By JARROD POTTER
CARDINIA Shire was in the winner’s seat for soccer this week as Pakenham and Bunyip seniors both claimed victory.
A lacklustre first-half didn’t pay dividends for Pakenham as chances from the Cougars forwards didn’t hit the back of the net against Brighton SC.
Brighton scrambled to defend against the Cougar onslaught, but nothing Pakenham ticked off achieved much of note.
The second half panned out better for the yellow-and-blue chargers as captain Keegan Bloomfield streamed forward only to be brought down to earn a penalty.
Brushing off the grass from Cardinia Recreation Reserve, Bloomfield calmly slotted the goal to take a 1-0 lead and strike what would be the match-winner.
Pakenham moves up to second on the FFV Metropolitan League 4 South East ladder with a 3-2 record and a plus-four goal difference.
An away win for Bunyip Strikers kept the Cardinia Shire full of triumph this weekend as the Strikers claimed a 2-0 win over Old Scotch Golds.
Daniel Burski secured the early lead for the Strikers before a Jody Cooper foul claimed the victory.
Bunyip sits fourth in Metropolitan 6 South East and face Eastern Park at home on Sunday from 1pm.
Pakenham’s reserves fell 1-2 to Skye United while the women’s team had a horror time against Warragul United to concede 17 goals.
The next challenge for the Cougars seniors is an away clash against Bayside Argonauts at 1.30pm at Shipston Reserve in Cheltenham on Sunday, the reserves face Middle Park at Albert Park and the women face Mornington away.
