SAUCHIE JUNIORS boss Fraser Duncan has challenged his players to keep up the momentum that has seen them shoot straight to the top of the East Premier League following their flawless start to the new season.

The Beechwood Park side now face a tricky trip to face Tranent in East Lothian tomorrow and the gaffer is fully aware of the task facing his men.

Duncan told Advertiser Sport: “It is all about keeping our momentum going now. We set out the goal to get the first 12 points on the board, so I am delighted we have achieved that and find ourselves top of the league this early.

"That was our main aim and now that we’ve got there, I have just set the boys a new target for the next three games as well.

"Tranent away will be a very tricky task for us this weekend because it is historically such a difficult place to go and win. 

"They were favourites at the start of the campaign to win the league, so for me that is another scalp we need to go and take. They haven’t had the best of starts, but we have to be wary not to give them any momentum."

He added: “It is not just about setting targets and achieving them though, we have to maintain our high standards as well and if we can do that then that is when we will be contenders to win the Premier League this season.

"The more games we win then the more the fans expectations will rise and that comes with its own pressure. It is about how we handle that and I am looking for players to go out and win with a bit of class about them.

"We know it will not be easy in this league and there is a long way to go, but the more games we win then the more teams will fear us. We won’t get carried away, but we are in a good place.” 

Duncan was delighted with the 3-1 win over Downfield last weekend and believes the way his side were able to prevail comfortably, despite not being at their best, could just be a vital asset for them to possess this season.

He said: “We knew going into the Downfield game that it was going to be tough because they had three wins and a loss from four games. We always knew it would be a challenge for us with them desperate to be up there challenging at the top end of the table.

"To be honest, we started the game really sloppy and found it tough to get ourselves going, but although we haven’t been at our best, it is a great attribute to have when you can still just grind out a result.

"The way the game went though, I never really felt we were in any danger and I always felt like we were always capable of lifting the tempo again if we needed to. Performance wise, we still have a lot more to come, but I am delighted to have another three points on the board.”

The 32-year-old gaffer believes his side are yet to hit peak form despite leading the way with the maximum points from their four games in the Premier League.

Duncan added: “I feel like there is still much more to come form us as well. I don’t feel like we have really hit top stride yet or even found our strongest team.

"If you think that we still have the likes of Jon Tully, Darren Cummings and Ant McTaggart searching for some fitness then they will each add a different element to us.

"Iain Diack has had his appendix out last week, so he will be back pushing to get into the team soon as well so it is exciting to think of the levels we could reach if we realise our full potential.”