Rampant Darvel put on a clinic in the WOSFDL against Ardeer Thistle

Loudoun Academy played host to the WOSFDL Conference E tie, consisting of Darvel FC and Ardeer Thistle.

Both sides were heading into the tie looking to turn their poor form around and get their second halves of the season off to winning starts.

Kieran Spurling was forced into an excellent first-minute save, thwarting Jake Raymond’s curled effort.

A lovely team move from Darvel saw them take an early lead. A ball across goal was back-heeled by Aaron Wilson, and striker Lewis McFadzean was there to fire home.

Liam Kennedy looked to test Darvel’s Blair Samson with a distant free kick – but his effort soared over the bar.

The home side were inches away from making it 2-0 on two occasions within seconds of each other. The lively Wilson struck the post after skipping by his man, followed by Ardeer’s Nairn Ramage clearing one off the line.

Darvel then found their second through midfielder Joe Dudgeon. Finding space on the edge of the area, he arrowed his strike into the top bin.

Robby Johnston’s excellent feet in the midfield opened up an opportunity for him to play a delightful pass to his teammate Lewis McTaggart. McTaggart’s shot rolled across goal and out for a goal kick.

McFadzean grabbed his brace on the half-hour mark after driving clean through on goal, rounding the on-rushing keeper and finishing coolly.

His hat-trick was sealed moments later. Another neat move from the home side saw a triangle of passes played, leading to an empty net for McFadzean to tap in.

A short corner from Ardeer led to Kennedy picking up the ball. He aimed a shot goalwards from an acute angle but couldn’t get the bend right. It eventually led to a Darvel goal kick.

Lewis McTaggart signed off a five-star first-half performance for the men in blue when his half-volley flew into the bottom right corner.

Ardeer had a great chance to pull one back via Cole Abercrombie. The winger found himself in yards of space, striking his effort just wide of the mark.

Thistle came close again after a corner found Cameron Davidson, whose well-connected volley went astray.

Abercrombie came alive again for the away side when he struck across the face of goal, but unfortunately for Ardeer, it whistled wide.

Substitute Connor Miller bagged a sixth for Ardeer, getting in behind a high Ardeer backline to slot beyond Spurling.

Ryan Spence’s thunderous strike stung the palms of the goalkeeper, but McTaggart was alert to notch a seventh for the hosts.

Moments later, it was an eighth for Darvel. This one was the pick of the lot, with Robby Johnston blasting an effort crossbar-and-in from thirty yards.

Liam Calder’s pinpoint pass found the darting run of McTaggart. The winger squared to Miller, who fluffed his lines in front of goal.

Spurling was forced into a great save again, but the rebound was finished by Millar for 9-0.

And with the ninth nestling in the back of the net, the whistle sounded to cap off a fantastic Conference E victory for Darvel FC.

Darvel FC Player of the Match: Lewis McFadzean

Darvel’s number nine scored a superb first-half hat trick and showcased his predator instincts in and around the box. When his goals dried up in the second half, he provided an excellent dig to win possession back for his team and always looked after the ball.

Ardeer Thistle Player of the Match: Liam Kennedy

A live wire striker who caused the Darvel backline some issues. Although it was a tough evening for Thistle, Kennedy was a shining light for his side as he was constantly looking to create.

Darvel FC Magic Moment: Johnston’s Bullet

Robby Johnston had the audacity to attempt a thirty-yarder, and it certainly paid off. Receiving the ball deep, he took a touch out of his stride and pinged it crossbar and in.

Ardeer Thistle Magic Moment: Spurling’s Early Stop

In what was a difficult shift for Kieran Spurling, he showed moments of excellent quality between the sticks. His best was in the opening minute – getting down rapidly to provide a spectacular reflex save.