Haddington opened their competitive season at Millfield last Saturday when they entertained Crossgates Primrose at Millfield. The Fifers have come a long way since they had to take a year out in one of their final seasons as a junior club, and now boast one of the strongest squads in the league. They had won their final two pre season matches by 5-0 and arrived at Millfield full of confidence. Their starting line up included defenders, Steven Anderson, formerly of St Johnstone, and Craig Reid ex Tranent Juniors.
Home manager Scott Bonar included 4 of his 5 new signings in the starting line up. Mikey Robertson, Aaron Ponton, Gary Windram and Mark McGovern made their competitive debuts and former Spartans loanee, Joe Tait, was on the bench. Once again there was a good crowd in Millfield and as expected, this was a tight encounter. The Hi Hi’s broke the deadlock in the 37th minute when Mark McGovern scored from 20 yards following a good move up the right. The home side made a positive start to the second half and another new boy, Gary Windram, got himself on the scoresheet in the 56th minute when he cut in from the right and beat the Crossgates ‘keeper with a low shot from the edge of the box. The visitors never gave up and a Robertson challenge in the box in the 73rd minute was deemed a foul and Crossgates were awarded a penalty. Campbell handed his side a lifeline when he scored from the spot. Haddington were now put under some pressure as Crossgates chased an equaliser but the Hi Hi’s always looked dangerous on the break and Guy McGarry sealed the points with an individual effort five minutes from time. In fact only the post prevented him from adding another in time added on. The Fifers had won in the corresponding match last season so this was a good three points for the home side.
