MARK SMITH hailed Sauchie’s drive and determination as they dug deep to hold onto three points against Glenrothes.

The striker got himself on the scoresheet twice alongside Ross Kavanagh to earn a much needed three points for the Reds, putting an end to a poor run of recent form.

For the second half of the match, the Reds held on to their lead after Ross Hutchison was sent off, leaving 10 man Sauchie to hold off Glenrothes, who threw everything they had at the game.

Speaking to Advertiser Sport, Smith praised the team’s work rate to hunker down and retain their lead.

He said: “We were in control for the majority of the game and played some really good football considering the weather conditions and pitch was very heavy for both teams to get ball down and play football.

“We did have a soft penalty decision go against us and even softer red card which didn’t help us out, but with having the three goal advantage, it gave us that cushion to hold onto.

“After being in control of most of the first half, it was then that little bit tougher going into the second half, knowing they would come out fighting after getting a bit of hope from the penalty just before halftime.

“We defended well and worked hard with 10 men, making it difficult for Glenrothes to break us down, seeing the game out well which gave us the three points.”

Sauchie came out firing from the first whistle, with Smith getting the visitors on the front foot in just nine minutes.

He quickly doubled Sauchie’s lead just 20 minutes later, with the Reds set to cruise past Glenrothes. Ross Kavanagh then added a third for Sauchie’s goal tally just after half an hour.

“I was delighted at getting the two goals,” Smith continued. “I’m always wanting to get goals as a striker but getting the three points was vital and getting back to winning ways was important for the team.”

The result against Glenrothes will hopefully mark a turning point for Sauchie, who have struggled in the league lately.

Manager Fraser Duncan had previously insisted that injuries were seriously hindering Sauchie, who had initially looked title challengers.

Smith added: “We haven’t had the season we’d all have wanted with injuries going against us as well. We still have plenty games left and points up for grabs.

“Taking each game as it comes now and get back on a good winning run again. Hopefully teams lower down can do us a favour and take points off teams higher up, you never know what can happen.

“We have a great team and we are definitely able to get up the league again.”