Our performance wasn't reflected in the scoreline

On paper United’s 7-3 reversal at Penicuik in the Fife and Lothians Cup was a sore one for the Barnetts Park club.

But the gaffer says he saw plenty of positive signs from his men who competed well against a side at the top end of the Super League.

He said: “We competed well with them for an hour and they only really got into the ascendency in the last 30 minutes.

“It was 3-3 with half an hour to go and the game was still in the balance.

“But we gifted them a fourth and they went on to win the game.

“Overall, though, it was a much better performance from the team - a lot more work man like.”

Saints return to league business on Saturday when they travel to face Whitburn.

The hosts may be second bottom of the league, but Barrett is taking nothing for granted.

“We’ve had them watched and from what we’ve been told they’ve been quite unlucky with the goals they’ve been losing,” said the boss.

“It’s a game which both sides want to win to kick-start their season.

“We need to go there and be at our best to take anything from the game.”

United are expected to have a full squad of 16 to select from.