The start of a good run in the Scottish Cup was the squad’s aim when we made the short trip to Midlothian for a Preliminary Round 2 tie at Kings Park against Dalkeith Thistle on 22 August.
We enjoyed the lion’s share of first half possession and moved the ball around effectively, without creating many clear-cut chances.
Our prospects were boosted just after the half hour mark when Dalkeith Thistle were reduced to 10 men, following a poor challenge on Lewis Walker.
On 40 minutes, Tom Davies broke the hosts’ resilience with a volleyed first-time finish following a chipped ball over the home defence from Luke Kennedy.
We started the second half on the front foot and the early pressure paid off when Gary Windram cut past an opponent into the penalty area on the left, delivering a low ball towards goal which was diverted into the net by a Dalkeith defender.
By and large, we looked comfortable thereafter, but it proved to be a nervy last 10 minutes or so after Dalkeith pulled one back on 79 minutes.
Jamie Smith saved well from a headed effort before Chris Jack picked up a loose ball to hit the ball into the back of the net. We have since been drawn away at Drumchapel United in Preliminary Round Three (to be played on weekend of 12 September).
Scott Bonar said: “Another away victory and, most importantly, our name is in the hat for the next round of the Scottish Cup for the first time in four years. It wasn’t vintage Haddington, but huge credit to the players.
“We were never really in any danger but did what we had to do to get the job done. Credit also to Dalkeith, who made it difficult for us with a determined performance as we tried to break them down.”
As well as securing passage into the next stage of the competition, it was very pleasing to see captain Craig Reid make his first appearance since our final match of 2025 following injury struggles.
