SAUCHIE forward Ryan Millar admitted that last Saturday’s cup defeat to Kelty Hearts was a frustrating afternoon for the Juniors.

The Wee County side fell behind early, but matched their opponents for long periods before eventually conceding two late goals, and Millar admitted that it could have been a different story if he and his team-mates had created more chances.

Now Sauchie’s top scorer is determined to get back to winning ways as they close in on the East Premier title.

Millar told Advertiser Sport: “It was a really frustrating day at the office. We conceded a really strange goal early on but after that we contained them right up until the last few minutes when they scored two.

"There were spells where we were the better team and others where we thought they were going to do some damage. To be honest, we didn’t create enough clear-cut openings. We had a couple of half-chances but nothing that was realistically going to trouble them. The most disappointing thing is the fact it ended 3-0 when we contained them for so long.

“For a huge part of the game we competed with one of the best Junior teams in Scotland. You could say that the game came at the wrong time in our season but you can’t dictate that.

"At this stage of the season, having a few injuries and players missing is something you just have to cope with. Games are coming thick and fast so getting back to winning ways is our focus now.”

Sauchie return to league duty on Wednesday evening when they host Bathgate, and Millar says that although they will be wary of their opponents, the return of some key players could swing the game in their favour.

He said: “Every game is crucial at this stage. Bathgate and Forfar played each other on Saturday and Bathgate won 2-1, which was a surprise result. We won’t be taking anything for granted.

"By Wednesday we are hoping we will be back to full strength and ready to take the three points. We know from their result at the weekend that they are coming into a bit of form so we will be wary of the threat they pose.”

The Juniors then face a quick turnaround as they take on promotion rivals Forfar on Saturday, and Millar admitted that it could be one of the most important games of Sauchie’s campaign.

He added: “The Forfar game has the potential to be one of the biggest of the season.

"That will be their last game of the season, and Kennoway have finished already, so after Saturday it is all down to us.

"We are focused on taking care of our own business, and if we do that we know we will be sitting at the top of the table when we finish up.”