Michael Kennedy admitted winning was all that mattered after Darvel dominated Keith today to win their first-ever Scottish Cup match 2-1.
Goals from Darren Miller and Allan Mackenzie at Kynoch Park sent Vale into Sunday's second-round draw.
Highland League Keith pulled one back to set up a nervy finale but Darvel held on for an historic victory.
And boss Kennedy was relieved to get back to winning ways after a lean run in the West of Scotland League.
"I think the most important thing is being in the next round but how it wasn't more comfortable in terms of the scoreline is astonishing to me," he told Darvel's Doon the Brae TV afterwards.
"We must have had eight absolutely clearcut chances in the game outwith the two goals we scored. We just weren't clinical enough.
"It goes to 2-1 and there is a five, 10-minute spell where the game becomes eachy-peachy.
"But the main thing is, after the last couple of weeks we've had, we had a good team performance and getting into the next round of the cup."
Kennedy will now turn his attentions to the draw for round two and is desperate to see Darvel get a tie at Recreation Park.
"I'm looking forward to the draw," Kennedy added. "We're in the hat for the next round and it will be interesting to see who we get.
"It would be good to get a home tie at Darvel and get the community behind us. It was great to see a busload of fans coming up here. The players really appreciated it."
Meanwhile, Darvel's West of Scotland League Premier Division rivals Cumnock drew 2-2 at Formartine United in their first-round clash.
Finlay Frye put 'Nock ahead but the hosts struck twice before Callan Veitch equalised. The replay will be at Townhead Park next Saturday at 3pm.
The draw for the second round of the Scottish Cup will take place at 11.30am on Sunday.
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