Shippy put on the spot.

The shipyard’s winless run continued at Millfield on Saturday as they narrowly lost to Haddington, however, on this occasion they can feel unfortunate as both Hi Hi goals came by virtue of two penalties, both converted by Gordon Harris. The first came courtesy of the ridiculous new hand ball rule, the ball being deflected on to Jason Finlay’s hand and the second for a clumsy challenge just inside the box. Unfortunately the ref was not in such a generous mood at the other end as a blatant push went unpunished. The Shipyard were still without the long term injured Sam Glancy and big Milzy was unavailable.

Haddington had the majority of possession and chances in the first third of the match but did not have too many efforts on target with Michael Gibb dealing confidently with much of what the Hi Hi threw at him, outwith the penalty, obviously. the Shippy grew into the game as the half wore on and were rewarded with an equaliser when Finlay stabbed the ball home at the back post with 39 minutes on the clock. Haddington had Dale Cornet to thank a few minutes later when he gathered the ball at his left hand post to prevent the visitors turning the match totally on it’s head.

The Shippy were more on the front foot at the start of the second half and Robbie Crawford was giving the hosts more to think about as he went close on a couple of occasions. Ross Lennie and Grant Skinner both had chances to put the Shipyard in front before the Shippy defence conceded another spot kick when Gabri Auriemma was the victim of a clumsy challenge. Harris converted again showing the importance of a confident and regular penalty taker as he made it six out of six for the season. In truth there was not much more in the way of action after this other than a couple of injuries, with the Shipyard scorer Finlay being the worst casualty as he left the field with four minutes remaining.

The Shipyard return to Recreation Park on Saturday for a vital bottom of the table clash against Ormiston as they look to get a win on the board. Kick off is 2.30pm.

Haddington Athletic: D. Cornet; A. Simpson; G. Harris (J. Keenan); J. Hamill. G. Cunningham; C. Watson; S. Tulloch (S. Conlon); R. King; R. Hutchison (H. Law); G. Auriemma; K. Grant. Unused Subs: J. Brownlee; S. Russell; C. Muir.

Burntisland Shipyard: M. Gibb; C. McQuade (Jor Galloway); G. Skinner; R. O’Donnell; D. Hunter; S. Strang (B. Hutchison); R. Crawford; Jon. Galloway; E. Stanfield (A. Watt); R. Lennie; J. Finlay. Unused Subs: A. Trialist & A.Cooper.

Referee: S. MacLean.