Dunfermline: James McPake reacts to Livingston loss

He was speaking after Saturday's Premier Sports Cup Group E defeat at Livingston, which has left them facing elimination from the competition.

Ex-Par Robbie Muirhead netted the game's only goal to hand the Pars a second defeat in the section, following the surprise loss to Forfar Athletic last midweek.

With just Cove Rangers left to play on Saturday, Dunfermline look set to miss out on reaching the last 16 of the tournament for a third successive season.

McPake had high hopes of reaching the knockout phase before the group stage began, but admitted he could look to freshen up his squad against Cove, with a view to returning to Livi for their Championship opener a week on Saturday.

READ MORE: Pars fall to Livi loss and face Premier Sports Cup exit

"Possibly, but there is pride," the manager said.

"We are at home and we want to go and win the game. I also know the frailties in the squad. I need to make sure that come a week on Saturday I have a team to pick.

"You can probably hear the frustration in my voice. We are three games into the season and I’m banging my head against a wall and moaning, or the perception is I’m moaning. I know the situation. I just need to deal with it."

It was a match that, whilst having no lack of effort from both sides, saw good goalscoring chances at a premium.

Following Muirhead's 11th minute opener, which saw him stab the ball beyond Deniz Mehmet, after connecting with Stephen Kelly's through ball, Dunfermline struggled to test home goalkeeper Shamal George.

Their best moment of the opening period saw Chris Hamilton unfortunate not to direct a header, from a Rhys Breen cross, on target from eight yards after he reached the ball before George, who held a decent Lewis McCann effort from 18 yards after the break.

That, aside from a McCann header that George comfortably saved, and a last-gasp shot wide from substitute, Craig Wighton, was about all the visitors had in their armoury to try and find a leveller.

The woodwork, however, came to their rescue midway through the second half, when Muirhead saw a fine curling shot crash off the bar, whilst Mehmet also produced a good save to deny Andy Winter.

When asked if his team were missing a spark in the final third, McPake responded: "Certainly today yes.

"Livingston or Davie (Martindale) might say the same - it’s what they were missing earlier in the game.

"You could see the options Livingston had on the bench to change the game and change the game in the way it’s played. Had it been 0-0, I don’t think those subs would have been made, but that’s the benefit of their squad over ours.

"We’re bringing kids on and, Craig Wighton, when he’s not really ready to play. Chris Kane was not available again. It’s his ankle again. It's tough when you can't change the dynamics of the game from your bench, that’s for sure.

James McPake saw his side go down to a narrow loss on Saturday. (Image: Craig Brown.)

"I’m in a situation at the minute where it feels a wee bit like last year when I am having to bubble wrap everybody, just with the the squad being so thin."

McPake was also asked whether he needs to strengthen his squad before the league season kicks off, and he added: "I think that question, asked to any manager, they would say that they’d love to.

"We know the frailties in the squad. We are taking Lewis McCann off there because he had a tight hamstring. He was telling me he was okay to continue but I’m in a position where I can’t take a risk on an important player.

"They are all important at the minute when the squad is like this. It’s tough having to take players off who can maybe make an impact in the game. I’d much rather protect Lewis and have him right for the league starting.

"It's disappointing we are out of the cup already. We need to get ready for the league because there's a lot of work to do."