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Camden Sports - by STEVE BARNETT
Published: 22 January 2009

Divison Three newcomers Pakenham

League’s new boys look giant-killers!

Rampant Pakenham set the pace in our Sunday League Challenge Cup

NEWCOMERS Pakenham continued their dream start in the Camden Sunday League at the weekend when they sealed a comprehensive victory over the Constitution to reach the final of our prestigious Challenge Cup.
The Division Three debutants are the only side left in the entire league still boasting a 100 per cent record, leaving them on track for a tremendous treble as they also chase the league title and the Junior Cup.
So far Pakenham have proved they are a match for anyone after winning all nine of their league games, scoring an incredible 74 goals while conceding just seven along the way.
They have also beaten three Division One sides on route to the Challenge Cup final.
On Sunday the free scoring high-fliers were at it again when they took on an experienced Constitution side at Hackney Marshes. In a closely fought first-half, the Cons were denied the lead from the penalty spot when Pakenham goalkeeper Jack Carter pulled off a magnificent save to leave the game goalless at the break.
Pakenham came out with renewed spirit in the second-half and took the lead when a dangerous cross from Daniel Wright left strike partner Jaron Robinson with a simple tap in.
With the Constitution reeling, Robinson quickly doubled the advantage when he headed home from close range.
In the final minutes of the match Pakenham wrapped up a 3-0 victory when Tony Hunn used his pace on the right-wing to create space and whip in a perfect cross for Robinson, who completed his hat-trick to take his personal tally to 33 goals so far this season.
Pakenham will now play Cobden Athletic in the final, which will take place at Cockfosters Stadium on Sunday March 1.
Cobden caused a mighty upset of their own at the weekend when they beat Challenge Cup holders Reddot to book their place in the final.
Having never beaten the Dots before, Cobden went into the game as certain underdogs. The game remained goalless in the first 45 minutes, and it seemed more and more likely that the unthinkable could happen as the second-half got underway.
Within minutes of the restart Jason Williams released Kaleb King, who showed great composure to fire Cobden into a surprising lead. Reddot rallied and continued to put pressure on Cobden keeper Martin Halpin.
But as they pushed forward for the all important equaliser the Dots got caught on the counter attack, which ended with Patrick Jones being upended in the box.
Ryan Harley stepped up and smashed home the penalty to give Cobden the breathing space that their battling performance deserved.
Reddot pulled a goal back late on when Steven Bruce scored a spectacular 25-yard free-kick to set up a nervous finish.
The Dots, bidding for their fourth Challenge Cup triumph in five years, thought they had snatched a last gasp equaliser when goalkeeper Jimmy Russell joined the attack in the final seconds for a throw-in.
But his goal-bound effort was cleared off the line as Cobden held out to secure a thrilling 2-1 win.
After the game Reddot manager Micky Dowsett said: “Obviously we are disappointed not to make the final. We had our hearts set on completing a memorable hat-trick of wins in the competition.
“We wish both Cobden and Pakenham all the best in the final.”

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