DARREN PETRIE is adamant his Sauchie side are on the verge of turning a corner – despite an agonising last minute loss to Dundonald Bluebell.

The Reds co-caretaker manager believes the performances from his charges are "night and day" from their tricky opening to the season and was seeing the positives from their 4-3 reverse in Fife.

Petrie and Darren Cummings' Sauchie had their work cut out for them after going behind within a minute, before Conor Langton levelled the game.

The hosts looked to have the three points signed, sealed and delivered when they rallied to make it 3-1.

But, a David McCaughie strike and an own-goal dragged the Reds back level, only for Dundonald to snatch the win with the last kick of the ball.

"We played really well and it was only a couple of individual errors which cost us four silly goals," Petrie told Advertiser Sport.

"We are taking lots of positives from the game and it is just day and night from where we were a couple of weeks ago.

"Their attitude, hunger and desire was all there from the start and against a physically aggressive team they needed it and rolled their sleeves up.

"It says a lot about them that they are right behind Darren and myself during all of this and we are doing everything we can to get to where we need to be.

"It's just taking a wee bit more time because we are changing the style from when we started out this season."

To compound Sauchie's frustrating afternoon, Lewis Small's dislocated shoulder could rule the former Camelon ace out for some time.

It means the Reds are now without a recognised number 9, but Petrie promised new recruits are on the way.

Advertiser Sport understands the Beechwood Park club hope to bring in a striker on loan within the next few weeks while a centre-back, who had been playing in America, is currently training with the Wee County side.

"With Lewis being out we are obviously looking to bring in a striker," Petrie said. "We've had a centre-half training with us and he looks really good.

"He's aggressive and really good on the ball and will be a good addition. Then with Darren Dolan away we are also hoping to get in a goalkeeper to compete with Brett (Young).

"Teams aren't cutting us open and we conceded three goals from set-pieces on Saturday.

"We are getting there it will just take some more time but I believe we will soon turn a corner."

The Reds host Civil Service Strollers in the Challenge Cup at Beechwood this weekend and the 24-year-old is keen for his side to use the break from league action to build up some much needed momentum.

He said: "It will be a tough game but we are looking forward to it."