DARREN CUMMINGS insisted Sauchie were “back to their very best” as they pipped Glenrothes 3-2 on Saturday.

A dominant first half performance from the Reds saw them lead 3-0 inside just over half an hour, with Sauchie set to cruise past Glenrothes.

However, momentum shifted as Ross Hutchison was sent off for a misunderstanding with a Glenrothes player, an accidental trip being mistaken for serious foul play.

Ten-man Sauchie dug deep in the second half to deny Glenrothes as they tried to find a way back in the match, earning themselves a massive three points in doing so.

Assistant manager Cummings praised Sauchie for doing everything right at both ends of the park on Saturday.

“This was back to us doing what we do best,” Cummings said. “We came out the blocks and knocked the ball about really well from the off.

“It was so pleasing to see us back to our very best. Hutchison came back and we had Ross Kavanagh back as well.

“We had a high tempo and Glenrothes couldn’t live with us. A corner from wee Danny Smith found big Mark Smith who poked it into the front post.

“Smith slotted it in again not long after and we were buzzing for the big man, he’s been lacking a bit of confidence in front of goal but he doesn’t stop working and he got his goals on Saturday.”

Mark Smith scored twice to give Sauchie an early lead, with reliable Ross Kavanagh adding a third for the Reds.

The game was turned on its head, however, during an altercation between Ross Hutchison and a Glenrothes player.

Hutchison has tried to step over him and the player claimed for an intentional stamp, with the referee agreeing and sending the defender to the stands.

From there, Glenrothes pulled one back before half time, forcing the now 10 man Sauchie to dig deep to retain their lead.

Cummings continued: “The red card put our backs against the wall and the game was changed completely.

“The boys came out the second half and we defended brilliantly to a man. Glenrothes came out chasing the game.

“We had to dig deep, put our bodies on the line and we did that well. They scored in the last kick of the game to make it 3-2 but we’d already done our job.

“The officials made it a game but the important thing was the three points.”

Sauchie look to face Luncarty this Saturday at Beechwood for their last game of 2023.