Sauchie defender Roger Duffin admitted Saturday's performance fell well below the standards they have set in recent weeks.

The Beechwood Park side went down 4-1 to Carnoustie and Duffin thinks they can have no complaints with the result.

The experienced defender believes Sauchie were masters of their own downfall as their three-match unbeaten run came to an end.

Duffin told Advertiser Sport: “It was disappointing. We didn't really deserve anything from the game to be honest. We just weren't at the races. It's hard to put your finger on what exactly went wrong. We never really got going and to be fair to Carnoustie they were not bad. They were quite a decent side. But we gifted them silly goals and caused problems for ourselves.

“All the boys know that they let themselves and the manager down. It's frustrating because we seemed to be going in the right direction. There were a couple of boys suspended but that's not really an excuse. We didn't deserve anything from the game at all.”

Sauchie are looking to bounce back when they travel to Ayrshire to face Kilwinning in the Scottish Cup and Duffin says form goes for nothing when it comes to the cup.

He said: “It's not the ideal preparation but when it comes to Scottish Cup ties form is not really a big issue. It's a one-off and it will be a battle. But it is important that we go there and get back to winning ways, for confidence as much as anything else.

“We trained on Monday and had a word about what happened on Saturday and we have now put it behind us and are looking forward. We won't dwell on Saturday, instead we want to be looking ahead and trying to get a positive result.”

The 37-year-old recently moved to Beechwood Park having retired at the end of last season and has been impressed by the club so far.

Duffin originally retired after winning last season's Super League title with Kelty but Fraser Duncan convinced him to sign on at Sauchie and now he hopes his experience can have a positive impact.

He added: “I know a few of the guys and I think the setup is pretty good. Fraser told me he was lacking a bit of experience and I think apart from me the oldest lads are 26 or 27. The club is run well and I think it has a good future ahead of it.

“I hope my experience can be helpful. I had planned on retiring at the end of last season because of certain work commitments. Fraser invited me along to do a bit of training which was good because it kept me fit and gave me something to do, and then he came back to me and told me there was a contract there if I wanted it. I have been enjoying it so far.”