Raith captain Kyle proud of team despite cup exit to Livingston

Raith Rovers captain Kyle Benedictus (Pic: Peter Paul)

The Stark’s Park skipper (inset) said the team’s heavy fixture schedule had an impact as the Premiership side took their place in the next round after Rovers had forced them into extra time.

“I think in 33 days we have played eight games so it has probably taken its toll with extra time etc,” he said.

"I thought they scored a good goal to win the game and all credit to them.

"I thought we were different class first half; we came and showed what we were all about. In the second half I thought they were on top and towards the end of extra time they got the better of us.

"Livingston are top five in the SPL and were 14 games unbeaten at one point so it shows you the squad they have here.

"I'm proud of all the boys. Despite the result it's still a good day for us.”

The 29-year-old paid tribute to his team mate Lewis Vaughan who scored his third goal in two games with a superb first half free kick to put Rovers into the lead.

“He has great delivery at a dead ball. He scored on Tuesday [against Dunfermline] and I fancied him to score when he did it.

“It gave us that lead we wanted. If we could have put another one in the net, maybe in the first half, things might have been different but we can't be too disappointed.

"It just didn't fall for us but, as I say, it can only give us confidence."

It’s now back to league business for Raith this weekend with the visit of Arbroath as Raith look to cement a play-off place.

"At the start of the season our main aim was to stay in the league but I think also in the back of the boys' minds we felt we had a good enough squad to challenge for that top four,” he says.

"I think we have shown this year we are capable of being up there and it's about in these last five games making sure we are in those play-offs and then try and aim for second place.

"It's important when it comes down to the end of the games that you get second spot. You have two games less than you would have, so the boys have played a lot of games.”