HAVING led their local rivals to the third-tier title, Kyle Benedictus is as well-versed as anyone in the Pars squad when knowing what is required to gain promotion.

A mixture of good football, the ability to adapt their style to suit a particular match, and being able to grind out results, are all key ingredients that he believes can provide the recipe for success – and he says his team-mates are showing they have it.

The 30-year-old was Raith Rovers’ club captain when they, in the curtailed 2019/20 campaign, were crowned League One champions.

In the summer, the centre back, appointed Athletic skipper by boss James McPake, swapped Kirkcaldy for Dunfermline and has been an influential figure in helping them sit top of the table.

Although there is plenty of football to be played this season, Benedictus, ahead of the recent game with Clyde, where his two penalties saw them fight back from two goals down to earn a draw, told Press Sport that the early indications were positive as the Pars seek to achieve their ambition of being promoted back to the Championship at the first attempt.

“I’ve been in this league before and got out this league before,” he said.

“I know how difficult the league is, and I know sometimes as well games probably don’t look the prettiest on the eye, but it is the league you’re in.

“There’s times where you’re going to get to play nice football but there’s times as well you need to battle and grind it out. I think we’ve got that balance between both.

“There’s times where we’ve played very good football this season, and there’s times where we’ve had to battle and grind out results.

“That’s what this league takes.

“Things never come easy in football, no matter who you play, and that’s home or away. Teams are going to make it difficult, either if they’re coming here with a game plan, or at their home patch, where they’re going to have a go at you.

“We need to be prepared for both of them and I think, so far, we’ve done that this season.”

Benedictus was also keen to highlight the team spirit within the squad and is hopeful that his experience can rub off on some of its younger members.

Sam Fisher praised the captain’s influence on his game when speaking to Press Sport recently, to which Benedictus replied: “It’s nice to hear any of your team-mates giving you praise. Sam’s come in and he’s done brilliant so far.

“Obviously, he’s had to bide his time when he first came. He’s got himself in the team now and he’s been showing up very well on the pitch.

“I’m happy to take the praise from him but I’m there to help everybody and just give my experience as much as I can. Sometimes boys need a wee pat on the shoulder, sometimes boys get a telling off as I’ve said before.

“I like to think I know what people need on the pitch. I’m just happy to give my experience and know-how in the game to the boys. Hopefully, it can just keep bringing us success.

“All the boys have given their all so far. You can see it paying off and we just want to continue what we’re doing, not get ahead of ourselves, just keep our feet on the ground, and hopefully keep this run going.

“The boys are confident. You can see how the boys are playing with each other. There’s a great team spirit in the changing room and that can only bring good things on the pitch.”