FRASER DUNCAN was delighted with his players’ fighting spirit as they overcame a 1-0 deficit to defeat Dalkeith Thistle at King’s Park on Saturday.

The Sauchie boss admitted it had not been his side’s best display, but revealed he was impressed as they ground out three points which could prove vital in the race for promotion.

Duncan told Advertiser Sport: “We always knew it was going to be a difficult place to come.

“When you get into the winter period it is like that, especially in this league, so we are delighted to come away with the three points. 

“We had to work really hard for it. I’m not going to sugar-coat it, we didn’t make things easy for ourselves and we missed four or five good chances in the first 20 minutes which could have killed the game off, but I am delighted with the boys coming back the way they did.

"To go 1-0 down and then come back and win the game is brilliant for any team. It was difficult and we made it difficult for ourselves, but it is a tough place to come so we are chuffed to bits with the three points.”

Defender Jordan Tapping headed home Sauchie’s late winner, and Duncan believes it is just reward for the youngster’s hard work in training.

“Tappy has been scoring a few recently to be fair to him," Duncan added. "He is a good asset at set pieces and he is getting better at going and attacking the ball. It is something he has been working on in training and I think he will be delighted that it is paying off.”

Saturday’s victory also marked the first appearance for midfielder David Morrison since his return to the club, and Duncan says he was delighted to be able to welcome the fans’ favourite back into the fold.

He said: “Morri wanted to try something different this year but I am delighted to get him back in. He is a great lad to have around. It adds competition for places in the middle of the park.

"Iain Diack and James McAteer have both moved on. They have been good servants to the club, but the squad was a bit top-heavy and it is looking more balanced now. 

“Brian Morgan, Daz Cummings and Gary McCulloch are all still to come back in so there will be plenty of competition.”

Duncan also revealed that captain Brian Morgan is unlikely to feature until after the winter break as he continues his recovery from a broken leg, while Darren Cummings has a hamstring injury.

He added: “Morgy is back in training but he is still a couple of weeks away from being involved in any games so I think I am going to take the decision to keep him out until after New Year and give him an extra couple of weeks to make sure it is healed right. He is a big player for us and we need him, so we have to look after him.

“Daz Cummings has pulled his hamstring so he will need to be wrapped up in cotton wool for a couple of weeks before he comes back fitter and stronger after New Year.”