LIFTING the Development League Cup would be “the icing on the cake” after a gruelling season, says Haddington Athletic’s under-20s coach.

The Hi Hi face St Andrews United in the cup final tonight (Friday), knowing it could be the start of a memorable weekend for the Millfield club.

The first team have their own League Cup final to look forward to when they face Sauchie the following day.

Graham Marron, head coach of the under-20s team, was counting down to their own final, which is played at Livingston United’s Station Park.

He said: “The togetherness this year has been pretty incredible.

“We had the whole club player of the year awards on Sunday and it was clear to see how good and well they get on.

“The first team are buzzing for their cup final and likewise our players as well are definitely really up for it.

“A lot of them will move into the first team and we have got other players coming through.”

The Hi Hi wrapped up their season a fortnight ago as they went down 5-0 to Penicuik in the East Region league.

However, a number of players were missing on the night for fear of injury or suspension ahead of the cup final.

Some members of the under-20s squad are likely to be involved with the first team for the League Cup final at Dunipace’s home of Westfield Park on Saturday.

Marron said: “I think it is more important the first team get priority on the players.

“It is a bit more prestigious but I will still get a team out on the park and give it our best.

“The excitement is definitely there and we are looking forward to it.”

Their opponents finished third in the Central Region of the East of Scotland Development League behind champions Dundonald Bluebell.

Haddington, who finished seventh in the East Region having scored 131 goals in just 26 games, knocked out the Central champions 4-0 in the semi-finals.

Marron was expecting a tough game but stressed they should not fear their cup final opponents.

He said: “As a club, they have been very similar to us.

“Their first team got beat in the King Cup final by Heriot-Watt University on Sunday and their under-20s are into the League Cup final.

“As a club going forward, they are doing the right thing.”

Scott Bonar, manager of the first team, was hopeful the under-20s would enjoy their final, which kicks off at 7.15pm.

He felt the pathway in place at the club would benefit them going forward.

He told Courier Sport: “They are not far away from my vision where they are not under-20s – but they are part of a big first team who are fortunate that they can play under-20s.”