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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Lochlin Highet

Darvel crowned West of Scotland League Premier Division champions as fans celebrate history

Darvel have been crowned as the first West of Scotland League Premier Division champions.

The East Ayrshire side bagged the title with a game to spare thanks to a 3-2 win at home to Kilwinning Rangers today.

Last season's competition couldn't be played to a conclusion due to Covid restrictions but now the Irvine Valley side are rejoicing after collecting their medals.

Many had written Darvel off, with them lying 21 points off the pace at one point, but their players and staff didn't stop believing.

And now they are gearing up for a three-way play-off with St Cuthberts Wanderers and either Tranent or Penicuik.

Creag Little, Jordan Kirkpatrick and Andy Stirling scored the crucial goals against a resilient Buffs side who refused to admit defeat.

Allan MacKenzie had a chance to open the scoring after three minutes, but 18-year-old Kilmarnock loanee goalkeeper Harry Broun got down well to save.

Little fired home in the 21st minute after an initial shot was blocked following a Darren Miller header.

And three minutes later 'Vale doubled their cushion thanks to Kirkpatrick who headed into the far corner.

But Buffs fought back, as Lewis Gardiner fired home an effort from 25 yards just after the half hour mark to stun the home support.

Cammy Eadie almost scored a stunning back heel before half time, but his audacious shot hit the post before Lewis Morrison headed a rebound wide.

Stirling restored Darvel's two-goal lead in the 49th minute after cutting inside and smashing an effort home from distance.

But again the visitors hit back, this time 17-year-old Jack McMahon bagging a goal with a composed strike.

Ben Lewis tried his luck in the 64th minute as he drifted in from the wing before curling a shot towards goal, but Chris Truesdale was equal to the effort.

Morrison looked sure to kill the game off in the 78th minute as he found himself one-on-one with Broun, but the striker somehow fired wide.

Kilwinning pressured 'Vale in the final 10 minutes, but the hosts defended well to ensure they were crowned champions.

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