By David Nagel
Pakenham United sits loudly and proudly at the top of the Men’s State League 5 South ladder after a season-opening 5-0 thumping of Rosebud at IYU Reserve in Pakenham.
A scintillating hat-trick from former NPL player Sash Saric highlighted United’s dominant display, which showed signs of igniting in the first half before properly exploding after half time.
Saric put his first in the back of the net after 27 minutes, giving the home side a tenuous, but positive, 1-0 lead at the break.
Rosebud tightened things up at the start of the second half, not conceding a second goal until the 65th minute, but then all hell broke loose.
Saric secured his double with a glorious strike, then a minute later repeated the dose to put this hat-trick on the board and give United a 3-0 lead.
Saric was substituted with 16 minutes left to play but it didn’t stop Pakenham from continuing its rampage.
Patrick Flomo struck in the 79th minute before former junior Nickhil Kumar finished off the job with his first senior goal with five minutes left of regulation time.
Simon Johnstone-Robertson was a star for Pakenham on the weekend, while exciting 15-year-old prospect Mohamed Kargbo really impressed after coming on late for Saric.
And while the scoreline looked impressive, it could have been a lot tighter if not for the outstanding effort of goal-keeper Harry Wightman, who made several key saves.
United president Chris Gomez said it was exciting to see some new players at the club really delivering under new manager Liam McCafferty.
“We have quite a few new players, some good quality players who are buying in to what Liam wants to do and there’s a really good buzz around the club at the moment,” Gomez said.
“We’ve had a great pre-season, and hopefully an undisturbed season this year which is good, and people are just happy to back on the pitch, playing football again, and people are putting their hand up to volunteer.”
Gomez said the size of the win, and style of football, had everyone at the club excited.
“The feeling around the place was absolutely amazing,” he said.
“We put on some food a few soft drinks for the players after the game and the place was just buzzing.
“We had some friendly games here on Sunday and the players were still buzzing and talking about how good the atmosphere was and how well they played.
“We’re building a strong culture, both through our juniors and seniors, and there’s a great feeling around the place right now.”
Gomez also extends an open invitation to the community of Pakenham to come down and support their local club.
“We’re a friendly club who welcomes anyone to come down and enjoy our hospitality,” Gomez said.
“We have a canteen and bar, so it’s a great afternoon in a very friendly environment.”
Pakenham returns to IYU Reserve this Saturday to take on White Star Dandenong, who suffered an entertaining 2-3 loss to Mentone on Saturday.
The game kicks off at 3pm.
MEN’S STATE LEAGUE 5 SOUTH
Results – Round 1
White Star Dandenong 2 v Mentone 3, Barton United 1 v Hampton Park 0, Bunyip 5 v Endeavour Hills 1, South East United 0 v Mt Martha 0, Pakenham United 5 v Rosebud 0, Casey Panthers 0 v Aspendale 2.
Fixture – Round 2
Barton United v Mt Martha, Pakenham v White Star Dandenong, Hampton Park v Casey Panthers, Mentone v Bunyip, Endeavour Hills v Aspendale, Rosebud v South East United.
