Haddington went into last Saturday’s derby against Musselburgh Athletic at Olive Bank, full of confidence following a good second half performance against Penicuik Athletic the previous Saturday. Manager Scott Bonar named an unchanged starting eleven and listed Keir Russell, Ross Young, and Gabri Auriemma amongst the substitutes.
There was a good travelling support present amongst the big crowd and they saw their side make a positive start. The Hi Hi’s should have taken an early lead when Burgh goalkeeper Laing brought down Guy McGarry on the edge of the box and a penalty kick was awarded. Young Robbie Peffers stepped up after converting one against Pencuik but on this occasion his shot was wide of Laing’s right hand post. However not long after the visiting supporters were given something to cheer about when Gary Windram broke through and beat Laing at the second attempt. However the lead was shortlived as slack play in the visitors defence saw Smith equalise from close range. The visitors continued to cause the home side problems and they regained the lead when Windram and King combined on the left to set up Guy McGarry for an easy finish. It looked as though Haddington would take this lead into the break but just minutes before half time Smith headed powerfully past McLellan to restore parity.
The visitors made a bright start to the second half but they started on to struggle on a difficult surface that was deteriorating as the game progressed. Musselburgh started to take a grip in the middle of the park and they had the visiting defence under pressure. Two scrambled goals just after the hour mark saw the home side move two goals clear and they held onto this lead until the end of the match.
