By Jonty Ralphsmith
Pakenham claimed its biggest scalp of the season at IYU Recreation Reserve on Saturday afternoon, knocking off the previously undefeated Seaford 3-2 in a gritty performance in the State League 5 South competition.
Yaseen Laghmane scored the sealing goal in the 86th minute, with Seaford getting a chance to repel with the last play of the game, but some staunch Ryan Woolf defence ensured the hosts emerged victorious.
It was a brilliant showing of Pakenham’s spirit, with Seaford outplaying them in the first half, yet the teams went into the break deadlocked at 1-1.
Kyle Tagwireyi gave United the lead four minutes into the second half, but, as has plagued them for much of the season, they conceded just a minute after scoring.
Positively, they were able to arrest the momentum shift, giving themselves several opportunities to take the lead once more, before eventually converting late in the piece.
“The boys settled down, moved the ball well and the fitness was starting to show out so I think as the second half went on, it looked more and more likely we would find the winner and we were persistent so found a goal to put us ahead,” coach Dean Alburey said.
“The win was a good step in the right direction.”
United sit in fourth spot on the table with three wins, two draws and two losses, 11 points adrift of top-placed Fortuna 60.
“Technically speaking, it wasn’t the best we’ve played,” Alburey reflected.
“Seaford are a strong, physical outfit and they were determined to try to bully the boys out of the game and seemed to identify that we usually struggle with physicality.
“They came in with the game plan of making it scrappy but the lads were able to work really hard for a result.
“It was that tough, scrappy win that has been alluding us so it was nice to have one go our way.
“Hopefully it gives the boys belief that we can get through those challenges and it puts us back in good stead and touching distance, we just need to maintain it.”
Pakenham takes on fifth-placed Casey this Friday night at IYU Recreation Reserve, with kick-off at 8.30pm.
