DARVEL’S MARVELS GO AGAIN

Many of those who watched on with mouths agog as Darvel struck a magnificent blow for the WoSFL with their 1-0 Scottish Cup triumph over Aberdeen last Monday night might have been left wondering what comes next for the giant-killing Ayrshiremen ?

And now that the next round has been drawn, it could be deemed perfectly understandable if the last 16 date against Falkirk on Monday 13^th February (also scheduled for television) is the stock answer from their multitude however you won’t find team boss Michael Kennedy is of the same accord.

Not when he spoke ahead of his troops going through their paces at an upbeat  training session last night and was at pains to point out there are other (or did he say bigger?) fish  to fry in forthcoming league matches against Arthurlie, Clydebank and Irvine Meadow.

First up is a trip through to Barrhead tomorrow which Mick insists could prove costly for Darvel’s quest to be crowned Premier Division champions for a second year running.

He said , “ The challenge for the guys now is to put the euphoria from the Aberdeen game to the back of their minds and meet the different challenges of playing on tighter pitches against fired up opponents whose approach will almost certainly be more physical.

“For all these reasons and more besides, it would have been less daunting for us to be coming up against a Senior team instead of a Junior one determined to have the bragging rights for taking our scalp so my players have been warned to expect a battle royal for the three points on offer.

“We beat Arthurlie 4-0 at our place but there were numerous spells during that game when they put us through the wringer so we will go through there on Saturday feeling confident but definitely not over confident.

”We’re sitting top of the table but any complacency on our part would be a mistake not least because Beith, Pollok, Clydebank and Auchinleck are still in this title race.”

Several of his playing charges appeared out on their feet when the final whistle sounded on Monday night’s heroics yet Mick is adamant he will not be ringing the changes for the Dunterlie contest.

He revealed, “General tiredness and touches of cramp as a result of putting in such a great effort were dealt with afterwards and glad to say we have no injury concerns of any note.

“For that reason, we will be sticking close to the same group of players that featured against Aberdeen as I’ve never been an advocate of rotating the team just for the sake of it.

“As far as I’m concerned players’ performances earn them their jerseys but they will lose them if their standards drop.”

Life in and around the foot of the table is only slightly more cheering for an Arthurlie side that has clambered its way up to fifth from bottom spot in recent weeks albeit they remain a mere point above the relegation basement.

But hopes of continuing this perceived resurgence will now be resting on his playing charges overcoming “the best team in the league “ as gaffer Craig Palmer attested in looking forward to the clash  this week.

He lauded, “ Darvel have put our game back on the map having been nothing short of outstanding against Aberdeen so my players are relishing  the prospect of going up against them in front of our own supporters .

“If they didn’t get themselves up for it then there would be something seriously wrong with their mindset because I’m jealous and would love nothing better than to be pulling on my own boots come Saturday afternoon.

“All the focus is going to be on Darvel and rightly so however wouldn’t it be something if my players stole their thunder.

“I’ve always said you must aspire to beat the best if you want to be the best and this is our big chance.”

The former full back’s line up is bereft of defender Callum Shield following his transfer to Benburb  as well as injured trio Gary Smith, Ally Miller and Alan Dunsmuir however new signing Jordan Shelvey (from Petershill) is a definite to be involved.

Added the Lie boss, “Jordan was a much feared striker back in his Clydebank days but lost his way somewhat after moving to Pollok and then Petershill so coming here can provide the jag needed to get him back to his best .

“Failing to score in our last four league games has made the need to boost our attacking threat painfully obvious and we’re hoping Jordan is the answer.”

In other games, very little joy is predicted for near relegation certainties Petershill and Cambuslang Rangers from away games against title contending pair  Auchinleck and Clydebank respectively while  a  cracker of a contest is promised by second top of the table Beith  hosting the visit of third placed Pollok .

Both clubs might be on a downer after damaging blows to their title hopes , Beith from the  3-1 scoreline in their favour against Largs Thistle last weekend being controversially declared null and void while Pollok suffered a 4-2 midweek reverse at home to Hurlford United in what was Stewart Maxwell’s first defeat as Pollok manager.

Going without stopper pair Scott Rumsby and Callum Gow through injury was sorely felt by Maxi as his defence conceded the first goals of his  five game tenure and he will undoubtedly be keeping fingers crossed for them passing late fitness tests .

And in the case of new recruits Kenny Barr (East Stirling) and Jay Nelson (Cambuslang Rangers) who took a non-playing bow in front of the Newlandsfield supporters , Maxi is keeping  cards close to his chest by not revealing whether one ,both, or none of them will feature in the Bellsdale showdown .

Elsewhere, adding to the woes of  Kilwinning Rangers following their dismal 5-2 defeat by Cumnock in midweek are serious knee injuries inflicted on Regan O’Sullivan and Jack McMahon which are thought likely to render  them sidelined for tomorrow’s visit of Hurlford United as well as for the foreseeable future. The Buffs are going to be managerless for the crunch contest after club officials announced they had parted company with gaffer David Gormley and his backroom team .

Glenafton , fresh from a 3-1 victory over Petershill on Wednesday night , will be going all out to further ease fears over the `drop` when facing Rob Roy whose ranks are boosted by the signing of midfielder Sean Dickson who previously played under Rabs boss Kevin McGoldrick at Stenhousemuir.

WEEKEND GAMES: ( Kick Offs 1.30 PM unless stated): Strathclyde Demolition Cup Final.Renfrew v Whitletts Vics(Tonight 7.30PM at New Tinto Park).P.D.M Buildbase Premier Division. Auchinleck Talbot v Petershill, Cumnock v Largs Thistle, Beith v Pollok, Clydebank v Cambuslang Rangers, Glenafton v  Rob Roy, Kilwinning Rangers v Hurlford Utd, Arthurlie v Darvel, Irvine Meadow v Troon.PDM Buildbase First Division. Gartcairn v Kilbirnie Ladeside, Cumbernauld Utd v Rutherglen Glencairn, Drumchapel Utd v Bonnyton Thistle,Rossvale v  Johnstone Burgh, Blantyre Vics v Benburb,  v St Rochs v Neilston, Shotts Bon Accord v Thorniewood Utd. PDM Buildbase Second Division. Greenock v Craigmark,Muirkirk v Glasgow Perthshire,  Wishaw v Maryhill, Kilsyth Rangers v Ashfield,St Anthonys v Forth Wanderers Maybole v Yoker Athletic.PDM Buildbase Third Division. Lugar Boswell v Girvan, Irvine Vics v Royal Albert, Lanark Utd v Vale of Leven, Newmains Utd v Kello Rovers , Ardrossan Winton Rovers v  East Kilbride Thistle, Port Glasgow v Dalry Thistle,Saltcoats Vics v Larkhall Thistle , Vale of Clyde v Carluke Rovers, Bellshill Athletic v Lesmahagow. PDM Buildbase Fourth Division. Glenvale v Harmony Row, Campbeltown Pupils v Rossvale Academy,West Park Utd v Eglinton, Thorn Athletic v Kilsyth Athletic, Easterhouse F.A v St Peters, BSC Glasgow v Threave Rovers.

Regards

Jim O’Donnell

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