A SECOND-HALF demolition job saw Sauchie jump to third in the league as they battered Inverkeithing Swifts 4-0.

Ross Kavanagh opened the scoring in the second half for Sauchie shortly after Lewis Hynd was shown a second yellow card.

Jack Docherty would then go on to score a hat-trick as the hosts cruised to a comfortable victory.

Manager Fraser Duncan named a strong starting lineup with Chic Bell in goals behind a back four of Ross Balmer, Scott Davidson, Ally Peacock and Ross Hutchison.

A midfield of Conor Kelly, Brian Morgan, Danny Smith and Docherty sat behind a front two of Sam Davidson and the in form Kavanagh.

From the beginning Sauchie were the dominant side on the ball. Smith was far too clever in the middle of the park and repeatedly found himself in space. When he didn’t and was closed down, he had the skill and composure to turn away from his man.

Kavanagh and Kelly both showed their superiority in the air, continuously winning headers and bringing their teammates into play.

The visitors would be the first to have a chance on target, however; Ronan McMurchie was given far too much time on the left wing and was able to cut inside and fire at goal. Thankfully for Sauchie it was a tame effort and easy for Bell to save.

Scott Davidson would show a great range of passing throughout the match and his first effort should have resulted in a Sauchie penalty. His diagonal pass was met by Docherty and his header into the box clearly came off a Swifts player’s hand. The referee played the advantage and Kavanagh’s shot was saved but the penalty should have been given.

A golden chance would fall Sam Davidson’s way following a sensational slide tackle nutmeg by Morgan before getting on the end of a one-two with Kelly. His cross found Davidson but his half volley was saved well by Neil Mitchell.

The best chance of the match fell Morgan’s way minutes later. Great play by Kavanagh won Sauchie a free kick in a dangerous position. Kelly’s whipped delivery was inch perfect and all Morgan had to do was hit the target but his effort went wide.

Towards the end of the first half two good chances weren’t taken by the visitors. First, former Alloa Athletic player Liam Evans controlled the ball in the box before smashing a volley well over the bar. Pat Scullion would then have a free header in the box but his effort also went over.

With half time arriving neither team had made the most of their chances but Sauchie came out in the second half with intent. Kavanagh was working hard and his determination clearly

frustrated Hynd who dragged him to the ground. In the aftermath Hynd would foul Sam Davidson but the referee would only give him a yellow.

Minutes later Hynd would receive his second yellow for a terrible tackle on Davidson and he was given his marching orders.

Sauchie smelled blood and it didn’t take long for the opener to come. Peacock’s deep cross to the back post was met by Scott Davidson who headed back across goal and Kavanagh’s superb overhead kick was enough to beat Mitchell.

Despite some rough treatment from the defenders Kavanagh continued to cause problems and would then turn provider. A brilliant through ball by Smith found Kavanagh’s run and he played the ball across goal first time for Docherty to smash the ball into the net.

The third goal wasn’t far away and it came from a move all the way from the back. Bell was quick to get the ball moving and found Balmer out on the right. His cross was perfectly placed and Kavanagh must have heard a shout because he ducked and Docherty arrived behind him to bullet a header past Mitchell.

Inverkeithing had yet to give up and some good play by Evans saw him gain half a yard to get a shot away but Balmer was on hand to slide in and block shot.

A brilliant bit of determination by Docherty won a penalty for his team and with the match ball on the line he stepped up and smashed the ball into the roof of the net to seal the victory and ensure Sauchie moved to third.

With three wins, 14 goals scored and none conceded, the victory rounded off a superb week for Duncan’s men. His side are the second highest scorers in the league and have the second best goal difference, behind only league leaders Linlithgow Rose in both categories.

Next up is a trip to face Glasgow United in the Challenge Cup before the Scottish Cup tie against Linlithgow Rose. Full of confidence and scoring for fun, Sauchie can certainly fancy their chances of progressing in both competitions.

SAUCHIE: Bell, Balmer (Willaghan), Sam Davidson (Preston), Ally Peacock, Hutchison, Kelly (Love), Smith (Connor), Morgan, Docherty, Sam Davidson (Dickie), Kavanagh. UNUSED: Columbine, Tully