SAUCHIE boss Fraser Duncan was delighted with his players' response to their Scottish Cup exit as they defeated high-flying Lochee United in the Super League last Saturday.

The manager had called for a big reaction from his squad, and got it as they came from behind twice to record a vital win.

Duncan told Advertiser Sport: "Lochee have done well this year and gave us a bit of a doing at Beechwood Park earlier in the season.

"That was in the back of our minds but the boys did well. To come from behind twice in the game was outstanding.

"We were brilliant on Saturday and knocked the ball about really well. To go up there and even just get a point would have been an unbelievable result but to pick up three points is incredible.

"It's one of the hardest places in the league, but the three points were thoroughly deserved.

"Everyone was obviously gutted after last week's performance. The boys wanted to make up for that because they knew they hadn't played well enough.

"We had to work really hard to do it but the way we played and the chances we had, it could have been quite embarrassing for Lochee."

Duncan hailed new signing William Wells and star striker Conor Kelly, who both got on the scoresheet to help Sauchie to victory.

He said: "William came into the team and had a really good game on Saturday. I'm really pleased that he got the winner because he's a great lad with a great attitude. He's come in and made a difference straight away.

"I'm delighted for Conor to have got his goals. It gets his confidence back up and running. You wouldn't look past him as man of the match.

"He's starting to find his feet again and we just want him to keep plodding on now and getting more goals.

"He had a hard task up front on his own on Saturday but he got stuck in and looked like the Conor of old was back. I'm chuffed to bits."

Sauchie have opened up a five-point gap over their relegation rivals but the manager insisted that they are still focused on picking up as many points as possible to make sure they are playing Super League football again next season.

Duncan added: "We want to survive and that was our first priority at the start of the season. We've got to work hard now and make sure we get the points we need.

"Five points is a good gap to have, especially when we've still got to play Kennoway and Forfar.

"We need to kick on and I think the guys will do that now. We are in a much better place.