SAUCHIE JUNIORS manager Fraser Duncan praised his players for their brilliant start to the season on Saturday.

Duncan’s side defeated Tynecastle 4-0 with goals from Kris Kelly, Ross Kavanagh, Sam Davidson and David McCaughie on the scoresheet.

The manager told Advertiser Sport: “Great start. Things all came together from pre-season, we were a wee bit short at the back but it worked out really well.

“Saturday was a really good result to start the season at home. Some of the football we played, to keep a clean sheet and score four goals was excellent. The boys were outstanding, we played some really good football and now we’ve just to keep that going.

“The boys played really well, I can’t really fault them. I thought we were excellent; I think we could have had another couple, we created a few chances. It could have been more, the way we played, the way we controlled the game. I’m really, really happy with them. It’s a long way to go but we just need to make sure we keep working hard.”

Sauchie started the season poorly last year and struggled to get going. Duncan was happy to see his side show their ruthlessness over the weekend.

“Last year we just didn’t take our chances whereas this year we’ve taken our chances,” he said. “I just think on Saturday we were more ruthless than what we were at the start of last season.

“As the season got to the midway point last year we had to become more ruthless and we started to kill teams off and score goals and we’ve continued that, we came back for pre-season and gave the boys a good workout but I think we’re more ruthless, we know we need to be more ruthless in this league because otherwise teams will be ruthless with you.

“Another year together has made a difference too, some of the movement and the passing…some of the movement on Saturday was the kind of stuff you would see on the television, some of the passages of play were outstanding.

“Our biggest task in the summer was to keep us together. I knew they’re definitely good enough to go and do well, we just needed to add a couple of wee bits. I’m hoping to get the finishing touches sorted in the next few weeks.”

Craig Comrie, who suffered a major injury in pre-season, recently had an operation and Duncan praised the player for his determination.

He said: “Craig’s one of they ones that’s really gutted me. It’s a massive blow for me, it’s a massive blow for the club but more importantly it’s a massive blow for Craig.

“He worked so hard last year to get himself on a platform where he wants to perform. He came back for pre-season and worked really, really hard. He looked sharp and then to get that setback is absolutely gutting.

“I’ve been really impressed with his attitude. I’m gutted for him because he would have played a massive part for us this year. I’ve been in to see him, he’s much better.

“He’s a strong character and the operation went really well so hopefully we’ll have him back stronger and raring to go when the time’s right.”

Sauchie travelled to face Crossgates Primrose last night after Advertiser Sport went to print.