Quick out the blocks Jeanfield Swifts stunned Darvel to book a spot in the quarter-final of the South Challenge Cup.
A rapid start at the Riverside had Swifts three up inside 20 minutes through Paul Simpson and Chris McLeish’s double.
Darvel mounted a comeback, netting twice before the break, but Ross Gunnion’s men dug in to earn a 3-2 win.
What was immediately evident was that Swifts were not in the mood to give their West of Scotland League opponents any time on the ball - and they didn’t like it one bit.
The Perth side’s pressing game worked wonders as early as the second minute when determined Simpson stole possession, carved a yard of space and guided a neat low strike into the bottom corner.
Swifts remained relentless and McLeish, on five minutes, was fouled in the box and he quickly picked himself up to calmly slot in the second of the evening.
McLeish was proving to be a real menace and on 13 minutes he was wheeling off in celebration again. Incredibly, the hosts were three to the good.
This time the hard-working forward applied pressure on the goalkeeper, nicked the ball and passed into the empty net. Riverside fans were certainly getting their money’s worth.
Darvel, who had advanced to the fourth round of the Scottish Cup this season, soon worked their way into the game and Jordan Kirkpatrick pulled one back with 20 minutes on the clock.
An open, free-flowing match was in full swing and the Ayrshire visitors soon set about reeling-in Swifts further when Scott Ferguson’s powerful drive smashed the post. The rebound was turned over the line amid Perth appeals for offside.
That was 3-2 and Darvel then thought they had a leveller early in the second half but the farside assistant’s flag saved the day on this occasion.
The game had become less end-to-end with few clear cut chances but Allan Mackenzie, in the 71st minute, was racing through on goal. With just goalkeeper Mark Mitchell to beat, he sent a low effort marginally wide of the post.
Swifts, under pressure, battled to the final whistle and will now play Spartans in the quarter-final.
