SAUCHIE skipper Stewart Houston praised his side’s grit as they held of a Dalkeith Thistle onslaught to take all three points on Saturday.

The Reds bounced back to winning ways after losing their first game in five last weekend to Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale.

A Ross Crawford strike and some resolute defending handed Dalkeith their first home league defeat of the season and secured all three points.

Houston told Advertiser Sport: “Everybody at the club knew that Saturday was a must win after our defeat last weekend. We had to bounce back.

“Dalkeith had not actually been beaten at home, so it was good to overturn them at there.

“Last week was just a bit of a blip and we don’t really know what happened last week.

“But, we just move on from that and kick on from the win on Saturday.”

Sauchie, who only had 13 fit first team players, had to defendly resolutely for much of the second half as the hosts took the game to them.

Houston and defensive partner Terry Hewitt were both forced into last ditch blocks and Darren Dolan produced a wonder save to maintain the side’s clean sheet.

And Houston believes his teammates showed plenty of determination to overcome a tough second half.

He continued: “Everybody had to dig in and we were backs to the wall for most of the second half.

“We just couldn’t get out and they came out all guns blazing.

“We defended well and kept them at bay and that’s always pleasing.

“It’s been a quick learning curve for the team, including myself. We’re a bit more solid now and the team are playing with more experience.”

Due to injuries, Houston found himself back in more familiar territory as he partnered Hewitt at centre-back. Having been used as a makeshift fullback, the skipper admitted he was happy to be back where he belongs.

He continued: “I’ve played right back to help out the team and always happy to do that.

“But, I prefer centre back. That’s where I am meant to be and where I’ve always played.”