FOR a young defender still learning his trade, there are few better teachers than Clackmannanshire legend Davie Beaton.

The former Alloa player, who will this week mark 20 years since the Wasps' famous Bell's Challenge Cup win, recently returned to Beechwood to link up with pal Fraser Duncan and has already begun to transform their defensive fortunes.

A clean sheet against high flying Broxburn Athletic kicked things off and they have only conceded twice in their last two games, with the addition of Jon Tully adding a defensive nous that was previously lacking.

One man who feels he is benefitting from the chance to learn from Beaton is Stewart Houston, who says the Wee County legend's influence is already being keenly felt.

"He has helped to give us a bit more of a set-up and it is more relatable as he played there," Houston told Advertiser Sport. "It's hard to look at it from the outside.

"But, a defender speaking to a defender you know.

"When a striker tells you something, you might not always take it on board. Same with a striker talking to a striker, it just makes sense.

"Structurally, I would say we are much more solid as two banks of four. And whether it's the change of formation or not the two banks of four working as a group of eight has helped to make sure we shut up shop.

"Teams are having to play around us rather than through us."

Houston was involved as Sauchie were held to a 1-1 draw by Crossgates Primrose on Saturday to end their winning streak at two.

The visitors took the lead in the second half with a brilliant Scott Lawrie free kick before the Reds battled back for a point with a late own goal.

Houston continued: "You are happy to get seven points out of nine, but it feels like you have lost two points there rather than gained any, given the chances we had.

"There's a lot more dig in the team and we know we can turn it around.

"It's a free kick and you know that can happen. Daz (Darren Dolan) can't do anything about it and other than that they created nothing.

"I don't mind losing a goal like that as they haven't broken us down or created a lot of chances.

"The resilience was always there within the team but it was just finding that missing link."