Darvel FC Vs Neilston 28 02 2026

Today saw us take on Neilston on a sunny , but chilly afternoon. 

It took until about the 7th minute before we saw any chances created , unfortunately  it came from a free kick for Neilston which ended in an easy save for Andy Wilson.  In the 10th minute,  Neilston  went close with a free header  that went past the post from a corner .

Darvel’s first attempt was from Danny Burns from outside the box , but again an easy save for the keeper.  Just after this , from a corner, we managed to hit the bar, not once but twice in the same movement,  close , but no cigar .

Neilston took the lead on 22 minutes , a cross from their left wing found an unmarked player  ( again )who headed the ball home. At least this spurred Darvel into action , and we created a couple of chances forcing saves from the Neilston keeper .

Right on the stroke of half time , Darvel  equalised,  thanks to a good finish from Scott Lewis , who was coming  more into the game as it progressed. 

The start of the second half saw Darvel start positively and indeed , take  the lead on 48 minutes.  2-1 . Good work on the left wing from Scott Lewis created a chance for no 9 Danny Burns  to fire home .

Shortly after this,  Scott Lewis  ( he's playing well today ! )  burst into the box , only to be brought down for a penalty,  which Mr reliable,  Ross Barbour smashed low into the keepers right hand side . 3- 1 

Time for the deck chairs and cigars we all thought .  Aye right ! 

On the 75th minute , from a free kick on the left , once again a Neilston player was free in the box to head in their second goal.  Deck chairs folded up , and cigars extinguished.  

The last 15 minutes was a nervous time in the game for Darvel supporters,  and Andy Wilson made a couple of good saves , one in particular,  when he he dived to snatch the ball at the feet of an attacking Neilston player. Whew ! 

With the home  supporters desperate for the final whistle ,  on the 90 th minute,  Darvel  broke up the Park,  and Danny Burns slammed in from  close range 4- 2. Relief ! 

However , just to put icing on the cake , in injury time , one of the under 20's subs , Tom Sneddon,  broke through into the Neilston penalty box  to finish well by  slotting the ball home from close range to make the final score 5-2. 

Man of the match ? Never in doubt,  Scott Lewis 

A very welcome victory that sees us in third place on 30 points , after 19 games .

So next up is Vale of Clyde at home next Wednesday evening,  and it would be great to secure another  3 points . We'll  see how it goes,  but we can approach this in a positive frame of mind