SAUCHIE boss Fraser Duncan heaped praise on his record-breaking squad after their emphatic 4-1 win over Craigroyston in the first round of the Fife and Lothians Cup.

The latest victory saw the Wee County outfit extend their winning run to 12 games in a row in all competitions and the manager can see no reason why his players can’t keep up their blistering start to the season.

The Beechwood Park outfit now face a tricky trip up to Angus to take on promotion rivals Forfar West End and the gaffer is fully aware of the difficult test awaiting them.

Duncan told Advertiser Sport: “We were informed at the weekend that this latest few wins has taken up past the club record of 10 consecutive wins, so we are absolutely delighted to get to 12. The players deserve all the plaudits they are getting at the moment, but it is important that we keep ourselves going and don’t rest on our laurels.

“Craigroyston was always a game that could’ve been a banana skin for us, and we made seven changes to the team from the week before and that is always a risk. But I am delighted with the performance of the boys who came in and stepped up to the plate well.

“It is a tough few away games for us now both up in Angus. The first one against Forfar West End is a real tricky one for us. It is never an easy place to go and I remember them giving us a real tough game there the last time when we had the likes of Colin Samuel and David Winters in our side so we know what to expect in that sense.

“They are a side who are also pushing to get into the Super League and they have done well this season so far, but it is up to us to go up there with the right attitude and look to get the three points.”

Duncan had special praise for goalscorers Josh Flood and Darren Cummings after their weekend exploits and he now hopes both players can kick on to make regular contributions to their cause.

The 33-year-old boss revealed that the club moved quickly to snap up the services of Craigroyston’s exciting young defender Oliver Fleming and he now hopes the former Hearts and Motherwell youngster can make his mark at Beechwood Park.

He said: “I thought Josh Flood was terrific on Saturday. He worked away and battled hard, he was excellent off the ball and then really showed his quality on the ball and deserved his hat-trick so we are delighted for him. 

“His attitude and work rate impressed me and to come back from an illness and produce that performance was first class.

“Darren Cummings came in and did well at the weekend and his goal will be a boost for him. He has got himself back fit now, so it is all about getting game-time for him now, but it is really up to Darren now to take the bull by the horns and look to force his way back into the team. There is an opening now with Morgy’s injury so it is up to him to take it.

“We have added Oliver Fleming to the squad this week and he actually played for Craigroyston on Saturday. He is a player who has really caught our eye and I believe he has a massive future ahead of him so we are thrilled to get that one done. 

“We were disappointed to miss out on another one as well because we felt it was a player who would have taken us to the next level, but you win some, you lose some.”

Duncan has once again been linked this week with the vacant manager’s job at Stirling Albion, as the Binos continue their search for Stuart McLaren’s replacement, but the man himself insists his only focus at the minute is Sauchie’s promotion bid.

Duncan added: “Of course it is always flattering to be linked with a job like the Stirling Albion one. I would love the opportunity to manage at that kind of level one day, but at the moment I am just focused on the job I have here and my aim is to get Sauchie Juniors straight back into the Super League.”