The Hi Hi’s did the town proud when they made their Scottish Cup debut at Alloa last Saturday. Buoyed by numerous good luck wishes and some brilliant videos from our younger teams, everyone played their part in this momentous achievement. Opponents BSC Glasgow had reached the last sixteen the previous season and the Lothian League side, who play two tiers above Haddington, were on a good run and scoring goals for fun.
BSC started well as Haddington tried to get to grips with the large playing surface. The home side took the lead with a really good goal in the 6th minute – not the start Haddington wanted. Minutes later Joe Hamill slipped McGarry through and he should have equalised with just the goalkeeper to beat. Ross King came close for the visitors before Athletic goalkeeper Cornet kept BSc out and only the post prevented the Glasgow side doubling their lead on the stroke of half time.
Haddington made two changes at the interval with Ali Simpson and new signing Keith Lough replacing Ryan Hutchison and Ano Subasic. Both players made an impact as a more confident looking Haddington made more of the running. But BSC were dangerous and only another tremendous save from Cornet kept the score at 1- 0. Then it all started to happen. The Hi Hi’s drew level when Shaun Hill’s inswinging corner ended up in the back of the net. Young Robbie King replaced Seamus Russell and his pace started to trouble the home defence. Two goals in as many minutes turned the tie on its head. A low ball into the box was turned in by Aurriema and then a hand ball following a corner, allowed Gordon Harris to score from the spot. Almost immediately McGarry was penalised for a tackle in the box and was sent off having already picked up a yellow card. Cornet was beaten from the spot and BSC tested Cornet on a few occasions as they chased the equaliser. There was a moment of controversy towards the end when Joe Hamill was on the end of some rough treatment from a home player and when the dust settled the referee not only sent off the offender but also sent of the Haddington player/manager – no one knows why! Haddington held out for a famous victory and there were jubilant scenes at the end of the game.
