YFS
It was North Merchiston FC who were triumphant against Haddington Athletic in the first round of the Paladin Cup in what a ten goal thriller.
Haddington got the game under way at Whittingehame Drive and both teams had their fair share of possession. It was North Merchiston though who managed to break the deadlock after a ball was played over the top of Haddington's defence and Brodie Stoner finished off for the visitors.
Merchiston had a few good chances early on. Stoner again was involved in the build up and forced Haddington Athletic's goalkeeper, Jack Sneddon to make a good save.
Mid way through the first half North Merchiston made a change which saw Oscar Bond come off for Sam Skakel. The change made an immediate impact as minutes later, Skakel made a clever run through the Haddington defence and managed to slot the ball past the goalkeeper.
Soon after, a misfortunate back pass saw Haddington win an indirect free-kick in the penalty area. Kieron Dryburgh was laid off and despite all the bodies on the line, fired the ball into the roof of the net to get his side up and running.
Any hopes of a quick equaliser soon vanished though as only moments later, a ball was played through to Stoner who managed to get on the end of it and chipped the ball over the keeper to restore Merchiston's two goal lead.
Stoner was involved again shortly after and went on a driving run before playing in Jamie Warner who found the back of the net to take their tally to four.
It was then Haddington's turn to have a spell of good football. A ball was played through and Bora Gunes had a good shot that was tipped over the bar by Finn McNicol in the Merchiston goal.
Despite their possession, Haddington failed to score and they were punished further. A ball was played through from North Merchiston and Stoner was fouled on the edge of the penalty box. Max Maclaren stepped up to take the free kick and placed it in the back of the net.