FRASER DUNCAN was left gutted after a spirited fightback from his Sauchie players eventually counted for nothing as they lost out to Camelon on Wednesday.

The Wee County side trailed 3-1 at half time but battled back to level the scores in the second half.

However, a late defensive error handed their local rivals a winner, and the manager was frustrated at seeing his team fail to make the most of their dominance.

Duncan told Advertiser Sport: “I’m gutted about the result because we were the better side by far. People might scratch their heads when they hear me say that but it’s true – we have gifted Camelon four goals which cost us.

"The second and third were two great strikes, but we allowed them to get into positions they just shouldn’t have been allowed to get into.

"We dominated the possession and had a lot more chances, so it’s really hard to take.

“Missed chances are costing us at the minute, and we are being caught out when we make mistakes. The defending has got to get better.

"I’m glad the midweek games are over because it means we can get some hard work done on the training pitch. Hopefully after that we will start to improve.”

Duncan insisted that Sauchie should not have been in a position where they were forced to come back from two goals down in the first place, and warned his players that they will make life difficult for themselves unless they improve.

He said: “We shouldn’t be having to fight back like that. If we had done our jobs properly in the first half we wouldn’t have been in that position.

"We have to be much better or else we are going to lose a lot of goals this season.”

The Juniors’ boss reckons Saturday’s trip to face Penicuik will give his side an even tougher test, but insisted that it is vital that they start picking up points.

Duncan added: “Saturday is a huge game. It will be even harder. Penicuik are a very good side and they are doing really well at the minute so we’re aware of how difficult it’s going to be for us.

“We always knew it was going to be tough. You can’t lose four centre-halves and expect everything to come together straight away. But it’s vital that we start getting points on the board.”