The Hi Hi’s made their first ever visit to Tulloch Park in Perth last Saturday to play Kinnoull in an East of Scotland Premier Division match. Conditions were far from ideal with heavy rain dominating the majority of the afternoon and the visitors took time to settle on a tight pitch. Haddington looked the likelier side and created a number of openings which they failed to take. Seamus Russell came closest when his shot came back off the bar with the goalkeeper beaten. As so often happens Kinnoull scored against the run of play when Cornet was beaten by a header from a corner. This goal energised the home side and Cornet did well to prevent a second home goal.
The second half was mainly one way traffic as Haddington pushed forward at every opportunity. Kinnoull defended doggedly but the pressure paid off in the 59th minute following one of the best moves of the game. Gabri Auriemma netted from around 10 yards after the goalkeeper blocked his initial effort. The Hi Hi’s then went on a goal spree with Gary Windram quickly putting his side ahead with a low left foot effort from a tight angle. Lucas McGarry, making his first start of the season, added a third with a powerful free kick from around 25 yards that the ‘keeper got to but couldn’t keep out. The pressure continued and it was no surprise when substitute Mark McGovern added a fourth with a well placed left foot shot. The same player added a fifth when he pounced on a loose ball and finished this time with his right foot. To their credit Kinnoull never gave and minutes from time they reduced the deficit with a disputed penalty.
After Tuesday’s disappointment against Tynecastle, it was vital that they bounced back and manager Scott Bonar was pleased to return with three deserved points.
