Haddington rounded off an interesting 2021 with a Conference A match against neighbours Ormiston at Millfield last night. History was made as this was the Hi Hi’s first midweek floodlit game on front of spectators and almost 300 people turned up to witness a dominant display from the home side. Manager Scott Bonar was without Dale Cornet, Corey Robertson, Nik Aitchieson and skipper Gabri Auriemma but still fielded a strong side. The home side dominated from the start and the only surprise was how long it took them to break the deadlock. They forced corner after corner and it looked like it might be goalless at the break but Shaun Hill broke the deadlock in the closing minutes of the half. Minutes later Guy McGarry soared to meet a corner from the right and the 2 – 0 half time scoreline hardly flattered the home side. The second half again was all one way traffic and it was damage limitation for the visitors. Ali Simpson made it three with a neat finish in the 50th minute and the three goal cushion allowed manager Bonar to ring the changes. Seamus Russell, Robbie King, Jack Neilson and Ano Subasic were all introduced at various points as the home pressure continued. Ormiston goalkeeper Keiran Beveridge, a one time Haddington signing, pulled off some good saves but was unable to prevent further goals from Russell and Jones. So Haddington end the year with a four point lead over second placed Leith Athletic and with these teams still to meet in the league, the outcome of these two matches could be pivotal in deciding the one guaranteed promotion spot.
The HiHi’s will make history again next Saturday, 8th January, when they play their first competitive match in England. They travel to meet Tweedmouth Rangers at Old Shielfield in a Conference A match that has a 2.00pm kick off and with a large number of supporters planning to travel south, Haddington expect to have their biggest following in a league game for many years.
