SAUCHIE defender Terry Hewitt issued a warning to his teammates that their good work in the first half of the season is in danger of being undone.

The Reds had adjusted well to life in the Senior set up and seemed on course for a qualification place from the East of Scotland Conference B.

However, Saturday's demolition by Bonnyrigg Rose made it six games without a win, stretching back to mid-November, as they slipped to eighth in the table.

The 30-year-old told Advertiser Sport: "We got out-fought all over the pitch and it just wasn't good enough.

"The first half of the season, we were doing to teams what Bonnyrigg did to us on Saturday.

"We were pressing hard and working hard and playing football in the right areas.

"It's going to need to be a learning curve for us and has to be a quick learning curve.

"To be honest with you, the first half of the season is going to count for nothing if we don't get wise."

Sauchie had hoped to get revenge and show a better account of themselves than in the 5-0 defeat to the Rose in the reverse fixture.

But, a miserable performance all over the pitch saw the Reds comprehensively beaten once again and Hewitt issued an apology to the club's fans.

He said: "You never go into a game and think you are going to lose. Bonnyrigg are a good side, but we've played teams as good as them this season and beaten them.

"The disappointing thing on Saturday was that all over the pitch we lost the personal battles.

"I can take getting beaten, but it's the manner that wasn't acceptable.

"I can only apologise to the people who turned up and promise them that will not be happening again."

Sauchie travel to face Haddington Athletic this weekend as they look to bounce back with a win.

To guarantee a place in next season's East of Scotland Premier Division, Sauchie have to finish fifth in Conference B, or sixth depending on which promotions and relegations elsewhere.

And while the Clacks side have now dropped out of the automatic qualification places, Hewitt insists the Reds still have it all to play for in the second half of the season.

The stopper added: "There's still plenty to play for and I believe that we are a match for anybody on our day.

"Apart from Bonnyrigg, but you aren't going to be playing them every week.

"We just need to get this out of system and take a good week of training into Saturday's match."