Apologies for the late update. A few weeks on and it’s still disappointing to have to report on two painful cup final defeats. However the club are delighted that both our first team and our U20s made it through to cup finals and both sides gave their all in the two matches. Whilst their was obvious disappointment in both camps, both teams enjoyed the backing of big supports and the supporters recognised that all of the players had given their all.
First up were the U20s who faced an older St Andrews United side at Station Park in Livingston. The proximity of the senior team’s final meant that coach Graham Marron was without first team players Robbie Peffers and Lucas McGarry who have both played for the U20s this season. So it was a young Hi Hi’s side that took the field and they were two up inside 15minutes, both scored by Riley Haston. The Fifers quickly pulled one back and levelled right on the half time whistle. Haddington improved after the break and two super goals saw them restore their two goal lead with just under 20 minutes to play. First Riley Haston completed a cup final hat-trick with a superlative free kick struck from wide on the right giving the goalkeeper little chance. Then Logan Thomas matched this goal when he cut in from the right and beat the goalkeeper with a dipping shot from fully 22 yards. The Hi Hi’s appeared to be well in control but a breakaway goal in the 80th minute gave St Andrews hope and they equalised in time added on. The match went straight to penalties with young goalkeeper Adam McDonald harshly penalised for making a save and then being beaten by the re-take.This was to prove crucial as the sides were level after five penalties and when the Hi Hi’s missed their sixth, St Andrews took full advantage. The young Hi Hi’s certainly deserved a better fate.
Next up on the Saturday was the Hi Hi’s first team as they travelled to Denny to meet Sauchie Juniors in the final of the League Cup at ‘neutral’ Westfield Park, home of Dunipace FC. A good crowd turned out on a hot day and it was the Hi Hi’s who struck the first blow when Lucas McGarry headed in a Robbie Peffers corner at the back post with less than ten minutes played. Joe Tait came close when his shot from the left beat the goalkeeper but inched past the far post. Sauchie turned the game on its head just past the half hour mark when Docherty netted twice to put his side ahead. Haddington withstood some Sauchie pressure in the opening stages of the second half but they defended well. Haddington missed several good chances to equalise before right back Corey Robertson sent the Haddington support wild when he equalised with a powerful shot in time added on. In strength sapping conditions Sauchie regained the lead in the first period of the extra time, and despite their best efforts the Hi Hi’s just failed to take the tie to extra time. There was certainly no disgrace in losing to a strong Sauchie side and the roar that went up following Robertson’s late equaliser will live in the mind for a long time! Credit to manager Scott Bonar, his coaches and his players for their efforts this season.
