Tayport..................2
Sauchie..................2
McBookie.com East of Scotland Premier League
 

SAUCHIE'S record-breaking winning streak finally came to an end on Saturday as they drew away at Tayport.

The Beechwood Park side made a blistering start to the season, racking up a total of 12 consecutive victories.

They were looking for 13 when they travelled to the far edge of Fife and were on course at half time thanks to Iain Diack's opener.

And though the home side equalised, Sauchie got back in front through substitute Ryan Miller and looked to be taking another three points.

However, a late goal from Dale Reid rescued a point for his side and ensured that Sauchie's impressive winning streak would stop at 12.

Manager Fraser Duncan said his players should be commended for the unprecedented run, but warned them not to rest on their laurels.

He told Advertiser Sport: "We knew it was going to come eventually; there's no way to keep the run going forever.

"Winning 12 games from 12 is an all-time record at Sauchie, and the draw still keeps us sitting pretty at the top there.

"And though we looked at Saturday's game away to Tayport as one of the toughest games we would have, we are a wee bit disappointed not to keep the record going.

"We didn't play to our full potential and after going 1-0 up we seemed to take our foot of the gas. We just can't afford to do that, not at this level.

"I spoke with the guys afterwards and gave them a bit of a severe telling off, because it was lacklustre and we should've done better.

"They set the highest of standards with a 12 out of 12 run and, as much we can praise them for that, they known they can't allow those standards to slip."

Duncan admitted that he was forced to leave a few first-team players out of Saturday's draw due to injury, but insisted his team should have had enough to see the game out.

However, he is hoping to welcome a few back for the visit of Dundonald Bluebell in the Fife & Lothians Cup this weekend coming.

And though Sauchie will have to wait at least another week to continue their title charge, Duncan knows they can't take their eyes of the game of ahead.

He said: "It maybe would have been better to get back to a league straight away and get some more points on the board.

"Some people will look at the Tayport result and think 'that's it – they're off the rails now'. Obviously, we would want to prove to the league that it was just a blip.

"But this Saturday will be another huge game for us; we're up against a Superleague side so that will gauge how far we've come as a team this year."