East Fife player-manager Gary Naysmith admitted there was no case for the defence as the Fifers went down at home to Brechin.
Darren Dods’ side arrived at Bayview full of confidence having made an impressive start to their league and cup campaigns.
They were undefeated in the league ahead of the weekend’s game, and it was a record they maintained thanks to goals from Ross Caldwell and Finn Graham.
Scott Robinson had hauled the Fifers level shortly before the break.
It was three points shipped at home for the Methil club, and gaffer Naysmith knows exactly where the problem lies.
He said: “There wasn’t much in the game, it wasn’t a great one to be honest. But for us the defending for their goals has cost us. It’s happening quite a bit.
“We’ve found ourselves in a higher league with a wee bit more quality and are making individual mistakes which are being punished.
“The first goal against Albion Rovers was a mistake, the second last week was a mistake and the two against Brechin were mistakes. We can’t do that.”
The game got off to a flying start as Brechin grabbed the early initiative.
Jason Kerr was outmuscled by Ross Caldwell far too easily and the Brechin striker raced in on goal and beat Ryan Goodfellow.
But the early goal wasn’t a sign the floodgates would be opening. Instead the game became pretty scrappy with neither keeper really put under too much pressure.
Then, after a spell of pressure for the home side, they hauled themselves level. Paul McManus worked space for himself inside the box but couldn’t get his shot away.
Instead Robinson took over and curled his effort past Graeme Smith.
Brechin started the second half just how they began the first and got their noses in front once again when the home side couldn’t clear their lines from a throw in and Graham lashed home from the edge of the box.
The goal was fit to win any game, and it did just that as Brechin go second.
Visiting boss Dods said: “We hit them on the break a few times and could have got a third goal but for the final pass.
“East Fife hung in and we had to be on our toes. Ross Caldwell has been in and out of the team but came back and took his goal really well.”