"Hopefully I'll be able to celebrate it a bit more" Darvel keeper hoping for more Scottish Cup magic against Falkirk
Maths teacher Chris Truesdale missed the team's celebrations after beating Aberdeen - because he had school the next day
One of the heroes of Darvel’s shock Scottish Cup victory over Aberdeen is telling Clyde 1 News he is determined to do it all over again – so he can join in with the celebrations this time round.
The West of Scotland League Premier Division side sent shockwaves through Scottish football last month with a 1-0 victory over their Premiership opponents at Recreation Park.
Goalkeeper Chris Truesdale made a number of key saves to keep the Dons at bay on that night. But when he’s not getting his angles right on the pitch the 26-year-old is teaching them at Lenzie Academy, where he works as a maths teacher: “The boys went into town after the Aberdeen game, but I had school the next day.
February long weekend comes at a good time for Truesdale
“This time around I’m actually off on holiday on Monday and Tuesday so, if we do get a good result, hopefully I’ll be able to celebrate it a bit more.”
The February long weekend is coming at a good time for Chris. On Monday Darvel look to make more history by reaching the quarter finals of the country’s top cup competition. This time round it is League One side Falkirk that stand in their way.
Chris says the players believe they’ve got another upset in them: “We had one slip-up at Arthurlie but apart from that we’ve been on quite a run of winning games in the league as well. I would say the squad are pretty confident and looking forward to the next game.
Darvel's players are confident of pulling off another shock
“I think we’ve got a good chance. Obviously Falkirk’s going to be a big challenge, but it’s one we’re definitely up for.”
Regardless of what happens against Falkirk the amateur side has already taken its place in Scottish football folklore by defeating Aberdeen.
Chris says there is always a great atmosphere around the club, and that is something that has only been enhanced by their new-found fame: “Obviously playing at a club like Darvel you get to know the fans a bit more closely than you would normally at a higher level.
“It’s the same faces you see every week and you’ve got that relationship with them as well which is good. It’s brilliant down there, it’s a great atmosphere and it’s the same every week.”