Darvel 1 – 0 Aberdeen

Jordan Kirkpatrick’s goal earned sixth-tier Darvel one of the heaviest defeats in Scottish Cup history with a 1-0 win over Aberdeen that piled the pressure on boss Jim Goodwin.

The West of Scotland League Premier Division champions took the lead in the 19th minute of their fourth-round tie through a strike that was flicked on by Kirkpatrick, who was part of Goodwin’s Alloa Athletic side that won promotion to the Championship in 2018.

A worried Aberdeen side were denied at least three times by ‘keeper Chris Truesdale in the second half, but Darvel, from the sixth tier of Scottish football, provided more than grit and determination to see the game out for a famous victory on the biggest night. in its history.

The pressure is already piling on Goodwin after the 5-0 defeat by Hearts at Tynecastle last Wednesday night and it will be difficult for the Irishman to survive this latest disaster.

Aberdeen have won just one of their last eight games on their trip to the West of Scotland, with club chairman Dave Cormack among those in attendance at the Recreation Park.

Darvel boss Mick Kennedy wanted to take advantage of Aberdeen’s fragility and his side certainly did and now face Falkirk at home in the fifth round.

It was all arranged for a famous night in the Ayrshire town whose population is only 4,000. There are about 3,500 underground, with 700 wearing the red of the Granite City men.

Aberdeen captain Anthony Stewart returned from suspension, teenager Ryan Duncan took over from top scorer Bojan Miovski, and Graeme Shinnie was replaced by Patrik Myslovic, who made his first start.

It was winger Duncan, making his second start, who posed an early threat to the visitors on a more than decent surface, but missed the target with several efforts.

Darvel came into the game and in the 11th minute Craig Truesdale’s deflected drive tried Dons goalkeeper Joe Lewis, before the industrious home striker saw two more shots from distance.

It was more good work from Truesdale that led to the opening goal. Aberdeen defender Hayden Coulson failed to clear a cross properly from the left and when the ball fell to Kirkpatrick, the midfielder’s shot on the turn took a touch from Coulson and flew low past Lewis before bedlam ensued between the ecstatic home supporters.

Aberdeen fought back and Darvel were forced into some vigorous defending.

In the 35th minute, Stewart headed Duncan’s free-kick through Truesdale’s crossbar, but the visitors went up the tunnel at the break in the state of some anxiety and Goodwin faced the most important 45 minutes from his position in Pittodrie.

Miovski and Vicente Besuijen replaced Matty Kennedy and Myslovic for the start of the second half and helped the visitors dominate possession.

Darvel remained in shape and repelled the attack, but there was always the possibility of tiredness playing the part.

In the 52nd minute, the busy Besuijen drove over from 25 yards before Darvel midfielder Ian McShane fired past Lewis from distance at the other end.

Four minutes later, it took a fine block from ‘keeper Truesdale to deny Duncan’s close-range shot when the home team, for once, had presented a chance.

Aberdeen’s Jonny Hayes replaced Coulson and the Pittodrie men tried to up the tempo but Darvel proved decisive, with Truesdale making a good reaction save from Luís ‘Duk’ Lopes who latched on to a bursting ball in the six-yard box.

In the 74th minute, Miovski got the ball in the net from Leighton Clarkson’s cross but the offside flag went up, with no VAR to confirm or rule it out.

Truesdale then made another great save in a few point-blank range from Duk as Aberdeen pressed for a leveller, but this was Darvel’s night with Goodwin’s fate now in question.

Goodwin on defeat: ‘Disappointed, embarrassed, humiliated’

Aberdeen boss Jim Goodwin told BBC Scotland:

“Very disappointed, embarrassed, humiliated. All of that is true. We have an assessment to make tonight, that’s for sure.”

When asked if he had time to speak to Pittodrie chairman Dave Cormack, who was at the game, he replied: “No, I haven’t spoken to him yet, I’m in the dressing room talking to the players.”

Boss wins Kennedy: ‘What a chance’

Darvel manager Michael Kennedy told BBC Scotland:

“What an occasion for the club. I’ve believed in the guys all week. I’ve been drumming into the team, they have to believe in themselves and trust each other.

“It’s the culture at the club, togetherness, love and respect and we’ve been pushing it all week.

“When you believe in each other it’s wonderful what you can achieve.”