By Jonty Ralphsmith
Pakenham showed it was up to the test against Hampton Park, playing out a 3-3 draw with the top-side in a late-season show of spirit.
After going through a purple patch for three weeks through the middle of the season, United has since struggled to stay with teams, but once again showed there’s cause for optimism in 2024.
It was 2-2 at halftime, before a tense second half played out
Meanwhile, Casey had a 5-2 win over Mentone.
It was the home side that got on the board first after 14 minutes, but from there Casey had all the running.
They found the back of the net three minutes later, and then again with a converted penalty after 25 minutes.
They were up 3-2 at halftime and continued on in the second half.
Bunyip, meanwhile, suffered a 2-1 loss to Seaford.
Results: Mount Martha 1 v Aspendale 0, Mount Eliza 5 v Barton 1, Mentone 2 v Casey 5, Seaford 2 v Bunyip 1, Pakenham 3 v Hampton Park 3, Seaford 2 v Bunyip 1
Ladder: Hampton Park 50, Mentone 39, Seaford 37, Aspendale 32, Rosebud 32, Casey 29, Bunyip 29, Mount Martha 28, Mount Eliza 16, Pakenham 9, Barton 1
Fixture: Barton v Pakenham, Mentone v Hampton Park, Mount Martha v Casey, Bunyip v Aspendale, Rosebud v Mount Eliza
