Football returns to Buffs Park this weekend after last week’s absence as The Buffs welcome Renfrew FC in matchday 9 of the WOSFL First Division.
Renfrew FC, formed in 1912 currently play their football at New Western Park after moving into the ground in 2015. The modern ground was one of my personal favourites from last season despite seeing the Frew defeat The Buffs on the day. The visitors will likely be playing in their red and white away strip when they visit Buffs Park as their blue and white striped home shirt would clash. The Frew finished in 12th place last season on 33 points, surviving the drop by 6 points.
Despite last season’s struggles, The Frew have been excellent so far this season securing themselves 16 points, 4 more than The Buffs. Renfrew had a difficult start to the season, losing both of their opening fixtures to Rob Roy and Irvine Meadow but have not looked back since then. The Frew are 8 games unbeaten, a run that includes high scoring victories against Blantyre, Thorniewood, Ardrossan and an 8-0 hammering of St Cuthbert Wanderers in the cup, a fortnight ago. Renfrew are 3rd highest scorers in the division this season, netting an impressive 20 goals in 8 games so far this season. On the other hand, The Buffs will be looking to make it 3 matches unbeaten and begin to build some consistency on what has been a rollercoaster start to the season which leaves the hosts sitting in 7th place, 4 points off of a coveted promotion spot. The sides went to battle three times last season with both sides winning one match whilst the third was drawn fixtures. The Frew dominated The Buffs early last season when The Buffs visited New Western Park which seen them run out 2-1 victors. The Buffs then knocked Renfrew out of the WOSFL Cup, 4-2 before the final meeting between the two sides was drawn 1-1 with an extraordinary goal from the opposition goalkeeper to level the match. Cammy Kerr joined the Buffs from Renfrew during the summer window and has impressed ever since with his playmaking ability in the middle of the park. Cammy scored for Renfrew against The Buffs last season and will be looking to net again in the fixture, this time whilst playing in the blue and white hoops.
The Buffs will be hoping that the week break provided sufficient recovery time for the likes of Dylan Mackin and Bryan Boylan who both missed out on the chaotic victory which seen the Buffs progress in the cup a fortnight ago. Kevin Kelly will be hoping his side can muster enough to win the 3 points in what has the early signs of a game between 2 sides who won’t be far away from going up come the end of the season.
