Matty Morris-Thomas beat two defenders and slotted past the keeper in the first half to give Pines an early lead that it was able to maintain throughout the spirited encounter.

Assistant coach Billy Rae said the side was defensively tight and that McMinimee, a former Pines junior and seasoned campaigner, played a pivotal role as sweeper.

Langwarrin also returned to winning form in the state league division 1 with a 1-0 win over Whittlesea at Lawton Park on Saturday and moving back into second place on the ladder.

Joe Harris scored in the second half for Langy, which has been battling injuries and other player availability issues over recent weeks.

In the state division 3 derby, Mornington defeated Peninsula Strikers 3-0 with former Pines captain Andrew Skledar scoring a hat-trick for the Seagulls, which have kept the promotion candle flickering with the win.

Skye United remains a promotion chance despite its 2-0 loss to table co-leader Lyndale at Skye Reserve on Saturday. But it will have to produce something special this week against the other frontrunner, Ashburton, which it meets away. Provisional division 3 leader Seaford's winning streak came to an abrupt end, courtesy of second-placed Keysborough, which won 2-0.

There is a whisker between the top five spots in that league and Seaford must regroup this week if it is to maintain the lead in the competition.

This Saturday:

Langwarrin v Pascoe Vale (Lawton Park Reserve); Pines v Knox (Monterey Reserve); Noble Park v Peninsula Strikers (Parkfield Reserve); North Caulfield v Mornington (Caulfield Park); Ashburton v Skye (Ashburton Park); Brighton v Seaford (Dendy Park).