Jordan Tapping says Sauchie Juniors were undone by a crucial decision as they crashed out of the Scottish Cup on Saturday.

The Wee County side looked to be on their way into the fourth round when they took the lead with just a minute played, but they were pegged back late in the first half before a dubious penalty paved the way for Kilwinning Rangers to net the winning goal.

Tapping told Advertiser Sport: “We were unlucky. We did not play badly but we've been undone by a really soft penalty. It was a harsh decision which has cost us the game. Even a few of their own players said it was a really soft penalty. But we also had chances, and we just didn't take them. That's a problem we've had throughout the season. Nothing seems to be going our way at the moment. Decisions are going against us and although we are creating chances, the goals just aren't coming no matter what we do.

“We got off to a great start. There were some claims that it wasn't in but it was definitely over the line. We said before the game that it was important to go and get an early goal but we really needed to hold out until half time without conceding, but we couldn't manage that and we went in at one-each.”

Sauchie take on title-chasers Bo'ness at Beechwood Park on Saturday having already sprung a shock this season with their victory on the opening day of the season, and Tapping believes lightning can strike twice.

He said: “Hopefully we can do what we did when we beat them at the start of the season. We need to go out there as a team and work together. We have to make sure we've got each other's backs throughout the game and I think that's the key to winning the game. We have beaten them once this season and there's no reason why we can't go and do it again.”

The young defender revealed he is loving life at Sauchie and is confident things will soon click for him and his team-mates.

He added: “I'm really enjoying things at the moment. I love working with the manager and Davie and the boys have all been great so far this season as well. Training is good, games are good and I think things are getting better. The team is starting to come together. We are all starting to know each other a bit more. We are getting there and once we start putting our chances away we will be fine.”