Darvel pull off one of greatest Scottish Cup shocks with win over Aberdeen

Darvel FC have delivered one of the biggest shocks in Scottish Cup history, defeating Aberdeen 1-0 to reach the last 16 of the competition.

The West of Scotland Premier League team, from a town with a population of 4,000, took the lead over their Premiership opposition in the first half and held on to record a huge upset.

Jordan Kirkpatrick scored the only goal of the game after 20 minutes, turning in the box and hitting a low shot that was deflected past Aberdeen goalkeeper Joe Lewis.

The non-league side now progress to play Falkirk in the last 16 of the competition. Darvel had already enjoyed their Scottish Cup run, having defeated Haddington, Tynecastle and Dalbeattie Star, then knocking out League One side Montrose before stunning the Dons.

For Aberdeen, the result is one of the worst defeats in the club’s history, and piles further pressure on manager Jim Goodwin after a run of games that has seen his position called into question.

Outplayed in the first half at Recreation Park, where temporary stands had increased the capacity to 3,500, Aberdeen stepped up their game in the second half but couldn’t find the spark they needed to get back into the game.

Darvel, backed by noisy support, restricted the top-flight opposition to few clear-cut chances and despite tiring in the later stages, held on to record a historic win.

Goalscorer Fitzpatrick told BBC Scotland: “I’m meant to be at work tomorrow, hopefully I can get the night off.

“It’s hard to explain right now. It’s a bit surreal. I need time to digest it over the night. I didn’t even think it was the best of strikes. One of those ones where you hope it hits the back of the net and it does.

“It just shows you with our standard that we can step up.”

Manager Mick Kennedy said he always had a feeling his players could achieve something special.

“I believed in the guys all week,” he said. “It’s about togetherness and love and respect. We’ve been driving that home all week.

“We probably deserved going in front. We had to show our togetherness. The community has been unbelievable. From the first day I came here I told the board we are going to build something special.”