The Hi Hi’s made the short trip to Musselburgh last Friday evening to play Musselburgh Athletic in the return Premier Division match having shared the points at Millfield in a goalless draw last September. Both sides were keen to bounce back after disappointing home defeats in the Groundhop Weekend games. Haddington in particular had seen an impressive 10 match unbeaten come to an end when Dundonald Bluebell ran out 3 – 1 winners at Millfield.
Manager Scott Bonar made three changes to his team, with Corey Robertson, Lucas McGarry and Joe Tait all returning to the starting line up. As well as changing the team, he also changed tactics after checking the sodden surface at Olive Bank. He sacrificed the Hi hi’s silky soccer for a more direct approach and pushed four players forward in an attempt to unsettle home side, who were reeling from a 4- 0 home defeat at the hands of Broxburn Athletic. There was little between the sides as they battled for superiority and it was something of a surprise when Musselburgh took the lead courtesy of a Smith header. The Hi Hi’s enjoyed the better of the first half chances and only some super saves from goalkeeper Laing kept the visitors at bay.
Haddington took the game to the home side after the interval and ‘Burgh were reduced to relying on counter attacks. Another couple of good chances were squandered before they equalised much to the delight of the big Haddington support in a crowd of over 400. There were 70 minutes on the clock when Lucas McGarry sent a long free kick into the home penalty area, where his partner in central defence, Nick Aitchison, beat goalkeeper Laing all ends up with a tremendous looping header. It was certqinly no more than the visitors deserved, and it could have been better minutes later when substitute Dylan Tait robbed goalkeeper Laing on the edge of his box and his goal attempt was blocked for a corner, when a pass to the unmarked Guy McGarry might have produced a better outcome.
This was a battling performance from the Hi Hi’s who are determined to finish their first campaign in the Premier Division in as high a position as possible.
