Wednesday night football awaits The Buffs as they head towards Glasgow to face Renfrew FC in the second match of the season after an opening day 0-2 defeat to Johnstone Burgh 4 days ago. Like The Buffs, Renfrew were promoted into the WOSFL Premier Division last season and suffered defeat on their first taste of Premier Division football on Saturday.
“The Frew” have had a busy Summer so far, securing the signatures of 8 players, including Cammy Kerr, who joins back up with his former club after a season at Buffs Park. Renfrew have also re-signed midfielder Kieran Healy, who rejoins after numerous seasons with Auchinleck before spending 6 months with Darvel at the end of last season. Other new signings for “The Frew” include winger Chris Mahon, who joins from Broomhill FC, and forward Kenzie McCrystal, who joins on loan from Johnstone Burgh after impressing on a loan deal with Renfrew last season.
Renfrew opened the season with a respectable 1-2 defeat at the hands of Troon FC. The game was level heading into half time after a Renfrew goal from Sean Fyfe, but The Frew would be punished for missed chances when an 87th-minute winner secured the 3 points for The Seasiders. Much like Kevin Kelly, Manager Jimmy Quigley will take a lot of positives from his side’s opening day performance and will be hoping that his side can bounce back against a Buffs team who have struggled against Renfrew in recent years. The Buffs have yet to score a win against Renfrew in the 4 league bouts they’ve had since the formation of the WOSFL, with the last contest being won 3-1 by Renfrew back in March of this year. The Buffs did earn consecutive home draws against The Frew however, they have been beaten both times they have travelled to New Western Park since 2022. The last Buffs victory against Renfrew came in the WOSFL Cup in October 2023 when goals from Dylan Mackin, Neil McGregor, and a Gavin Millar brace secured a 4-2 victory at Buffs Park. The clubs finished level on 55 points last season, with only goal difference edging The Frew into 3rd place.
Kevin Kelly will be hoping his side can add some clinical finishing to their good performance against Johnstone Burgh and bounce back from the defeat with a positive result tonight that would see The Buffs earn their first points of the season at a ground that has proved tough for the club in recent times.
