Penicuik Athletic will play their first league match at Millfield in many years, when they provide the opposition on Saturday. These sides met at Penicuik just over a month ago and on that occasion Somerville grabbed the games only goal late in the first half and the points remained in Midlothian. Penicuik manager Stevie McLeish is no stranger to Haddington having managed the Hi Hi’s from 2010 until 2014, and he will be hoping to take the points back to Midlothian. However there are signs that Haddington are getting to grips with their elevated surroundings and the early season injury problems are gradually receding. Both Guy McGarry and Gabri Auriemma are looking more like the players who terrorised Conference A defences last season. McGarry’s younger brother Lucas was brought into central defence when Cammy Watson picked up a serious knee injury in August and he has formed a good defensive partnership with Nick Aitchison. Now that Watson is nearing full fitness, team manager Scott Bonar may be looking at a formation that can accommodate all three. Skipper Shaun Hill is expected to be available after illness and team boss Bonar may be able to field something resembling a full strength side. With Sauchie due to visit the following week, the Millfield faithful can expect two hard fought matches – no easy games in the Premier Division.
The only problem this week may be the weather with sub zero temperatures predicted for a few days leading up to Saturday so Millfield may be subjected to a morning inspection.
