Haddington made the short trip to Olive Bank last Saturday to face championship favourites Musselburgh Athletic in their first East Lothian derby match of the season. Their task was made harder by the absence of both captain Nick Aitchison and striker Grant Rose. Manager Scott Bonar also made changes following two home defeats at the hands of Jeanfield Swifts and Sauchie. Gary Windram started in unfamiliar role up front but his energy put the home defence under pressure. Goalkeeper Robbie Stirling, making his first competitive start since returning to the club, pulled off a good early save but it was the Hi Hi’s who had the better chances in a tight first half. Tom Davies failed to beat the Burgh goalkeeper from close range and then Seamus Russell forced another good save.
With the wind behind them in the second half the home side took control and Smith put them ahead with a controlled finish on the hour mark. Then some bad decision making in the home defence presented Smith with a second and Musselburgh saw the game out to take all three points.