Cumnock are the visitors of Buffs Park this weekend in matchday 4 of the WOSFL, as The Buffs look to bounce back from a humbling 6-1 defeat at Troon last time out. “The Nock” will be favourites in most opinions when they arrive at Buffs Park after a respectable start to the season, which has seen them pick up 4 points so far.
Founded in 1912, “The Nock” have been a staple in the West of Scotland junior football scene for many years, featuring in 5 Scottish Junior Cup finals and winning 3 of them. Cumnock’s most recent Scottish Junior Cup success came in 2023 when a last-minute goal from ex-Buffs man Finlay Frye sealed a 1-0 victory over Rutherglen Glencairn, in front of over 4000 people at Broadwood Stadium.
Managed by former Buffs player Stephen Swift, The Nock sit in 6th place on 4 points, after defeating Largs 3-1 on the opening day before losing 1-0 to Johnstone Burgh and finally earning a point at home to Renfrew last weekend. Cumnock have been tipped by many to do well this season following an impressive summer of signings at Townhead Park, which has seen 7 new faces join the club. The Nock started their summer with a bang as they introduced Pollok FC hero Adam Forde to the club, with the striker going on to grab a brace on his debut for his new side. Elsewhere, winger Alex McCaw joined from Albion Rovers after an impressive season in the Lowland League, as well as midfielder Grant Gallagher, who signs from Stranraer, where he made over 300 appearances and captained The Blues. The last time the clubs faced was back in early 2023 in a midweek fixture, which saw each side earn a point in a 1-1 draw after The Nock destroyed the Buffs 5-2 earlier that season. You have to go back to October of 2019 for the last Buffs victory against Cumnock when Ben Lewis grabbed a goal in a 3-1 win at Buffs Park.
After last week’s poor defeat, Kevin Kelly will be craving a positive result for his side as they look to get back on track and begin progressing up the league before a tough trip to Drumchapel on Tuesday night.
