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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Lochlin Highet

Darvel 2 Hurlford United 1 as home side bag derby bragging rights in cup clash

It was derby delight for Darvel who came out on top in their vital cup clash this afternoon.

The Irvine Valley is blue tonight as the Recreation Park side defeated rivals Hurlford United 2-1 after extra-time in their South Challenge Cup tie.

Goals from Scott Ferguson and Chris McGowan were enough to cancel out Marc McKenzie's curling effort.

The victory ensures safe passage into the next round for 'Vale, where they will face East Kilbride Thistle.

Darvel boss Michael Kennedy told Ayrshire Football News: "I am happy that we're in the next round, I don't think anyone watching would deny that we deserved to win the game.

"I think we totally dominated from the first whistle into extra-time, we had a lot of possession and good opportunities.

"The main objective was to get into the next round, I told the boys that Hurlford would come here and be organised, well disciplined, that's exactly what happened."

He continued: "Considering the amount of chances we created in open play, to then score two from set pieces was strange.

"I wouldn't say we're renowned for goals like that, but it was two good goals, at the end of the day you're just happy to get them anyway you can."

Ross Caldwell almost opened the scoring in the 15th minute, but Martin McDonald got down well to save the effort.

'Ford then had a couple of chances of their own, but they couldn't find the back of the net despite their best efforts.

Allan Mackenzie had the ball in the net just after the half hour mark, but to his dismay he spotted the linesman's flag and it was ruled out for offside.

Six minutes into the second half, 'Vale made the breakthrough thanks to Ferguson who headed home from a corner.

But 'Ford battled back in the 65th minute when McKenzie curled a wonderful effort into the far corner.

McDonald was his side's saviour twice in the last 10 minutes with two fantastic saves to deny the hosts a late winner.

The clash headed into extra-time, and just two minutes into the new period Kris Kerr almost sent the visitors ahead, but his header was cleared off the line.

'Ford were reduced to 10 men when substitute Robbie McCracken was sent off, and 'Vale capitalised with five minutes left as McGowan headed home.

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