Sauchie boss Fraser Duncan has challenged his players to go and prove they mean business in the East Super League this season when they host leaders Kelty Hearts this weekend.

The Beechwood Park men are currently on a five game unbeaten run, but the gaffer has warned his men that they cannot rest on their laurels as they get set to face the current league leaders on Saturday.

Duncan told Advertiser sport: “The lads want to keep the unbeaten run going and it would be a remarkable achievement if we could get through the next two games against Kelty and Linlithgow without losing. The lads should take confidence from their performances over the last few weeks.

“Bonnyrigg away was a real turning point for us, but it is important that we kick on now and not just admire what we have done so far. I want to lay the gauntlet down to my players to go and prove to me that they can go and compete with the top four sides and if they really do mean business in the league this season.

“It is up to them now to go and show that to me know because we will be well organised and have the game plan set up well and it is now for them to show me they have what it takes.

“It was frustrating to have the Musselburgh game called off because we were well prepared and ready for the challenge, but you cannot account for the frost and these things happen at this time of year. We now shift our focus to Kelty Hearts and that is going to be a massive test for us.” The 31-year-old boss was in attendance at Newtown Park as Kelty lost 1-0 to Bo’ness United last weekend, but he reckons despite their defeat, it only emphasized the threat the Fifers will pose when they come to Clackmannanshire on Saturday.

Duncan said: “I managed to watch their 1-0 defeat at Bo’ness last weekend so I am well aware of the threat they possess. They were on a good run before the defeat and high been flying in the league so we will have our work cut out for us.

“We are at home though, and we want to make Beechwood Park a difficult place to come. We know we will have to be very disciplined and retain possession of the ball against Kelty because if you let them have the ball too often they will punish you.

“Kelty will be keen to get themselves back on track after the weekend so we will have to be wary of that, but the longer the game goes the more it suits us if it is still level. We need to have a strong start and keep it tight, but we know it is going to be a difficult task.” Duncan’s men prepared for the weekend clash with a 4-2 friendly win over a Scottish Amateur select side and a few players caught the manager’s eye to give him plenty food for thought with regards to his starting line-up.

He added: “It was an encouraging performance from us because we were quite direct at the right times and got our just rewards for that.

“I thought Stevie Dolan was excellent and Calum Hendrie stepped in up front, put in a good shift and took his goal really well.

“It was great to get the boys a run out before the weekend having been off last weekend and there were some good displays from certain players and it is great to see them fighting for places in the side.”