By Jonty Ralphsmith
The song was sung proudly after the game.
After more than two months of losses reached its darkest day last week against Hampton Park, Pakenham is on the board in 2023.
Playing at home on Saturday afternoon against fellow strugglers Barton, Pakenham showed that they had spine and were going to take it up to the visitors.
After getting on top, Pakenham was able to maintain the ascendancy, with Albert Mambo finding the back of the net three times.
The result was a nod to the strength of character of those around the club who have stuck with the course despite the challenges.
Bunyip District, meanwhile, had a high-scoring 4-4 draw with Aspendale.
Bunyip District led 3-1 at halftime before Aspendale clawed their way back and even found the lead for nine minutes before the hosts levelled it after 75 minutes.
Casey had a 5-0 win over Mount Martha which played the second half with 10 men, while Hampton Park’s 5-2 win over Mentone affirmed its top spot.
Results R11: Aspendale 4 v Bunyip District 4, Mount Eliza 0 v Rosebud 1, Pakenham United 5 v Barton 2, Hampton Park United Sparrows 5 v Mentone 2, Casey 5 v Mount Martha 0.
Ladder: Hampton Park United Sparrows 28, Rosebud 22, Aspendale 22, Mentone 18, Casey Panthers 16, Bunyip District 16, Seaford 13, Mount Martha 12, Mount Eliza 10, Pakenham 3, Barton 1.
Fixture R12: Mount Eliza v Seaford, Bunyip District v Mount Martha, Mentone v Barton United, Casey Panthers v Hampton Park United Sparrows, Rosebud v Pakenham.
