A NEW year brings with it hope for a better future and the chance to right the wrongs of the past.

For Fraser Duncan, his Sauchie side wasted little time in doing just that as they bounced back from an "embarrassing" loss to Hill of Beath Hawthorn by holding Dundonald Bluebell to a much-merited point.

The Reds still remain rooted in the relegation mire and have played substantially more games than many of their basement rivals.

But, the have only lost two matches from their last seven to give themselves a chance at holding onto their place in the East of Scotland's elite.

"Coming in off the back of a bad result we knew it was always going to be tough," Duncan told Advertiser Sport. "It's one of those ones where you've got a wee bit of dread after we played so badly against Hill of Beath and Dundonald are a better side.

"We controlled long periods of the game and while Dundonald are very frightening we didn't let them get to us."

Sauchie rang the changes on Saturday with no fewer than five players taking the place of those Duncan felt let the club down in the "humiliation" the week before.

Those returning included David Cross, Ant McTaggart, and Mark Sharp, who the gaffer was keen to praise in the wake of the draw with the mid-table Fifers.

In an entertaining match at Beechwood Park, the Reds emerged with a lot of credit particularly from a second-half display which saw them dominate large swathes of the play.

Lee Dawson and Jon Tully were among those to go close but it wasn't to be as Sauchie had to settle for a share of the spoils.

"We set ourselves up and we were organised and made five changes from the week before," Duncan continued. "We worked really hard and we probably showed Dundonald how hard it should be coming to Beechwood.

"They play three up front who are very, very difficult and very experienced and all very good players.

"We came off the park feeling a wee bit deflated and we felt we should have taken all three points."

Duncan, who admits he would be delighted if his side could get six points from their next three games, has been working overtime to try and add extra firepower to his forward line.

Advertiser Sport understands the club intends to put a bid in for a player this week.

Duncan added: "The reason we haven't (taken all three points) is because we haven't put the ball in the back of the net and we are still lacking that striker to do it.

"Mark (Mooney) played really well and he had a couple of big chances but he needs someone up there to give him a hand."