The Hi Hi’s maintained their unbeaten record when they beat South of Scotland League side Abbey Vale in the Challenge Cup at Millfield last Saturday. This was Haddington’s first victory at the third time of asking in what has become one of the biggest non league competitions now that most of the former West junior clubs have joined the new West of Scotland League.
Manager Joe Hamill had to shuffle the pack with several players missing and he handed debuts to goalkeeper Robbie Stirling and young striker Jack Neilson and he brought both Guy McGarry and Shaun Hill into the starting line up. Young Robbie King, recalled from a loan spell with Eyemouth, was on the bench.
Both sides had chances in a competitive first half. Robbie Stirling prevented his side from falling behind when he pulled off an impressive double save, and Ryan Hutchison was unlucky to see an effort hit the bar. Haddington made a positive start to the second half under the Millfield lights and they moved two ahead within fifteen minutes of the restart. Gordon Harris opened the scoring from a well worked corner in the 53rd minute, and then Hutchison doubled the lead with an individual effort. Slack play presented Abbey Vale with a lifeline when McKenna pulled one back with just under 20 minutes left. There was to be only one more goal and it was scored by the home side in the final minute when #hill provided the finishing touch to a quick counter attack.
The Hi Hi’s unbeaten run will be tested tomorrow when they travel to Fife to play league newcomers Kennoway Star Hearts in a Conference A game at Treaton Park. The last time that these two sides met Haddington came from three down to claim a point in an East Region Premier League game.