Darvel 1-0 Aberdeen: Darvel stun Dons in Scottish Cup upset
Darvel Football Club delivered what is arguably the biggest shock in the 149-year history of the Scottish Cup as they knocked out Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen at Recreation Park.
Jordan Kirkpatrick opened the deadlock in the 19th minute, which ultimately sealed a memorable evening for the West of Scotland Premier Division side, who become the first non-league club to beat a top-flight team in the competition since Elgin City in 1966.
The sheer scale of what the sixth-tier club have achieved cannot be underestimated and the lack of words to describe what occurred can only summarise how unprecedented this result was.
An enormous amount of credit has to be awarded to Michael Kennedy and his players for their attitude, determination and belief that they could create something special. The celebrations experienced by the staff, players and supporters will remain with them for a long time, if not forever.
There is no reason to suggest why the Vale cannot progress past Falkirk when the Scottish League One side visit East Ayrshire in the Fifth Round and you certainly wouldn’t be blamed for suggesting that the club could go far in the competition.
However, there is no disputing the fact that this is inconceivable for Aberdeen, who before this match had not lost a cup tie to a non-SPFL side since 1906. That’s 117 years ago.
This scoreline will go down as one of, if not the darkest point in the 120-year history of the club and further heightens the pressure on beleaguered manager Jim Goodwin, who endured calls for his dismissal at the full-time whistle.
The Dons are currently amid a poor run of form where they have only won one game in their nine matches since returning from the World Cup break. There are serious questions over whether Goodwin, who succeeded Stephen Glass at Pittordrie last February will reach his first-year anniversary as it remains to be seen if he will be relieved of his duties.
Having said that, no decision has been reached as of yet by Dave Cormack and the Board of Directors, but it will be interesting to see if a statement is announced in the coming days.