Darvel seal first Scottish Junior Cup final berth in nearly 50 years with dramatic semi-final win over Auchinleck Talbot

Darvel boss Tony McInally hailed the club’s 'remarkable achievement' after he helped guide them to their first Scottish Junior Cup final in 48 years.

A packed Recreation Park watched on nervously as Auchinleck Talbot sealed a 1-0 win on the night - but that wasn't enough to dimmer Darvel’s delight as they booked their place in the final with a 2-1 aggregate victory.

Aiden Wilson’s 30-yarder was the lone bright moment in a first half that produced little else in terms of chances or attractive football but the visitors were unable to build on their 21st minute opener.

Tarik Abed thought he’d levelled up the tie just four minutes after the break but saw his effort ruled out for offside before Darvel enjoyed their best spell of the night.

Skipper Davie Syme was inches away from restoring his side’s two-goal advantage on the hour mark as his header bounced off the post but the remainder of the contest was largely spent in the Darvel half as Auchinleck went searching for a second.

Substitute keeper Andy Wilson - who was a half-time replacement for the injured Andy Leishman - produced a remarkable diving save to tip Ali Boyle’s 20-yard strike wide.

Talbot huffed and puffed but were unable to breakdown a sturdy Darvel defence as they saw out the remainder of the contest and celebrated in style when the final whistle blew.

Speaking to the Standard, McInally said: “You’ve got a club who have won it 14 times and a club who haven’t been to the final for nearly 50 years so it’s a remarkable achievement.

“We did the business last week and got ourselves a two-goal lead but we looked very nervous and edgy and given the experience in my team I was surprised by that but credit to Auchinleck because they came at us and gave it a right good go.”

He added: “I’m just delighted to prevail in the tie. It’s all for the players and the fans. That’s what it’s all about. The supporters were magnificent and I’m thrilled to bits for everyone involved in the club. They deserve it.

“It was the toughest possible ask to get through against the record holders so we’re all delighted.”

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