After a tough baptism to Premier League life a fortnight ago, when the Hi Hi recovered from a 2-0 interval deficit at Montrose Roselea to pick up a point, they hosted their first second-tier contest at Millfield last Wednesday night when their visitors were Dalkeith Thistle, promoted from the South Division three years ahead of them and well-established as contenders for promotion to the Superleague.

Haddington boss Johnny Harvey made three changes to his line-up – veteran Michael Motion returned in central defence alongside debutant Ricky Miller, while Kayne Paterson also started; Jerry Draper, Danny Noon and Michael Fairnie dropped out, all affected by injury issues.

A bright start from the Hi Hi brought several corners and their lively play was rewarded on 17 minutes when stand-in skipper Chris Inglis played the ball forward for Wayne Sproule to run onto in the left of the box and the former Whitehill Welfare striker finished adeptly with a sweet curving shot towards the bottom corner beyond keeper Hay.

As the first half wore on, however, Dalkeith began to assert themselves and they drew level on 32 minutes when McNaughton lobbed home keeper Liam Amos from outside the penalty area, the referee paying no heed to Haddington claims there had been a push on a home player in the build-up.

Towards the end of the first half, Andy Forbes came close for the Hi Hi, while a Linton piledriver for the visitors brought a good save from Amos. Dalkeith finished the first half the stronger outfit, their experience at Premier League level appearing to tell, and they continued to hold the upper hand through much of the second.

Ex-Musselburgh star Paul Tansey, a loanee with the Hi Hi last season, was introduced from the Dalkeith bench with an hour played and the junior internationalist had a big impact. He put Gavin through on goal on 73 minutes but the midfield man shot straight at Amos when really he ought to have scored, then five minutes later hit the outside of the back post after beating Amos.

A slack pass from Inglis in midfield was mercilessly punished within a minute of that close call, Gavin intercepting and playing the ball forward to Tansey, who coolly slotted home. Haddington could have no complaints at having lost out to the stronger team on the night.

Back at Millfield on Saturday, the Hi Hi found themselves facing challenging personnel issues – manager Harvey was without seven of his 19 signed players, largely on account of injury. Free from suspension, Gareth Thom made his debut at left-back as a straight replacement for Michael Noble, otherwise there no changes to the XI who’d lined up against Dalkeith. The South Division’s 2014/15 champions were hosting their North Division counterparts, who had enjoyed a heady opening day win at home to Bathgate Thistle, 5-1.

Haddington were gifted an early lead when Hibs’ left-back Shields needlessly fouled Forbes just inside the box, and although keeper Rowbotham saved Paul Devlin’s spot kick, Scott Wright was first to react to the loose ball and scored his first goal of the season.

A Devlin free-kick on 13 minutes looked goalbound but Rowbotham tipped the ball over the bar with a last-gasp save and while Haddington again looked lively, the visitors gradually came into things more and on 20 minutes Adam Drummond, scorer of a hat-trick the last time the teams met, was guilty of missing a glaring opportunity.

Thornton missed another three gilt-edged chances before the break as the Hi Hi teetered somewhat. It was clear the next goal would prove vital and fortunately for Harvey’s men it came their way on 62 minutes. A free-kick 22 yards out was part-cleared but the ball fell for Bob Berry on the right, and from the byeline inside the box he sent in a low cross which was turned into the Hibs’ net by unfortunate trialist defender Stuart Drummond.

A powerful Miller header was well saved by Rowbotham in between the introduction of firstly ex-Penicuik forward Grant Killin, a trialist, and Andrew Sinclair midway through the half. Wright and Sinclair both spurned good chances to seal the home win with a third goal, while Thornton had a good penalty claim rejected near the end after Berry appeared to handle in the box. Ultimately Harvey had to be satisfied with the outcome considering the issues his team faced.

A midweek fixture at Edinburgh United which the Hi Hi won 7-0 is followed tomorrow by a first ever visit to the Thomson Park home of Lochee United, relegated from the Superleague and favourites for this season’s Premier League title. The Hi Hi hope to have a bigger pool from which to select but, regardless of personnel, they’ll find Lochee a tough nut to crack.