The Hi Hi’s gained some revenge over county rivals Dunbar United when they came out on top of a keenly contested League cup tie at Millfield last night. A crowd just short of 400 were expecting the match to go to extra time with the sides locked at one apiece. But there was drama in time added on when a surging run from Hi Hi’s midfield man Seamus Russell was illegally stopped in the Dunbar penalty area and young Robbie Peffers sent the home supporters happy when he converted the pressure penalty. Having missed his last penalty at Olive Bank, the pressure was on the 17year old, but he kept a cool head and confidently dispatched the spot kick high into the net.
Dunbar had started the match well but Haddington gradually played their way into the game and the visitors defence looked decidely shaky when put under pressure. The Hi Hi’s took the lead in the 29th minute when Gary Windram forced an error from a Dunbar defender and Guy McGarry stepped in to score with a well placed shot, much to the delight of the big home support. Dunbar dominated play after the restart and Haddington were pushed back as the Seasiders looked for an equaliser. They held firm until the 70th minute when United substitute Brandon Archibald drove into the box and his shot was deflected past Dale Cornet to give Dunbar a deserved equaliser. To their credit, the Hi Hi’s fought hard and Ali Simpson epitimised the home effort with a bone crunching challenge on Willis Hare. The introduction of young Robbie Peffers made a difference and he had his moment of glory when he sent his side through to a home quarter final tie against Crossgates Primrose. This match will be played at Millfield on Saturday 18th May.
