SAUCHIE gaffer Fraser Duncan has called on his troops to finish the year in style by claiming six points and sealing a place in the next round of the East of Scotland Cup.

The Beechwood Park side have seen a fair share of ups and downs over the last 12 months, polarised by pain of relegation in the summer and the joy of a record-breaking winning streak just a few months later.

They currently sit third in the Premier League, two points off the top and with three games in hand over the two sides above them.

Sauchie travel to Dalkeith and then to Armadale on league duty over the next two weeks, before a final away trip to face Brechin Vics in the cup on December 17.

And with a few weeks' winter break after that, Duncan is keen to see his side sign off 2016 on a high.

He told Advertiser Sport: "It's been a great season so far; we got the start we wanted. We've only lost twice and drawn one, but we've won all the other games.

"Now we've got these two league games coming up and so I'll be looking for six points.

"But it won't be easy. Dalkeith is a hard place to go to and so we will need to make sure we're ready for them.

"The same goes for Armadale and we'll have to a think about how to approach that one. It's all well being able to keep possession and play pretty football, but sometimes we'll have to go and win ugly."

Freezing cold temperatures last weekend meant Sauchie's home game with Armadale was postponed.

However, Duncan made sure they would keep fresh ahead of the December run-in and arranged a bounce game on astro-turf.

New striker Stephen Higgins showed his intentions with a double and will be looking to make an impact over the next three games.

Sauchie may also be buoyed by the prospect of a return of influential skipper Brian Morgan who has resumed light training following a horror leg break.

Duncan added: "The squad is looking good. It's quite settled at the minute and we have competition for places all over the park.

"Stephen Higgins came in on Saturday and scored two, so that's him telling me he's raring to go.

"Brian Morgan might also be making an appearance before the end of the year.

"We're working with the physio at the minute to make sure we're not rushing him back too soon.

"But at the same time we don't want to stand in his way if he is ready."