Reigning champions Myrtleford took care of business in convincing fashion when they faced Albury United at Jelbart Park, banking a 5-0 win thanks to three goals from Matt Park and two from Tom Youngs.

It was a somewhat similar story over at Glen Park, with Wangaratta claiming a 4-2 win.

The result leaves the Savoys still one point ahead of the Red Devils on the league table heading into next weekend's game, though Myrtleford still hold a far superior advantage in goal differential.

The second versus third clash also had implications for the bottom part of the top four, with Melrose levelling with Boomers on points, and staking a claim on third place, again on goal differential.

Despite two good goals from Andrew Grove, the Red Devils were too good, having pulled away to a 2-0 lead at half time.

Despite Grove finding the net soon after the break, the Red Devils’ defence held up, as did their constant forward pressure.

With the team approaching full fitness, coach Mario Antonello said it had been an important match to win.

"You come into these games, top two and top three clashes, and you don't really know what to expect,” he said.

“We did really well against them last time, going 1-0 up before we let them score two goals at the end.

“We've been slowly progressing, getting guys back from injury, so we knew we had a good side going in..

“We knew we had to score, we have to keep the pressure on Myrtleford.

“It's theirs to lose.”

Another chapter in what has been an occasionally spiteful rivalry will be written when the two teams face off at South Wangaratta Reserve next Sunday.

Wangaratta prevailed 2-1 when the sides last met.

Elsewhere in the league, Hotspurs drew to within striking distance of the eighth-placed Cobram, defeating the Roar 4-1.

Luke Dahl struck twice to help the Hotspurs to their sixth win of the season.

Twin City claimed a 3-1 win over the bottom-ranked St Pats, while Melrose were too good for Wodonga Diamonds.

Two goals for Adam Waters and one each to Trent Rixon and Evan Rawluk handed them a convincing victory and some crucial goals as far as the standings go.

The senior men's ladder after round 19 is: Myrtleford 46, Wangaratta 45, Melrose FC 39 (+22), Boomers FC 39 (+13), Albury United 35, Twin City 32 (+19), Albury City, 32 (+13) Cobram Roar 26, Albury Hotspurs 20, Wodonga Diamonds 13, St Pats FC 8.