Montrose suffered their biggest home defeat in almost four years as they crashed out of the Scottish Cup in spectacular fashion to Darvel.
The Links Park side suffered a 5-2 hammering at the hands of the West of Scotland Junior side as they exited the tournament at the first hurdle on Saturday.
It is the Angus side’s heaviest loss at Links Park since Dundee United beat them 4-0 in the Scottish Cup in January 2019.
Courier Sport was there to see Darvel dismantle Mo and here are three talking points from that game:
Montrose mauled by devastating Darvel
It’s a well worn managerial phrase to admit ‘you get punished for your mistakes at this level.’
And that’s exactly what happened to Montrose on Saturday.
They weren’t up against a top-class Scottish Premiership side but take nothing away from Darvel – they were devastating in attack.
The margin of defeat suggests the hosts were overrun by their Ayrshire rivals.
That certainly wasn’t the case. Yes Darvel full-merited their win and looked like a side capable of operating at a much higher level.
But they had five shots on target and scored five goals. Everything they struck turned to gold and they were clinical in sealing a place in the next round.
Montrose have money in the bank
Montrose assistant boss Ross Campbell was hugely magnanimous in defeat.
He labelled the defeat ‘a disaster’ but was fulsome in his praise for the role Darvel played in the result.
Campbell showed real class in his post-match interview but that comes from being in a healthy working environment.
It cannot be understated enough how well-run Montrose are as a club.
They could finish in a play-off spot for the FIFTH successive year, have enviable links through Montrose Community Trust and a squad that is built on loyalty.
Terry Masson had his testimonial game in the summer after joining in 2011.
It’s Paul Watson’s turn now to mark his tenth year, with Graham Webster following in 2023.
And St Johnstone star Cammy Ballantyne is now in his FOURTH loan spell at the club.
You don’t build these foundations overnight, neither do you dismantle them on the back of a couple of heavy defeats.
Links Park Dynamo stand by their men
It’s fair to say Saturday night was ruined for more than a few Montrose fans.
The Angus bragging rights in the Scottish Cup definitely belong to Arbroath right now.
The weekend loss was uncomfortable viewing but credit must go to Montrose fans for not turning on their side.
Yes there were a few, perhaps justified, shouts towards the bench as the game turned 5-2.
But with the club clearly heading in the right direction, the fans will forgive their side if they go one stage further this term and gain promotion to the Championship.
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