The Hi Hi’s were favourites to beat Perth side Kinnoull at Millfield last night to set up a home East of Scotland Qualifying Cup semi final against Gala Fairydean Rovers. However all that changed in the first 10 minutes of the match. Kinnoull grabbed a goal in the first five minutes and worse was to follow minutes later when Gabri Auriemma was ordered off for dissent. To their credit ten man Haddington took the game to their opponents and were unlucky not be level at half time. Rorared on by a crowd of around 250, the home side dominated the opening stages of the second half and they were rewarded by two Guy McGarry goals. However in a rare attack Kinnoull equalised in 75 minutes and even an extra 30 minutes failed to separate the sides. Shaun Hill came closest to breaking the deadlock but he failed to capitalise on a good chance in the closing minutes. So it went to penalties and unfortunately Seamus Russell saw his kick saved and with Kinnoull scoring all five that was enough to send the Perth side through to the last four.
Manager Scott Bonar must now focus on gaining promotion after two successive quarter final defeats. The Hi Hi’s travel to Gorebridge on Saturday to face Arniston Rangers in a Conference A match and the Millfield side know that they cannot afford any slip ups in their last five league matches.
