SAUCHIE boss Fraser Duncan admitted his side weren't at the standard of Tranent at the weekend as his team were defeated 2-0.

It was Sauchie's fourth loss of the season, picking up just one point from the five games played in total.

Duncan said: "I think the boys played well, worked really hard. I can't fault their commitment, they gave me everything they've got but we fell short. We're not at that standard yet, we're not as good.

"We matched Tranent last year but they've really strengthened in the summer. They played some great football, unfortunately for us we had two or three players missing and you can't really afford to have those players missing and be carrying passengers and it just didn't work for us on Saturday.

"We just struggled to match their tempo.

"They've got quality players, strength in depth, some really good footballers. I can't see anyone else matching them for the league. On Saturday they were by far superior to what we put in."

Despite the defeat, Duncan was impressed with some of his players and says they might have gotten something from the game if they were more clinical.

He continued: "We lost the goal then at half-time we regrouped and the first 20 minutes of the second half we were playing the better football. We missed a couple of chances; we missed a clear cut chance then they've went up the pitch, got the penalty and scored so it's a bit of a sucker punch.

"[It's] disappointing but I can't fault the lads and I've got to give them credit, they've gave me everything they've got.

"I was happy with our defence on Saturday, I thought Scott Davidson and David Cross were excellent, they deserve some plaudits, the two of them were outstanding, defended really well but unfortunately we just fell short."

The gaffer now looks ahead to the upcoming East of Scotland Cup clash with Crossgates Primrose tonight, before welcoming Penicuik to Sauchie on Saturday.

He said: "If you look at the league games we've just had we've had Linlithgow, Tranent and then Penicuik. Very, very difficult.

"We start off with a draw against Linlithgow and I felt we should have beat them. They were lucky to go away with a point; we've got to be more ruthless. Again on Saturday I think if we would have scored against Tranent it might have been a different game.

"Penicuik are a good side, very strong and always well organised. We need to go out on Saturday and with us being at home I'll certainly be looking for us to take something from the game. It's not a case of going to make the numbers up, it's at Beechwood, our pitch and for Penicuik to come here and get something they're going to have to work hard for it."

Despite the season barely starting, Duncan admits there are concerns and he hopes to add some new blood to the squad.

He continued: "Now with the run of fixtures we've got it's going to be very difficult but I said to the boys we really now have to start picking up points. The longer it goes the more pressure is on. The pressure's on because we thought we'd have a good start and it's not happened. We really need to start putting points on the table.

"I'm looking at bringing one or two players in, we need a wee bit more in the engine room, more strength and maybe we need a wee something up top to kickstart us because we need something that's going to get us a chance or create a chance."