Gartcairn down Darvel to get up and running Premier Division

Gartcairn boss Mick Dunlop says his side dug deep and showed character as they beat Darvel 4-2 on Saturday to get their first West of Scotland Premier Division win of the season.

Scott Ferguson got the Airdrie side on their way in three minutes, then turned provider for Mark McGuigan to make it 2-1 in 22 minutes, after Darvel had levelled.

Ian McShane bagged a third five minutes later to see ’Cairn seemingly home and dry by the interval. Darvel instead pulled a goal back to provide a nervy finish, but Ross Caldwell netted with five minutes later to seal the three points.

Dunlop told the club’s website: “It’s a good day for us, first win on the board, three points at a tough place to come, and I’m delighted for the players.

“I thought for probably 60 to 65 minutes, and especially in the first half, we were very good. We caused them problems, created some chances, and got our three goals.

“We were delighted with the first-half performance, disappointed to lose the goal, because I think at that point they hadn’t really ventured into our box much, but to be fair to the boy, it’s a really good goal from his perspective.

“In the first half I thought we were the better side and deserved to be a couple of goals to the good at half-time. I thought they came back into it in the second half, for the first maybe 15 or 20 minutes there wasn’t a lot in it, but I think they had made a wee tactical change.

“Both teams had chances, definitely, and I wondered if it might peter out at 3-2. We had to dig deep and show character, but not only did they do that, we bounced back and scored another good goal. I thought the scoreline was a fairer reflection on the game.”

Gartcairn are due to host Johnstone Burgh in a Premier League clash at MTC