GK), 2. Tom MATTHEWS (11. Dion KIRK 67'), 5. Jack WEBSTER, 6. Liam McCORMICK, 8. Wayne WALLACE (4. Troy RUTHVEN 46'), 9. Chris LUCAS (7. Jamie De Abreu 55'), 10. Tyson HOLMES, 18. Matt THURTELL, 19. Daniel VISEVIC, 24. Luke PILKINGTON, 36. Steven TOPALOVIC.

Unused Substitutes: 1. Ryan SCOTT (GK), 20. Davide Cardamone.

Yellow Cards: McCormick (17')

Red Cards: None.

Northcote City XI: 22. Christopher THEODORIS (GK), 4. Jacob ELIOPOULIS, 12. Jordan WILKES (3. Mitchell BISSINGER 76'), 2. Hayden D'AGOSTINO, 19. Ryan GO, 10. Marino GASPARIS (14. Anthony RAMZY 76'), 20. Nicholas KOKOLAKIS, 7. Jason HAYNE (11. Evan KOUNAVELIS 62'), 23. Jonathan BOUNAS, 18. Aron HANDAKAS, 8. James KALIFATIDIS,

Unused Substitutes: 1. Mason INTERLANDI (GK), 5. Gregory LOMBARDO.

Yellow Cards: Kalifatidis (33'), Theodoridis (44'), Elipoulis (73').

Red Cards: Handakas (45').