FRASER DUNCAN blasted poor officiating as his Sauchie side were controversially reduced to 10 men against Glenrothes.
The Reds played out a 0-0 draw away in Fife despite having a man disadvantage for the entirety of the second half.
Striker Ross Kavanagh was sent to the stands for a quickfire double booking – the first yellow coming for placing both hands on an opponent.
The situation went from bad to worse however, as Kavanagh tried to defend himself, only to receive a second yellow for dissent.
This left Sauchie with just 10 men for the second half and despite keeping Glenrothes at bay, they couldn’t find a way to break lines themselves, leading to a goalless draw.
Speaking to Advertiser Sport after the game, Duncan took aim at officials and the impact Kavanagh’s sending off had on the game.
He said: “A really poor first half and getting reduced to 10 men made it really difficult for us.
“Was the sending off justified? No, definitely not. For me, it’s another mistake from officials.
“That just adds to the numerous mistakes that they make at the moment. The standard is really poor and we’re facing decisions every week that are controversial.
“It’s having a big impact on games and being reduced to 10 men made it really difficult for us.”
Sauchie came out the break and looked to get at Glenrothes, but the 10 man team were unable to break lines.
Duncan went on: “In the second half, we came out and controlled the game, even with 10 men. We created a few chances, nothing clear cut but we looked like the team on the ascendancy.
“We’re not creating enough chances or putting the ball in the box, we’re not running at people, we tend to be holding back and playing possession football.
“That doesn’t win you games at the moment and we’ve been driving that into them in training.
“I’m calling the guys out in the squad this week and telling them for the Scottish Cup this weekend, we need to be direct.
“That’s the aim, that’s what we’re aiming for – the boys are going to have to step up to the plate.”
Sauchie look ahead to a big Scottish Cup tie this Saturday, with Highland League champions Buckie Thistle visiting Beechwood.
A spot in the third round of the cup is at stake and Duncan’s side has been bolstered by the return of several key players.
He continued: “We still have people out injured, guys who are just coming back from injury but we still could be doing with a few names under our belt for Scottish Cup tie.
“Unfortunately, that’s just the way it is.
“The good news is Sam Davidson’s back and so is Ross Hutchison. Great to get them back in the equation.
“Scott Davidson came through his first 90 minutes on Saturday against Glenrothes so that’s a big plus point for us.
“Three important players that need to be at their best for Saturday.”
Duncan is under no illusions as to how tough the Buckie tie is going to be, but insisted the coaching staff have been ironing things out in the squad all week.
“It’s going to be a tough one if we’re being honest,” Duncan added. “Buckie will be the favourites which is fine by me.
“We need to go about our business the right way and hopefully we can do that.”
“We don’t seem to be taking chances at the minute. Things aren’t seeming to click at the minute.
“There’s two, three bits that need to be fixed. We think we’ve fixed them and we’re going into this Saturday and it clicks.
“If it does, then Buckie are in for a real rollercoaster of a time. If it doesn’t click, then it’s simple we’re out the Scottish Cup.
“If it clicks on Saturday, we’ll win the game and give Buckie a real good go. If it doesn’t, then unfortunately we’ll be out the Scottish Cup.”
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