SCOTT Bonar believes his Haddington Athletic side is getting stronger – after finally getting some time off.

The Hi Hi have picked up 10 points from a possible 12 in their last four games to ease away from the relegation zone in the top flight of the East of Scotland Football League (EoSFL).

Last season, Bonar and his team outlasted Leith Athletic in the promotion race, dropping points in just three of the 28 league games.

However, the success came at a price with the campaign finishing in June and the new season starting just weeks later.

The manager said: “This time last year, the season started in May because of Covid and we played all the way through to the June.

“We only had three weeks off and then had to get back in because the season started in July.

“It was all stop-start with mini pre-seasons due to Covid.

“Guy McGarry never missed a game last season, Cammy Watson and Shaun Hill have been injured.

“It is all muscle strains or joints.

“It is not medial ligaments, it is strains and pulls and I think that it is because of the season we had.”

East Lothian Courier: Haddington Athletic (maroon) are looking to boost their survival hopes against Sauchie JuniorsHaddington Athletic (maroon) are looking to boost their survival hopes against Sauchie Juniors

Postponements and a lack of cup games means Haddington have only played four games since November 12.

Victories over Blackburn United, Vale of Leithen and Oakley United, as well as a point against Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts, have boosted the Millfield men in their bid to enjoy a second season in the top division.

Saturday brings a home contest with Sauchie, who sit fourth in the EoSFL Premier Division.

The two clubs drew 2-2 earlier in the campaign and Bonar was confident his team was heading in the right direction.

He said: “I would be looking to get into the top six or top five.

“I don’t think that is out of our reach.

“On the other hand, a couple of poor results and you are looking down the way.

“We really need to look forward.

“We have taken 10 points out of 12 and a big bonus is the fixtures coming up.

“I don’t see any reason why we cannot continue that run.

“We will give the teams all the respect but we have played them already.

“Our point of view is we cannot go in with fear.

“We have played most of the big teams away from home.

“We have played Linlithgow Rose, Sauchie, Dundonald Bluebell and Jeanfield Swifts and all of them away from home.”