Back in my homeland of Scotland for a week or so and a chance to see my local team over here, Haddington Athletic, who play in the East of Scotland Premier League. I've been here many times over the years and have enjoyed seeing them improve on all fronts: results, facilities, support and community outreach. I remember coming here back in the seventies when a few people watched on the touchlines and there wasn't even a fence. When the exodus to senior football happened a few years ago Haddington saw their chance to move up in the world. The ground was improved, floodlights installed and access to the Scottish Cup was granted. They've had several big cup matches in recent years beating opposition from higher divisions such as BSC Glasgow and Deveronvale and they're eager for more.
I was here last season at this time to see them winning the first division title in front of a big crowd, complete with flares, sombreros and beach balls. Today's game was the last league game of the season and a chance to finish fourth in the league if other results went their way. I even splashed out on a replica top which will no doubt make me unique back home in Sweden.
Opponents today were Jeanfield Swifts from Perth who were just ahead of Haddington in the table. They are also a club with high ambitions and although they couldn't keep up in the promotion race they will surely be ready for another go next season.
The ground
Last time I was here was in March when the match was part of the special groundhopper Scottish tour with four East Lothian matches in one day. Not quite so many in attendance today but still a healthy crowd for this level. The atmosphere here is very friendly and relaxed and not unlike the matches I attend in Sweden. The ground is very tidy, with trees around it and the chimney of the old mill as a historical backdrop. Even at the end of the season the pitch is in perfect condition. Spectator facilities are all on one side of the ground with a fairly new shed, a few steps of terracing, a speaker's hut, kiosk and souvenir hut. The dugouts and TV gantry are on the opposite site and spectators can stand there though there is no terracing. The kiosk is excellent with a good selection of pies to suit all tastes.
The match
Haddington Athletic 2 Jeanfield Swifts 1
Crowd: 226
A deserved win for Haddington that should have been more convincing. Haddington wore their usual claret and blue kits whilst Jeanfield turned out in bright yellow, as did the sun as the day got warmer and warmer. The opening minutes saw Jeanfield looking more likely but then after about 15 minutes Joe Tait put the home side in the lead with a well taken goal after a defensive mix-up and some snappy passing from the home side. The joy was short-lived when the guests were awarded a penalty two minutes later and Fraser Smith equalised from the spot. About midway through the first half the guests were reduced to 10 men after captain Aaron Whitehead got a second yellow card after a hard tackle on Guy McGarry. There was little dispute about the decision in stark contrast to the theatrical displays in the major leagues around the world. The dismissal didn't really affect the game much and at half time it was still 1-1.
Haddington stepped up a gear in the second half and had plenty chances to take the lead with some very nice build-ups and good passing but the final touch wasn't quite there. Guy McGarry had several of these chances and looked dangerous up front. After 67 minutes he broke through with a hard shot that the the keeper parried into the air but only to land kindly for McGarry who stuffed it into the net. There were plenty more chances for the home side but they couldn't seal the deal and that meant a few nervous moments at the other end when Jeanfield could have stolen a point. Anyway it finished 2-1 to the relief of the home support.
A very enjoyable afternoon in the sun once again in Haddington and I think they will be contenders at the top of the league next season if they can keep this team together.
Watch the highlights of the game from the Haddington YouTube channel.
No comments:
Post a Comment