Shotts boss John McKeown admits the gap between Darvel and his Hannah Park side proved too much as they succumbed to a 5-1 loss.
The Ayrshire side are pushing to win the Premier Division and promotion to the Lowland League, but they took a break from that pursuit in Kilmarnock Pie West of Scotland Football League Cup competition in Lanarkshire.
McKeown’s side have next to nothing to play for in Conference A after Arthurlie secured title glory that leaves them with second to cement.
But their chances of cup progression were ended swiftly with Jordan Kirkpatrick and Darren Miller goals inside 12 minutes leaving them with it all to do. An own goal cut the deficit to one before half-time but Kirkpatrick and Miller grabbed another strike each, with Max Kerr rounding it off.
A league clash with Lugar awaits Shotts on Saturday but McKeown reckons the Darvel test will stand them in good stead for future challenges.
He said: “The gap is huge but we were missing five starters which didn’t help matters. But they were top class and one of the best teams I have seen at this level for a long time.
“I don’t think they’ll be at this level for much longer. They might have spent money but you need to spend it right. They’ve done a wonderful job.
“They were fantastic and scored two early goals, which was a nightmare start for us. We had a few kids playing so that was great experience for them.
“A few of the Darvel players have played Premiership football.
“It’s a sore one to take but I don’t think 5-1 was a fair reflection on the game either.”
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