By JARROD POTTER
FOOTBALL FEDERATION VICTORIA – METROPOLITAN 2 SOUTH EAST
“BEATEN”… not a word that’s been associated with Pakenham United at all this Metropolitan 2 South East season, but all good things and unbeaten streaks seemingly always come to an end.
South Yarra took the lead on a sodden, miserable day out at Ballarto Road in the absolute definition of the dying minutes – a real smash and grab effort in the 89th minute finally beating the Cougars’ defence to take the lead and inevitably the victory.
“The conditions didn’t suit us – just was a smash and grab from them in the 89th minute,” Pakenham United coach Mario Hilli said.
“We could’ve scored six or seven goals, but weren’t on target… overall you could tell we did everything but score.
The coach thought skipper Lewy Friend – roaming the defensive end – alongside right back Patrick Nolan and striker Keegan Bloomfield were the best afield for the Cougars.
The loss wasn’t enough to unsettle Pakenham United from the top of the ladder, as the Cougars retain top billing in the division with a five-point buffer over Monash University (Caulfield).
Pakenham United travels to face the ironically named Malvern City FC Thirds – the third ranked side in Metro 2 – on Sunday morning from 11am.
It was a bleak day all around for the Cougars as the Metro 4 side was knocked over 0-4 by East Brighton United.
Bunyip Strikers was knocked over 1-4 by Harrisfield Hurricanes in Metro 6 South East and the Metro 7 side was blasted 0-6 by East Bentleigh.
