Dunfermline need a 'few boys in' says Kyle Benedictus

That’s the message from Kyle Benedictus who said Dunfermline can start to put their dismal league cup campaign behind them with a win on day one of the Championship.

Athletic are short on self-belief after three defeats from their four Group E matches and the captain said: “It's only us as players that can change it.

“I've been in football long enough, I know how quick it can turn. We can go and put in a positive performance next week, come out with the right result and the whole place can change.

"That's what we need to look at and we need to stay positive.

“I know it's not what the fans want to hear, and it's obviously been a difficult four games for them to watch, but as captain I'll make sure the boys give it their all and be ready for next week."

Eyes on the prize. Kyle Benedictus said the league cup campaign has been 'very poor' but a victory on Saturday will change the narrative. (Image: Craig Brown)

Boss James McPake said the squad was “lacking” and the captain agreed that they need reinforcements for the campaign ahead.

Benedictus said: "I think it's evident. You've got Sam Fisher going off today, so there's another injury. We don't know what he's got, I know he has a tight hamstring, we're hoping it's nothing but that's another boy down.

"That's Chris Kane, Matty Todd and Fisher now. Obviously this happened last season and we don't want it to happen again so it's evident we need a few boys in.

"That's not on us as players. We just need to concentrate on what we're doing on the pitch. We need to give our all and the boys will give their all.

"When we step out on that pitch it's not happening for us but we can't feel sorry for ourselves as the league starts next week so we need to be ready."

Benedictus believes success or failure in the Championship will be decided on fine margins and continued: "That's how the league is going to be, every team will say the same.

“I think multiple games will be decided by one goal. It'll probably be the same every week, one goal might do it and we need to make sure it's us that get that first goal.

"The first goal is very important and coming into the league campaign it gives you confidence. Going by last season, if you score the first goal it's very hard for the other team to come back.

"We've played Livi before, we've watched them on video and know what they can do. In terms of the cup game they scored a quality goal but the defending on our part wasn't good enough.

"I didn't think there was much in the game and I'm sure it'll be the same next week."

Benedictus admitted they need a lift after a “very poor cup campaign” and said: “We'll watch the Cove game back on Monday and we'll need to look back and see where we're going wrong.

"In terms of the game, I think they've had two chances and scored two goals and that seems to be happening quite a lot these last few games.

"We're getting punished any time a team is near our goal. Today we had a few chances where we probably should have been one or two nil up and it comes back to bite you.

"A team can't have two chances and score two goals. It shouldn't happen."

Asked if he’d experienced such a poor build-up to a league season before, the skipper grimaced: "I've been around that many years, I can't think!

“Probably not but teams don't look at pre-season results.

"It's good for confidence, I wouldn't look too much into that, but in terms of the league cup campaign it could look a bit worrying with the performances plus the results.”