AN EMOTIONAL moment was caught on camera as Haddington Athletic celebrated their first ever home win in the Scottish Cup.

More than 500 fans packed into Millfield on Saturday to see the home team defeat Deveronvale.

Among the hundreds of spectators was Drew Donaldson, who has been involved with the club since 1969.

The club president embraced manager Scott Bonar after the penalty shootout victory over the Highland League side.

He said: “It was absolutely amazing.

“I think it is probably the biggest crowd we have had there since moving to Millfield in 1972.

“The numbers are a bit hazy and we had a decent Junior Cup run in the 1980s when we played Kirkintilloch Rob Roy and Cumnock but the attendance will certainly equal that if not better it.

“We often have crowds when we are playing a team with a big support.

“[Deveronvale] had one or two but the majority of the crowd were locals, which was brilliant.

“That is the best local support we have ever had.

“The interesting thing, since spectators have been allowed back, we have had some good friendlies with teams in the league above, like Musselburgh and Newtongrange Star. The crowds were amazing and it has continued into the league season.”

The Scottish Cup contest came after Haddington had conceded a last-gasp equaliser away to their Aberdeenshire opponents seven days earlier.

The East Lothian team’s victory in the replay means they join Dunbar United, Preston Athletic and Tranent Juniors in the second round of the national cup competition.

It marks the latest good result after a lot of hard work behind the scenes from the Millfield committee.

Donaldson, who lives in the town, praised the efforts of everyone involved in securing the Scottish Football Association (SFA) licence.

Work has been carried out in installing floodlights, medical facilities and maintaining a high standard of playing surface.

On the park, the team made the switch from the Junior ranks to the East of Scotland Football League in 2018.

Now, they are challenging for the First Division Conference A title – locked together on points with leaders Leith Athletic and third-placed Kennoway Star Hearts.

The county club, who lost out to Formartine United in their debut in the Scottish Cup last season, can now look forward to a trip to Brechin City in the second round of the competition.

Donaldson, 69, said: “Brechin is a free hit for us. I know they are now in the Highland League but they are still a big club.

“Anything we get is a bonus and it is great to be involved.”