The Hi Hi’s had their second competitive meeting with Lowland League side Civil Service Strollers, when the sides met at Millfield last Saturday in the first round of the South Challenge Cup. Haddington had won the first encounter 11 days previously when they won 2-1 at Marine Drive in the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup. A reaction was expected from the Tier 5 side and they started the stronger on a sunny, but blustery, day at Millfield. The capital side dominated the early stages and they moved ahead in the 21st minute when goalkeeper Campbell McLellan was given no chance from around 12 yards. The Hi Hi’s sprung into action and Joe Tait came close before they equalised with a tremendous solo effort from right back Corey Robertson. Shortly after the restart Riley Haston played in Dylan Tait and he put the home side ahead with a neat finish.
Civil tried hard to force an equaliser but Haddington defended well and ‘keeper McLellan took the eye with a couple of good saves. An interesting fact emerged – of the side that beat Crossgates on the opening day of the season, only four started last Saturday.
