Dumfries travelled to Titwood to take on table toppers Clydesdale 5s. The men in red knew it would be a really tough test having already suffered a 13-1 drubbing at home earlier in the season to the Glasgow youngsters. But, the boys know that the season isn't about results and a better scoreline would be seen as a victory.

With only one natural defender in the squad, captain I Callander and Kershaw dropped back to bolster the back line.

Dumfries started the game brightly allowing little in the way of chances to the opposition. Bennett, J Callander and Carr provided goo options in the forward line for Pedersen, Harris, Law, Dunse and Holmes who played in the midfield areas. Dale would open the scoring after 15 mins when a controversial free hit was awarded, the ball found its way to the back post and was slotted past Turner in goals. Dumfries kept the heads up and worked really hard but were stung by two late goals in the half. The first a ferocious reverse strike cannoning in off the post from a narrow angle and the third a deflection right infront of Turner leaving him with no chance. Half time, 0-3.

Half time talk was positive, all of the boys remembering back to half time in September when the score was 0-6!

Second half started well for Dumfries. A long pass from the back was deflected by the Dale defender and broke loose. The electric pace of Bennett went after it like a greyhound out the traps. But as he was bearing down on the D, he pulled his glute and that was the end of his game and Dale cleared with ease. The Glasgow side would add a 4th goal from a great square ball to the striker on the back post, 0-4. Not to be deterred, Dumfries would get a goal back courtesy of I Callander. He took the free hit from his own D, carried the ball forward the full length of the pitch. With no passing options available, he rifled a back stick shot into the top corner, 1-4. Dumfries stood firm with a handful of saves by Turner, and the back line of Joyce, I Callander and Kershaw repelling anything that came their way. But a fifth goal would come when a Dale striker found himself loose in the D, his complete mis-hit popped into the air and Turner was unable to adjust his feet to make the save. Full time 1-5.

Although it was another loss, there is huge improvement in confidence and levels of play across the team. And a huge improvement on the score from earlier in the season. Player of the match was awarded to F Pedersen for his hard work throughout the game.

Thanks, as always, to our friends at Clydesdale for the hospirality post match amd for providing the umpires. The game was played in great spirit with both sides keen to develop the future generations of hockey players.

Next up for the young 3s is a home match against Dumfries 2s. Last time out the youngsters came out on top with a 2-1 victory but the 2s will be keep for revenge this time out. The game is at KGV on Saturday, 12:30 push back.