Haddington take Derby Day Plaudits

Haddington came out well on top in this derby day encounter. Despite the narrowness of the scoreline the home side thoroughly deserved to take the points and but for some poor finishing, would have been more convincing winners. After a first half in which Tranent were much more in the game, Athletic dominated the second period and eventually broke through thanks to a calm finish by substitute Cropley. Tranent were forced to make two substitutions at the back as Wojtowycz and Todd were both forced off injured, and their reorganised defence eventually conceded as Haddington created lots of chances. 

Haddington Athletic played host to their nearest neighbours,Tranent Juniors, as they sought to extend their unbeaten home McBookie.com East Premier League record to seven games this season. The home side are riding high in the table and currently sit in the play-off place, whereas Tranent have not enjoyed a good start to the campaign and sit mid table. However, form often goes out of the windows in local derbies. Both sides recorded big wins in the second round of the Scottish Junior Cup last Saturday and the scene was set for a close encounter.

Tranent start brightly in front of a good crowd on a fine afternoon for football and had the first chance when Smeaton nearly got on the end of a Wojtowycz corner but, he didn’t trouble the home keeper. Haddington took a while to find their stride but after 7 minutes Jones delivered a great cross which Robertson blasted over - a little more poise and he might have opened the scoring.

Tranent went close after 12 minutes when Miller put a free kick just over.

The visitors were forced into a substitution after only 16 minutes when Wojtowycz was forced off to be replaced by Kerr. Haddington nearly took advantage right away with Berry showing great pace on the right, before delivering a cross which Moffat guided just wide.

After 24 minutes Athletic hit the bar as Jones’ cross cum cross nearly dipped in.

Tranent then enjoyed a good few minutes when firstly, Todd headed a Miller corner just wide, before Ferguson had a shot deflected and Miller again had an effort saved.

Haddington were playing some nice football and Hill shot over before Moffat had a good effort touched over by Horne in the Tranent goal.

It was an entertaining first half with Haddington enjoying the better possession and creating the clearer chances.Tranent were not out of it but unable to create anything clear cut.


Half Time Haddington Athletic 0;  Tranent Juniors 0

Neither side made any changes at the break and Tranent again started brightly with Miller putting an early headed chance just wide.

After 54 minutes Haddington should have broken the deadlock. A cross came in from the left and found Robertson who managed to put his effort over from right in front of goal - a great chance missed.

Tranent nearly opened the scoring after 59 minutes. Goalkeeper Alysansratos miskicked a passback which let Paterson in but, the keeper recovered quickly to smother the striker’s effort.

After 61 minutes Jones was in on goal but, the keeper did well to deny him and the follow up shot.

Haddington withdrew Robertson and sent on former Newtongrange Star player Cropley in an effort to break the deadlock.

Tranent had a couple of efforts by Fisher and Smith blocked but they were struggling to keep Haddington out.

After 67 minutes they suffered a blow to their cause when centre back Todd was forced off to be replaced by Patterson. 

Haddington had another half chance before they opened the scoring after 72 minutes. Hamilton, who had been delivering good crosses from the left throughout the second half, did so again and this time CROPLEY was on the end to calmly stroke the ball home. It was no more than Haddington deserved and long overdue.

Minutes later the home side nearly doubled their advantage but Jones headed straight at the goalkeeper. With 79 minutes played, Horne kept Tranent in the game when firstly, he rushed from his goal to intercept a through ball before saving the subsequent follow up shot.

Haddington saw out the final few minutes comfortably and finished well on top and  although Tranent kept trying they found the Haddington back four in fine form.

Haddington deserved the victory and were well served by their entire back four with Hamill cruising through the game. Inglis had a solid game in midfield, especially after the break when Haddington were well on top. Horne was best for Tranent, who were hit by injuries and call offs and never looked like winning the game.

Both sides are in D J Laing East of Scotland Cup action next week. Tranent visit Oakley United while Haddington go Bo’ness United.


Full Time Haddington Athletic 1; Tranent Juniors 0

Teams
Haddington Athletic

Alysansratos,Tufail, Hamilton, Hamill,Cunningham, Inglis, Berry, Hill, Moffat, Robertson and Jones Subs Cropley, Gunn, Temple,Chapman and Simmonds 

Tranent Juniors 

Horne, Christie, Wojtowycz, Todd, Smeaton, Smith, Miller, Fairnie,Ferguson and K Paterson Subs Kerr, Martin, J Paterson and Robertson 



Referee Craig Wilson

Gordon Baird
Neutral Reporter