Late Winner Sees Haddington Exit Juniors with a Win

Haddington looked to have given away the chance of a final day win when poor defending let Whitburn into equalise. However, a cheeky finish from “Man of the Match” Jones, saw the Millfielders take the three points they probably deserved and send Whitburn into the close season on a losing note. The game only came alive in the second after a first period of few chances and typical end of the season fare.

Haddington Athletic played host to Whitburn Juniors in their final match as a Junior club this afternoon. The HI HI s are moving to the East of Scotland League next season, as Junior football in the East Region goes through a huge reconstruction - in fact this could be the last competing fixture between these clubs. Athletic will finish third in the league this season and that finish could help determine where they start their new season in the East of Scotland League and Scottish football pyramid. Whitburn sit second bottom in the table, but a win could see them move up two places, and a point move them into third bottom. When the clubs clashed earlier in the season Haddington took the points.

It was a hot afternoon for football and very still. The visitors were straight onto the attack and a good Docherty cross was turned behind for a corner by Torrance. The corner came to nothing however. After 7 minutes, a good passing move amongst Brass, Liddell and Taylor created a chance for Watson, but his goal bound effort was headed off the line by player/manager Hamill.

A minute later Haddington had their first chance. Jones went on a typical run and played in Berry,but his effort was turned for a corner by Allan.

Whitburn’s next effort was a free kick by Brass from 25 yards - his effort was deflected off the wall for a corner. Thomson’s flag kick ended at the feet of Brass, but he couldn’t convert a good opportunity..

After 13 minutes Liddell pulled off a fine stop from Alysandratos in the home goal - the keeper making a fine one handed stop down to his left.

Jones was his usual energetic self for Athletic and after 16 minutes his clipped effort was just too high. Jones then had another effort for the home side and Liddell for the visitors but neither troubled the goalkeepers.

After 28 minutes, Haddington skipper Inglis was robbed in midfield, but Liddell shot early and over from 25 yards. Brass then had a weak shot past the post.

Just after the half hour, Quinn was on the end of a through ball for the home side but shot straight at Allan.

Haddington were lucky not to concede a penalty when Cairney clashed with a Whitburn player in the box, but the referee waived claims away.

The half ended tamely with neither side able to make the breakthrough.

Half Time Haddington Athletic 0; Whitburn Juniors 0

Neither side made a change at the break but Haddington looked energised after the rest, although the visitors had a decent chance after 48 minutes when Liddell shot past.

After 54 minutes, Berry was in the end of a Hill corner but headed straight at Allan. A minute later Liddell tried his luck for the visitors but it sailed over. Then Brass shot straight at Alysandratos.

Jones was coming more into the game on the Haddington left and giving Docherty a torrid time with his electric pace. However, it was QUINN who opened the scoring for the home side after 60 minutes. The ball was played into him in the centre and he showed good control and composure before finishing well.

Whitburn were still very much in the game and Watson headed just over before they won a corner.

Danger man Jones shot just wide after 66 minutes when his pace saw him in on goal. A minute later Hamill played Jones in again and this time his effort was turned for a corner. Jones was creating all sorts of problems and continually stretching the home rearguard.

After 68 minutes Liddell tested Alysandratos again, but the Greek goalkeeper pulled off his second top notch stop of the afternoon.

After 70 minutes, Inglis played in Cropley for the home side but his shot was more of a pass back.

Minutes later Brass has a fine opportunity for the visitors but he couldn’t work the keeper.

Cropley then blasted over for Haddington when he set himself well.

Both sides then introduced fresh legs as the heat took its toll. Youngsters Stirling and Millar coming on for the home side and Russell for the visitors.

Within minutes the change yielded a goal for Whitburn. BRASS was played through and did well to go past the keeper and score cleverly.

Whitburn looked like they might win it now but Haddington still had their ace card in Jones and with time running out he scored the winner. As he had done so many times in the match, he cut inside from the left and raced across goal. Just when it looked like the chance had gone, he cheekily back heeled the ball home.

Haddington probably deserved all three points although Whitburn will be hard done by to lose a late goal. Jones was best for Athletic and Liddell for the visitors.

Full Time Haddington Athletic 2;  Whitburn Juniors 1

Teams

Haddington Athletic

Alysandratos, Cairney,Berry,Hamill,Paterson,Inglis,Hill,Torrance,White,Cropley and Jones Subs Stirling, Watson, Millar and Cockburn ( GK)

Whitburn Juniors

Allan, Docherty, Tomaszenski, G Hamilton, Forrest, Chisholm, Watson, Thomson, Brass, Liddell and Taylor Subs Graham, Lehman, Russell ( GK)

Referee

Paul Hanlon

Gordon Baird

Neutral Reporter