Haddington hopeful after challenging start

Haddington Athletic boss Scott Bonar is hopeful his side can spring a run together

The Hi-Hi have faced a tough early season schedule playing four out of the top six in their first nine matches but sit mid-table and have their eyes focussed on their teams above them.

Bonar was disappointed last time out after they threw away a two-goal lead on the road at St Andrews United and ended up losing 3-2, but in what he described as a “transitional” season, he feels they are in a good place.

“We’ve had a right hard start to the season with the teams we have played,” said Bonar. “The only disappointment was against St Andrews when we were 2-0 up with about 18 minutes to go and we were comfortable, then they scored a wonder goal out of nothing, and you could just sense that another goal was coming.

“It was game which we were more than capable of getting three points out of, so it felt like we had thrown three points away a little bit.

“We will come through it. If you look at the points we have amassed, it’s not bad going. We are starting to play teams we are on more of a level playing field with. I’ve been really happy; we are much better than we were at this stage last season.”

Bonar lost captain Gabri Auriemma to East Lothian neighbours Musselburgh Athletic over the summer, whilst Guy McGarry, a key component of last season’s campaign, moved to Tranent in the Lowland League.

He continued: “I’ve been here seven years and if you keep it the same, it becomes stale. I feel we have recruited well with Luke Kennedy, Ben Bathgate, Grant Rose and Craig Reid – I am in the process of building a new team so it’s a bit of a transitional period. I am building a team on youth and then get an off bit of quality – this is the first season I’ve been able to sign players from other teams in the Premier League.

“I know when we are doing well when the club is starting to get disappointed when we are losing games against teams like Jeanfield, Musselburgh and Sauchie, because when I first came here it was damage limitation against those kinds of teams.”

Haddington return to action with a trip to Luncarty tomorrow after a week off last week, and Bonar added: “We had a week’s rest last week and we are all buzzing for tomorrow, it’s a big three points on offer for us. If we were to get the win, we’d be right back in it with the top group. Hopefully we can get a positive result and take that into the Tynecastle game, then we’ve got Hill of Beath at home who are flying, but we are home, so you have a chance.

“If we can compete in the top half then we are doing well. Just to stay in this league is an achievement for Haddington, because it’s a hard league. It’s just about managing expectations, when we do lose games it’s disappointing but don’t get too down.”