Brechin City pay the penalty after another Scottish Cup thriller

The 1-1 draw between Highland League City and Darvel, who play in the West of Scotland Football League, was a terrific advert for football outwith the top four divisions.

They did it all over again on Tuesday night at Darvel’s Recreation Park, the two putting on another thriller in a 2-2 draw.

Sadly, for City, they lost out at the very death, Darvel setting up a fourth round tie against Arbroath at Gayfield following a penalty shoot-out.

The visitors from Angus took the lead on 37 minutes when Kieran Inglis neatly finished from inside the box.

Darvel were level on the stroke of half-time when former East Fife and Alloa Atheltic defender Darryl Meggat headed home from a corner.

Meggat’s goal gave Darvel a lift and the home side took the lead with 11 minutes remaining when Ryan Thomson turned a shot into the net.

Brechin refused to give up, though, and Andy Kirk’s men continued to grind away.

They levelled matters in the closing minutes of the game through a wonder strike from Murray Mackintosh.

Darvel, however, prevailed on penalties, winning 5-4 to progress to the next round and continue their first ever Scottish Cup run.

City will have a chance to brush that loss off quickly this weekend when they return to Highland League duty.

Kirk’s side will host Deveronvale at Glebe Park as they aim to maintain their title push.