Sauchie Juniors make it two Premier Division wins from two

TEN-MAN Sauchie Juniors maintained their perfect start to the East of Scotland League Premier Division season with a hard fought victory on Saturday.

Iain Diack's side, despite the loss of Kyle Scott, prevailed at Blackburn United to make it two wins from two to begin the campaign.

The Reds, who made sure of avoiding relegation on the final day, didn't register a first league success last term until their 14th attempt, in November, at home to Hutchison Vale.

That was after Diack had been announced as taking up the Beechwood Park hotseat for a second time, following the departure of Jon Tully, and his team have started the new Premier Division season promisingly.

They opened in style, with a 3-0 win at newly-promoted, Thornton Hibs, and registered another three points on the road in West Lothian.

Sauchie are back in cup action, at home, against Thorniewood United this weekend. (Image: Sauchie Juniors FC.)

Sauchie made an excellent start when Connor Willaghan put them ahead with only seven minutes on the clock, and doubled their advantage through Aaron Stubberfield just before the half hour mark.

However, before the interval, Scott was red carded after picking up two bookings.

The visitors didn't buckle at the Purdie Worldwide Community Stadium and whilst Andy Jones pulled one back for Blackburn, Sauchie saw the game out and moved on to six points from six ahead of Tuesday evening's home match with Newtongrange Star.

The win for Diack's side came after they suffered a second cup exit in just three days, last Tuesday, against Newburgh.

The Reds travelled to Fife for an East of Scotland Qualifying Cup second round tie, having been knocked out of the Scottish Gas Men's Scottish Cup by Whitletts Victoria at the first preliminary round stage.

Their interest in the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup also ended at the opening hurdle, with Blair Campbell's 19th minute header, from a corner, proving decisive.

Sauchie are in knockout action again this Saturday, in the South Challenge Cup, when they welcome West of Scotland Football League, League One outfit, Thorniewood United, to Beechwood.

Kick off is at 2.30pm.