Tynecastle 3 Sauchie Juniors 3 

FRASER DUNCAN lamented the “worst 35 minutes he had seen all season” as Sauchie Juniors blew a three goal lead.

The Reds got themselves into what looked like an unassailable position by the 53rd minute, but it wasn’t to be as the hosts pulled together a swift comeback, securing a share of the spoils in Edinburgh.

Jack Thomson and Aaron Isaacs got Sauchie on the front foot with goals in the opening 45, with the gaffer saying he couldn’t have been happier with the first half performance.

“We were outstanding,” Duncan said. “We were showing very good passage of plays and we dominated that half.

“I couldn’t have been happier with the first half, we scored two really good goals.

“We went in at half time and said to the guys to just keep doing what they were doing.”

After the break, Sauchie added to their lead with Mark Smith getting his name on the scoresheet, giving the visitors a three goal cushion to see out in the second half.

Tynecastle made some changes shortly after and pulled off a quick double to reduce the deficit to just one goal.

A tetchy second half played out after that, with Sauchie hoping to cling onto their lead, but it wasn’t to be as the home side levelled with just five minutes to go.

Duncan went on: “We looked to be keeping things going and we scored the third goal.

“I think the boys just thought we had three goals so we could just roll out and see out the game.

“Tynecastle made changes and got back in it. It was really disappointing for me because we’ve been good this season at seeing out results.

“That 35 minute spell was the worst we’ve been all season and it’s a really disappointing two points to drop.”

Sauchie have been hit with injuries and have had numerous players absent from matchdays.

The manager added: “We’ve had players missing and other players not available through various reasons.

“It needs to be fixed and it’s something I’m planning on addressing with the team.”

Next up for Sauchie is a visit from Kilwinning Rangers for the third round of the Scottish Challenge Cup.