Derby Delight for Haddington

It may have been GRAND NATIONAL day at Aintree but it was DERBY DAY demolition at Millfield as Haddington Athletic hit local rivals Tranent Juniors for six.

Despite the result Tranent started well in their final match of the League campaign and struck the crossbar from a Finlayson corner in the early exchanges. Haddington also started brightly and Wilson was prominent setting up McDonald from a well placed corner. Wilson showed some fine touches and Athletic looked dangerous every time he was in possession.

Half way through the half Haddington took the lead when Lynch scored with a well struck free kick. Two minutes later McDonald should have scored after Waugh set him up but he failed to find the target. However, a second goal was not far away and just after the half hour Noble crossed to Wilson who controlled the pass beautifully; his first shot was parried by goalkeeper Beveridge but he followed up to put the home side two up.

Two minutes later it was three when Beveridge misjudged a Noble cross and the ball ended up in the net. A minute later Beveridge set up McDonald and the striker finished to make it four.
At this point Haddington threatened to run riot but to Tranent's credit they didn't let their heads go down and had a good penalty shout turned down when Reynolds was brought down.

Tranent did get their reward five minutes before the break when Berry struck a fierce shot past McQueen in the Haddington goal. A minute later Tranent nearly added a second when Berry set up Finlayson and only a fine McQueen save stopped the Juniors reducing the arrears.

Half Time. Haddington Athletic 4 Tranent Juniors 1

Haddington started the second half brightly but it was Tranent who came closest to scoring when Wojtowych headed against the bar with the keeper beaten. However, Haddington were always dangerous and the game was effectively over after 72 minutes when substitute Connachan audaciously lobbed Keeper Beveridge to make it 5 - 1. Five minutes later Wilson scored a sixth when Beveridge mishandled his snap shot.

Tranent finished the match and their season on the front foot and were only denied a second consolation goal by a fine stop from the home keeper.

Tranent's season is over and it's been a difficult one for the "belters" but they do have some promising players and the long break between now and July gives them an opportunity to regroup and build.

Haddington still have a real chance of promotion to the East Premier League and the battle between them,Blackburn Utd and Dundonald Bluebell is set to be a tense one. They have a number of promising young players with Wilson the pick of the bunch on Saturday's evidence.

Finally a word about the referee. Referees in this league operate without linesmen for decisions other than throw ins and the man in charge, Iain McIntyre, had a good solid game and was always in control.

Full Time: Haddington Athletic 6 Tranent Juniors 1

 

Gordon Baird - Neutral Reporter