SAUCHIE boss Fraser Duncan says he was really proud of his team in the aftermath of their defeat on Saturday.

Duncan's side were knocked out of the Challenge Cup by Gala Fairydean Rovers after losing 2-1, but Duncan believes there's plenty they can take from their performance.

He told Advertiser Sport: "I think we matched them for 90 minutes; there's a wee 10 minute period where we've switched off and they've killed us.

"I think their goalkeeper's been outstanding, if I was to look at a man of the match I'd probably say him so that just shows how much we've improved in the last two or three weeks because it shows you how much of the game we had.

"That 10 minute comes in a period where we've worked so hard and put so much effort into the first 45 minutes.

"If I'm being honest, the break in play and momentum has really made a difference to us and I think we've taken 10 minutes in the second half to get going."

As Advertiser Sport went to print, Sauchie were preparing to face league leaders Tranent and Duncan said: "Nobody's expecting us to get anything. I'm happy with that. Our guys go, relax and work hard and that suits us."

Duncan continued: "The Broxburn game [this Saturday] is a massive game for us, we're expected to go and get something from that, especially being at Beechwood.

"I've said to the management team and the players every game at Beechwood this year has got more pressure for us because we've set ourselves up to be hard to beat. Teams are really going to have to come and do something special to beat us.

"That's why the Broxburn game has got more pressure for us."

One player making their return from injury this week is Alan Comrie, who Duncan was keen to mention.

"He's been missing for five or six weeks now," Duncan said. "He's due back in training this week which for me as a manager is a massive boost.

"He's the one who will lead that midfield, and to have him back this week starting to train again is huge.

"He'll be a huge part of our season, to have him back is great."