The Hi Hi’s suffered only their fourth defeat of the season when they lost 3 1 in the King Cup quarter final at Newtown Park, Bo’ness last night. Manager Scott Bonar knew that Conference X high flyers Bo’ness Athletic would pose a severe challenge and a mounting injury list was an added concern. Ross King joined the four players who were out injured last Saturday and with Zach Szemis unavailable and Dylan Tait cup tied, selection options were limited. The match kicked off in dreadful conditions with the visitors facing driving wind and rain. Bo’ness were awarded a soft penalty in the 7th minute which goalkeeper Cornet saved. The Hi Hi’s dominated play and played some good stuff into the wind. Both Jones and Auriemma missed good chances and Haddington paid the penalty when on two occasions Bo’ness’s flying winger broke away and scored almost identical goals. Shaun Hill reduced the deficit before the interval when he scored from the spot after Auriemma had been bundled over. The visitors controlled most of the second half but found wind advantage more of a hindrance and struggled to create clear cut opportunities. The tie was decided five minutes from the end when Bo’ness were awarded another penalty and they took full advantage. There was still time for Hill to miss a gilt edged chance but he dragged his shot wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.
These sides could meet again at Millfield next Wednesday in the quarter final of the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup if the West Lothian side win at Kinnoull on Saturday. Meanwhile Haddington manager Scott Bonar will be hoping that he has more players available for Saturdays important league game at Dalkeith.
