After a disappointing narrow loss the previous week, the Unicorns went into this fixture against Herne Bay Development hoping to bounce back with a positive result. Supported by a full complement of adults and a strong line up of boys, they were ready to go. However the opposition arrived with age and experience on their side -"developmental" in the sense they hadn't played hockey in a while.

While the Unicorns started strongly, very quickly they found themselves 2-0 down, and a third soon following. However once the lads had recovered from the shock, they got into their groove, and started to dominate the opposition, playing much of the ball in the opposition half. Soon, a quick restart from the back resulted in some good play involving Bollingbrooke, Henry, and Stuart Marnham, before Edward was played in and rounded the keeper followed by a reverse flick, pushed the ball into the goal - his first goal of the season. Shortly after, some nifty stick work by Henry cut through the Herne Bay defence, before he was scythed down and a penalty stroke awarded. Henry collected the ball with confidence and placed it on the spot, ready to go, but was made to wait as the opposition captain remonstrated and prolonged the tension, before he was given a 2-minute break by the umpires - the only green card of the game. Finally given the opportunity, Henry's attempt was brilliantly saved by the keeper. Despite the setback, Henry displayed great character and effort through the rest of the game to keep his side going.

Into half-time, the lads had some hope, knowing they were now the better team, but Herne Bay changed tactics and ran hard at the Unicorns, and outnumbered the defensive unit, and were awarded a penalty corner, their first of the game. Their captain strode up and with a thunderous strike smashed the ball into the left hand corner of the goal. While the Unicorns continued to work hard, few chances were created, and slowly Herne Bay began to dominate and outnumber the defence with attacking waves, before scoring another two goals.

The fixture ended 6-1, the lads dejected, but were again complimented by the opposition for the way they applied themselves and the strength our Unicorns will bring to the future of our club.

The attacker of the day was awarded to goalscorer Edward, and the defender of the day was awarded to Blackman jnr.

Next week, the Unicorns travel to Sittingbourne to play Gore Court at 4.30, before the half-term break.