Raith’s Kyle Benedictus is determined the negative of missing out on promotion last season will be used as a positive in this campaign.
Rovers had the title within their grasp when they faced Alloa on April 28 at Stark’s Park, needing to win to go up as champions.
However, they just could not find a way past a resolute Wasps defence with the game ending 0-0 and the championship going to season-long rivals Ayr United.
It was a hammer blow for the Kirkcaldy club and they could not pick themselves up for the play-offs, losing to Jim Goodwin’s side once again over two legs.
Now, starting today at Stranraer in Raith’s League 1 opener, centre-half Benedictus is determined to use the agony of missing out on promotion as motivation to drive him on.
The 26-year-old said: “Of course, it has to. What happened was so disappointing.
“I think the points tally we had would have been enough to win the league any other year.
“It just went back and forward with us and Ayr.
“We scored in every home game last year except that last one against Alloa.
“It is all ifs and buts so we just have to drive forward this season.
“We have a good squad and we are the only full-time team in the league.
“Hopefully that can give us the edge when games are tight in the last 15 minutes or so. It certainly did last year.
“I also hope the fans turn up again as they were great last year.”
While Raith are full-time, Barry Smith’s squad will still be stretched to the limit today with up to six key players – Robbie Thomson, Nathan Flanagan, Lewis Milne, Lewis Vaughan, Chris Duggan and Iain Davidson – missing through injury and suspension.
That has been a recurring theme during Benedictus’s time at Stark’s Park but he insists that those who are available have to step up to the plate especially after last week’s defeat to Highland League outfit Cove Rangers in the Betfred Cup.
Benedictus said: “It was a disappointing result last week.
“As a full-time side in League 1 we should be doing better although Cove were a decent team.
“We expected better and the manager expected better.
“I made that point after the game. We had a long talk and then the video analysis on Monday.
“I think every player can say they should have done better so it is a new start to the season and it is about putting it right now at Stranraer.
“I think you could see from the Betfred games against Hearts and Inverness that we have a good squad. When we turn up, we are a good team.
“Obviously we have had two good and two bad performances. We have to be consistent if we want to go where we want to be this season which is promotion.
“Hopefully that consistency will come.”
Benedictus added: “Ever since I have been here under Raymond McKinnon, Gary Locke and now Barry, there have always been injuries.
“It almost seems like there is a curse on this club!
“But once these boys are back, you will be able to see we have a really good squad.
“Just now it is all about the players who are available to do the business.
“It is going to be a long, hard season and everybody has to play their part.
“It is always tough going down to Stranraer but we are determined to start with a win.”
