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Match preview
After a truly embarrassing defeat on Wednesday night, will Aberdeen now be on the wrong end of one of the biggest Scottish Cup shocks of all-time?
Last time out, the Dons were demolished 5-0 at Tynecastle by Hearts, losing by 5+ in a top-flight game, against a side outwith the Old Firm, for just the second time ever.
Since the World Cup-break, Jim Goodwin’s men have not enjoyed themselves, losing five of seven Premiership games, winning just one.
Also, the Reds were beaten in the League Cup semi-finals by Rangers at Hampden last Sunday putting in, to be fair, a very competitive performance.
Here though, if Aberdeen do crash out of the Scottish Cup, it’ll be curtains for Goodwin.
That’s because Darvel are aiming to become the first non-league outfit to beat a top-flight club in this competition for 57 years.
The Vale ply their trade in the West of Scotland League Premier Division, which forms part of the sixth-tier.
To get this far, Mick Kennedy’s men have already had to oust Haddington Athletic, Tynecastle, Dalbeattie Star and Montrose, and have been rewarded with this glamour tie.
Aberdeen have not lost a Scottish Cup match to a non-league side since 1906, eliminated by Johnstone F.C. back then.
So, will this Monday night clash at Recreation Park be an historic night for all concerned?