Pakenham fought hard but has been beaten 2-1 by top-of-the-table Fortuna 60 in the State League 5 South football competition.
United had the hardest road trip in the league, going down the highway to take on the undefeated side and were disciplined and fired plenty of shots throughout the first half.
The hosts got one just before the main break, but Pakenham was unperturbed, responding in the 62nd minute to level the scores via Albert Mambo.
Fortuna 60 went on to seal it, though, in the 67th minute.
While a disappointing result, it continues a strong trend of competitive hitouts, with the side coming off a trio of wins to prove themselves as one of the form teams of the competition.
The uptick in form as the season progresses is a big tick for a young side, with youth often faltering under the wear and tear of the season.
Pakenham is currently sixth on the table with six wins, two draws and five losses ahead of an away derby against fourth-placed Bunyip.