Darvel crash out of cup as fairytale run ends: Darvel 1-5 Falkirk
It was a heart wrenching night for Scottish Football after Darvel’s cup dream came to a dramatic end at the hands of Scottish League One club Falkirk.
As excitement built around the stadium, it was a fairly even contest in the early stages between the Vale and the Bairns as both sides had their share of possession. The hosts created some good moments on the ball, but ultimately couldn’t get the ball towards the opposition’s goal. Darvel ‘keeper Chris Truesdale pulled off some great saves to keep the scoreline at a stalemate.
Players warm up at Recreation Park for the much anticipated Scottish Cup tie (Image: Anthony Devine)
After some good movements from the home side, their game plan came crashing down no quicker than it started. Forward Craig Truesdale went down with an injury forcing Kennedy to call on his bench earlier than initially expected.
It was at that moment where things turned sour for the hosts as Falkirk took full advantage of the situation with the opening goal in the 22nd minute. The Bairns acted quickly on the counter and took the lead, courtesy of Gary Oliver. Two minutes later, Callumn Morrison doubled their advantage and Darvel were two behind.
Darvel had little chances at goal in the first half, however, the Falkirk ‘keeper was forced into a magnificent save by tipping the ball over the bar.
The second half of the grueling cup tie was more of the same other than a brief moment of belief for Darvel with an own-goal from Falkirk in the 64th minute. The ball fell to Morrison, who mistakenly slotted the ball home after a cross into the box.
In the 77th minute, any hope for Darvel was once again dampened as player Chris McGowan was sent off after being shown a second yellow from match official Willie Collum.
This once again meant that Falkirk could regain the momentum as they showed 10-men Darvel no mercy with three further goals from Henderson, Nesbitt and McGuffie to see the match out comfortably.
Despite Darvel’s cup dream being over, Kennedy and his players can keep their heads held high as they pulled off some tremendous performances during a terrific run in the tournament.
They now move full focus on to the WOSFL Premier Division as they return to league action and fight for top spot with the potential of promotion to the Lowland League.