New recruits at St Andrews will boost fortunes

United were dumped out of the Soccer Shop Direct Challenge Cup at the weekend on their home patch by Hawick Royal Albert United.

Despite that defeat, there were positives for Charlie King’s side, who recovered from being 2-0 down at the break to level matters before losing to a late winner.

The game also saw debuts from new recruits including Ali Wilkinson and Jack Healy, who have joined on loan from East Fife.

Club vice-chairman Blair Smith admits the weekend’s loss was disappointing but believes the new signings will soon help the club settle and hit form.

He said: “It’s logged as another defeat against a team we would have expected to beat.

“We missed too many chances, though, and let them take the game to us more than we should, and there can be no real complaints about the final score.

“We have brought in a number of new players in the last few weeks, and it will take a while for the team to settle down.

“There was no shortage of effort on the pitch and some good moments of skill.

“Overall, discipline was better this week too, so we need to keep the faith and be confident that things will get better.”

Saints have also confirmed that striker Kyle Wilson has left to join Linlithgow Rose.