Dunfermline summer signing Kyle Benedictus thinks his new side has the firepower to win matches – if he and his fellow defenders can keep chalking up clean sheets.
The 30-year-old joined from rivals Raith Rovers at the start of June after seven seasons in Kirkcaldy.
Since joining he has been part of a defence which conceded one goal in four preseason friendlies.
A 1-0 defeat to Kilmarnock on Tuesday night followed wins of 2-0, 6-0 and
2-0.
The conceded goal came via an error from trialist goalkeeper Ryan Mullen – 21 years old and thrown in just before kick-off after Deniz Mehmet dropped out with a minor injury.
Either side of that he made some impressive saves, including a couple of one-on-ones.
Good foundation
Mehmet is expected to return for Saturday’s clash versus East Fife as both sides prepare to start their Premier Sports Cup campaign.
“It is a good foundation to start with: keep as many clean sheets as possible,” said Benedictus, who has captained the side during preseason.
“Everyone can see with the attacking players that we have got that we are going to cause teams problems in this league.
“I am more than confident in that, as long as we can keep the back door shut we have every chance of taking three points from each game.”
The Pars qualified from the group stage in each of the previous five seasons and Benedictus is keen to keep that going.
They start at Bayview on Saturday before hosting Buckie Thistle and Alloa and a trip to face Ross County in between.
Building partnerships
Benedictus’ central defensive partner Rhys Breen was another pick up a knock on Tuesday but is also expected to recover in time for Saturday.
“I never knew him until I came here,” Benedictus said. “He is 22, young, a big boy and he has been different class when I have been playing with him.
“I will try and help him in any shape or form.
“Obviously it is a pity that he had to go off but I am hoping that it is not too bad because we have built a partnership in pre-season.
“I don’t want to get too carried away but it is about building relationships all over the park, it is not just about me and Rhys.
“I just hope that he is fine come these cup games.”
Midfielder and fellow summer recruit Chris Hamilton dropped into defence alongside Benedictus on Tuesday after Breen was taken off.
Whoever lines up, Benedictus is confident manager James McPake has them ready given how hard he has worked them.
“That is what he has drilled into the boys and if we can outwork most teams that we are going to be up against in this league then that takes you halfway there.
“The quality that we have got will shine through so we just need to keep training every day as hard as possible.”
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