Tony McInally loves it when a plan comes together as his Cumnock A-Team delivered a textbook away-day winning performance to edge out Darvel.
A first-half penalty from Finlay Frye proved the difference between the teams at Recreation Park.
The result was a huge boost for 'Nock after their dramatic 3-2 derby-day defeat at the hands of Auchinleck Talbot last weekend.
But it was another setback for Darvel who started the season hoping to challenge for the title yet have now gone five West of Scotland League Premier Division matches without a win.
Darvel's woes were of little concern to 'Nock boss McInally who told Ayrshire Live: "The gameplan worked well, we stuck to our task and we were nice and compact.
"We grew into the game in the first half, scored at the right time and I thought we could have scored another couple.
"Through the spine of the team we have got leaders. To come here and make it difficult for them is very pleasing.
"We've got to respect the quality Darvel have got but I am just delighted with the three points. We needed it as the players were a wee bit down after losing to Talbot last week."
Ruaridh McIntyre was denied what looked a certain goal on the half-hour mark for Cumnock when Darvel keeper Chris Truesdale blocked wide his shot after a corner caused chaos.
But 'Nock broke the deadlock four minutes later when Frye emphatically thumped home from the spot after midfielder Jamie Wilson was brought down in the box.
Greg Ferry, fresh from scoring with a header from a corner against Talbot, almost made it 2-0 on the stroke of half-time when he nodded just past the post.
Darvel needed a spark and it looked as if Andy Stirling was capable of providing one – he drove forward and was off target with a shot in the 57th minute.
Substitute Scott Ferguson was next to try his luck for Darvel but his header was brilliantly tipped over the bar by Kieran Hughes.
The 'Nock No 1 saved well from Ian McShane while Cumnock then wasted a golden opportunity to go 2-0 up when Frye blazed high and wide from a pass by Smart Osadolor who, himself, should have taken on the shot.
With seven minutes remaining, Cumnock came close again when Kyle McAusland had a header cleared off the line by Darvel's desperate defence.
One goal proved to be enough, however, and both sides will head into next weekend's historic Scottish Cup ties – Darvel away to Keith and 'Nock off to Formatine United – on the back of experiencing very different emotions.
Darvel gaffer Michael Kennedy told Ayrshire Live: "I thought we dominated the first 45 minutes but this league is very unforgiving at times. When you are dominant you have to take advantage of that and the reality is we didn't.
"All in all, it was a disappointing game. It has been a tough three or four weeks but we just need to regroup. We have to work hard through difficult periods."
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