The Hi Hi’s travelled to Perth last Saturday to meet Jeanfield Swifts in a League Cup quarter final tie, knowing that defeat would bring an end to their third season in the East of Scotland top tier. Once again manager Scott Bonar had limited selection options and he was without the suspended Luke Kennedy. However Gary Windram was fit again after injuring his shoulder against Luncarty at the start of April.
The weather in Perth was fairly hot so both sets of players knew that it would be a tough ninety minutes. Jeanfield had the edge in the opening half but the Hi Hi’s defended well and goalkeeper Jamie Smith had few direct shots to deal with. The visitors broke the deadlock just before the hour mark when Grant Rose won the ball in the air in the box and Brandyn Neil was first to react and netted from close range. Jeanfield hit back forcing quite a few corners but Haddington held firm.
The match turned in the 73rd minute when, once again, Grant Rose caused problems and headed down to Ryan Quinn in the six yard box. The striker failed to get a proper connection and a really good chance to make it 2-0 went abegging. Jeanfield immediately broke upfield and the visitors failed to deal with an attack on the their right flank. When the ball was played it in it was scrambled into the net. The home side had their tails up and six minutes later the Athletic defence failed to clear a corner from the right. Once again the ball was returned into the box and after another scramble, the ball ended up in the net. These two quick goals were enough to send the Swifts into the last four and a home semi final against Musselburgh.
So a disappointing end to the season for the Hi Hi’s but they achieved a third successive top half finish in a very competitive league and the early signs are that manager Scott Bonar is assembling a strong squad for the challenges ahead. A few player shave signed pre contract agreements with the club and expect some announcements in the coming weeks.
Come on the Hi Hi’s!
