Finally, after a month void of action for The Buffs, they make their return to competitive football this weekend as they welcome Renfrew FC for their first match of 2026. It has felt like an age since Kevin Kelly’s side were defeated by Largs in the final match before the festive period; however, they don’t have much longer to wait now before taking on a Renfrew side who they have fared very well against so far this campaign.
Much like The Buffs, The Frew had a rather lengthy Christmas break, which saw Jimmy Quigley’s team play no games for just under a month before returning to action last weekend with a league fixture against Troon, which was narrowly lost 2-1. Last week’s result leaves Renfrew in 12th place in the division, three points and places behind The Buffs, heading into today’s affair. It’s been a tough Winter for today’s visitors, who have been defeated in four consecutive games, whilst only scoring once on that run, albeit against tough opposition such as Auchinleck Talbot and Johnstone Burgh. The sides have already met twice this season, both games coming at New Western Park, with The Buffs edging out a 1-2 victory against a 10-man Renfrew side early in the league season. The roles were reversed when the sides met for the second time this season, as it was The Buffs who were reduced to 10-men in the tie; however still left Renfrew victorious thanks to a last-minute Olly Smith winner and a heroic performance all round from Kevin Kelly’s side. If The Buffs were to win today, it would be the first time Kilwinning Rangers have beaten the same opponent three times in one season since the 2022/23 campaign, when The Buffs defeated Irvine Meadow both home and away in the league, as well as in the Eglinton Cup in pre-season. The Frew’s league fixtures have generally been tight affairs up until this point in the season, with half of their twelve league matches being settled by a single goal or less.
The Buffs will be desperate to start 2026 on the front foot with a win against Renfrew today; however, those who attend the match should expect a tight battle between two sides who have been tough to separate in recent campaigns. It’s a pivotal point in the league season for The Buffs, who could end the day in a position as high as 6th with a positive result, or as low as 12th with a not-so-positive outcome.
