Haddington Athletic aim for first cup triumph in more than 40 years

Sauchie Juniors stand in the way of League Cup glory as the two sides wrap up the East of Scotland Football League season on Saturday. Victory would cap an impressive few years for the Hi Hi, who were crowned First Division Conference A champions two years ago and have gone on to establish themselves as a Premier Division side.

Scott Bonar, manager of the Millfield men, was looking forward to the trip to Dunipace’s home of Westfield Park.

He said: “It is a big occasion for the club. I think the way the players have performed over the last couple of years, they deserve a cup final.

Scott Bonar (inset) and Haddington Athletic wrap up their season this afternoon (Saturday)

“They have put some effort in. I have said to the players that in youth football you can win a lot of cups – I think I have won about 46 myself with Scottish Cups and south-east region league titles – but when you get into adult football it does not come by very often. We have got to absorb it and enjoy it as well.”

This year, both teams have enjoyed away wins over their rivals while Sauchie finished 10 points and two places above Bonar’s men.

The Haddington manager said: “I think they are favourites. They were higher in the league and have a lot of good players and experience.

“But in terms of the games between us this season, they were close games.

“We drew with them and beat them the season before. Maybe some teams have a bogey team and maybe we are Sauchie’s. I would say they are favourites and one of the best teams in the league.”

The final, which kicks off at 2.30pm, is just 15 miles away from Sauchie’s home of Beechwood Park.

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But Bonar said: “I think we are just happy to be there. I would travel to Buckie just to play in the cup final!

“Once you are in the changing room, it could be anywhere and the logistics are immaterial.”

The Hi Hi secured their place in the final with a 1-0 win over Preston Athletic on Friday while their opponents were ending the cup dreams of Arniston Rangers in a 5-0 win. Bonar praised the travelling support to Prestonpans on Friday night and was hopeful there would again be a strong backing in the final game of the season.

He told Courier Sport: “For Drew Donaldson and the committee, it gives them a wee day out as well. Hopefully, it will galvanise the community and get them behind the club.

“It was brilliant when we were winning the league and had everybody behind us.”