AN emphatic second half display from the Melbourne Knights saw them stroll to a comfortable 4-0 victory against Frankston Pines.

The win consolidates top spot on the Foxtel Cup ladder for the Knights.

The match began in an unimpressive fashion, neither side able to create any clear cut chances on goal, or indeed impose themselves in any great fashion on the contest.

In the 25th minute a cross from the left found Knights striker Andrew Barisic unmarked on the six yard box, but he was unable to direct his volley on target.

This provided the only excitement of note for a healthy crowd eager to see their team take a lead into half time.

Despite struggling to break down a well organized Frankston back four, the Knights ultimately would find a goal in the shadows of half time.

A superb cross field ball released 13 into an acre of space.

With just the keeper to beat, his low shot from a slight angle found itself nestled into the back of the net, via a kiss from the inside of the far post.

Frankston were now clearly deflated after conceding so close to the break, and almost found themselves two down, Cameron Watson striking his shot just wide of the left upright for the Knights.

Clearly rattled by a blistering finish to the half from the Knights, a frustrated Frankston began to make a few rash challenges.

Frankston’s cause was not helped when Adam Fadljevic was sent from the pitch, leaving them a man down.

The second half was always going to be struggle for the Pines and their traveling supporter's.

Within 20 minutes of the resumption of play, the Pines fears were realized and the points secure for the Knights.

Firstly Joseph Spiteri nodded home from close range following a classy delivery from the left flank in the 48th minute.

And the points were sealed in the 63rd, a superb thru ball released Barisic on to goal, his skilful chip eluded the oncoming goalkeeper and allowed him to tap home his second and the Knights third.

Frankston, to its credit, credit continued to toil for a goal to re-ignite the match and provide a glimmer of hope for a late come back.

However despite their best efforts, Knights keeper remained untested throughout the duration of the match, Frankston unable to manufacture a single clear cut chance throughout the 90 minutes.

The Knights on the other hand looked intimidating with each surge forward, and in the 70th minute, the job was complete, Barisic clinically slotting home a header into the top corner of the goal to complete the rout and his double.