SAUCHIE goal hero Ryan Millar reckons their 3-1 win over Linlithgow Rose will live long in the memory because they pulled it off against all the odds.

Fraser Duncan could only name 12 players in his match day squad due to injuries and suspensions, and even had to name himself among the substitutes, but for the man who got their opening goal, it only made the win even sweeter.

The shock win leaves the Beechwood Park men needing only one more point to guarantee their place in the Super League East next season and their in-form hitman reckons it was no more than they deserved on the day.

Millar told Advertiser sport:“Saturday was a great day for the whole club and a special day for all the boys. The last few games have been disappointing for us because we knew we needed the points to secure our safety. We went into Saturday no one expecting us to getting anything and I think that took the pressure off us. Credit to all the lads because it was great day out and a great performance. I was just pleased to get a goal and to get us off to a flying start.

“Even after they equalised though, we got a goal back straight away so it was great to get back on the score sheet again, but as soon as we went ahead the second time, we just kicked on from there and the three points were all that mattered for us. It’s a massive win for us. The teams below us would now need to go and win every game which is difficult to do when you are playing Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

“It’s not impossible, but certainly a tough ask for them now. We have really been hampered by injuries these past few weeks with the likes of Iain Diack struggling with his hamstring. He has been such an important player for us these past few weeks. When you add that to Darren Cummings and David Morrison also injured then Brian Morgan and Callum Tapping suspended then it really has been an uphill task for us at times. We were down to the bare bones, but somehow we have managed the win against one of the main league contenders and that makes it all the more special.”

Millar and Sauchie now face a trip to their local rivals Camelon as they look to gain a result that would secure their league status for another season and the xx-year-old says they will go all out for the win.

Millar was reunited with former strike partner Conor Kelly who cancelled out his opener with the equaliser for the Rose, but he admits it is great to see his friend doing well at the top of the table.

He said: “A point would probably be enough, but if we must look to go and get all three points that would not only get one back on them this time, but if we can secure our future by pushing them back into the relegation mix then even better. It is a nice one to finish this sort of local derby. We have a bit of a history with them being our bogey team in recent years so there is no chance of us not turning up.

“It was great to see Conor Kelly back at the club and we were fearing the worst when he scored thinking he might go onto score a few more. He scored a cracking header to be fair to him and it’s great to see him doing so well. He really has had a tremendous season and we wish him all the best.”

The former Alloa Athletic trainee is now hopeful his recent form will be enough to earn him a new deal at Beechwood Park this summer as he is desperate to be a part of Fraser Duncan’s squad for next season.

Millar added: “I haven’t spoke to the gaffer yet, but I have really enjoyed my time here at Sauchie and so would love the chance to get a new deal for next season. Hopefully, I have shown the manager over the past few weeks especially what I can do because I really enjoyed it here and hopefully my goals and assists in that period have stood me in good stead for that.”