By JARROD POTTER
WET and wild conditions eventually played into Pakenham United’s hands as the high-flying soccer side took a 1-1 draw with FFV Metropolitan 2 South East championship contender Monash University Caulfield.
The Cougars went into the rare position of trailing early – after a goalmouth scramble was lapped up by the home side in the fifth minute.
From there Pakenham United had its chances but couldn’t find the back of the net as its attacking style failed to create the equaliser.
It would continue that way throughout the first half and well into the second until United forced the ultimate humiliation on the Caulfiedians – with the scholars failing their test by conceding an own goal to level the ledger 1-1.
Pakenham’s finest couldn’t push through to take maximum points, but coach Mario Hilli was pleased with the outcome regardless as the wind made any attempt on goal reliant solely on luck.
“It was one of those miserable days – wet and rainy – but still played well enough to put five or six chances on target,” Hilli said.
“We played well enough to get a point away from home.
“It’s a good result away from home – keeps them seven points away from us with a game in hand and gives us a bit of breathing space with four rounds left.”
Hilli praised the efforts of defensive duo Wayne Schembri and Elijah Gambeau while Keegan Bloomfield continued to create headaches up forward for the opposition.
The Cougars will now face… Monash University… again! But this time the Clayton campus side which will journey down to Ballarto Road on Sunday from 3pm.
Pakenham United’s seconds side was downed 1-5 by Brighton SC Thirds. Bunyip Strikers move into fourth in Metro 6 SE with a 2-0 win over Beaumaris and Bunyip’s seconds had a 1-5 loss to Brandon Park SC.
