The Hi Hi’s young Under 20 squad have produced some good performances in their league matches so far this season, but wins have been elusive against more experienced opponents. Tonight they travelled to Links Park, Montrose to play a ‘home’ tie against Lossiemouth United in the Scottish Youth Cup, the SFA having arbitrated on the venue after the clubs couldn’t agree on a date and venue after Lossiemouth refused to make the long trip to Haddington for a Friday evening tie.
As this cup is an under 18 competition, manager Willie Sives and his young squad travelled the 110 miles to Montrose in a confident mood. They started the match well but suffered a double blow around the 20 minute mark when Lossiemouth scored two goals in what was virtually their first two attacks.
Haddington faced an uphill struggle but deservedly pulled a goal back in the 32nd minute through Jay Boyd Hampshire. When Daniel Lennie scored a close range equaliser in the 65th minute, Haddington blew the tie wide open. The winner arrived in the 79th minute when Russell Bowers provided a perfect finish.
The Hi Hi’s saw out the match and made a bit of history by reaching the last 16 of the Scottish Youth Cup for the first time. There are some big names left in the competition and Haddington are hoping for another home tie – this time closer to home!
