Darvel boss Michael Kennedy says his side's focus will shift to league and domestic cup business after they crashed out of the Scottish Cup.
The trip to Arbroath yesterday proved to be a step too far for the Ayrshire side as their dream debut in the senior competition ended at Gayfield.
Dick Campbell's in-form Championship team dispatched of the West of Scotland League outfit 3-0 thanks to a Jack Hamilton hat-trick.
Boss Kennedy said: “It was a step too far for us. We were up against one of the most in-form clubs in the country and they were excellent.
“But it means we can put the Scottish Cup to bed now and concentrate on the league and domestic cup competitions. It has been a fantastic journey.”
Arbroath gaffer Campbell hailed Darvel for their approach in the fourth-round clash and admitted Kennedy's side made him anxious.
Campbell said: “Credit to Darvel. For the first 10 to 15 minutes I was getting a bit anxious as they were better than us. But we got things sorted and achieved the main objective.”
Hamilton was brought in after popular Englishman Joe Nouble returned to parent club Livingston – with Hamilton coming the other way.
Craig Wighton created the first goal by feeding the razor-sharp Hamilton in 28 minutes. He turned his marker before slotting low beyond Chris Truesdale.
The next came midway through the second period when the striker stooped to head home substitute Bobby Linn’s cross from close range. Hamilton sealed his treble in the final minutes when he netted from a Luke Donnelly pass.
Campbell added: “Jack has come in as straight replacement for Nouble. Noubs got four goals here in the first half of the season but Jack’s now got four in just two games for us so that shows what he can do. He’s not a big flashy player but he does really well.
“It was an accomplished performance. It was a potential banana skin but we were very professional . We showed Darvel the utmost respect but we deserved to win."
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