It all comes down to this for The Buffs, as they now must win against St Roch’s and hope results go their way elsewhere to earn a final day promotion to the WOSFL Premier Division. St Roch’s will travel to Buffs Park full of confidence after defeating The Buffs 3-2 when the sides met a fortnight ago, however, no longer have anything to play for after recent results put promotion out of reach for The Candy as we head into the final day of the season.
It was a very tough shift for what was a fairly depleted Buffs side last time out in Garngad, as a late Josh McGrillen winner took promotion out of The Buffs’ hands after a Josh Winton screamer levelled the game up in the second half. Kevin Kelly’s side put on a performance which was probably worthy of at least a point, but some slack defending and slight naivety undid all the hard work his side put in throughout the 90. The Buffs showed more than enough to give the travelling support hope heading into this weekend’s decider however, favours are needed elsewhere in the division if The Buffs are to go up.
Back-to-back away defeats for the first time this season has allowed Rutherglen Glencairn to overtake The Buffs right at the death after Kevin Kelly’s side occupied one of the top 3 places from the 22nd of February until just last week. Rutherglen have pieced together a strong run in with 4 wins on the bounce at the expense of Thorniewood, Rob Roy, Kilbirnie and most recently Irvine Meadow. The Glens now sit in second place, level on points with Renfrew and a point ahead of The Buffs, with an away tie against, already relegated, Blantyre Victoria awaiting them on the final day. 3rd placed Renfrew have put together an even better run of 7 games unbeaten, including 6 victories and 1 draw, however, haven’t played in 3 weeks since defeating Vale of Clyde 0-2. The Frew also sit 1 point in front of The Buffs and welcome Petershill FC to New Western Park to end the season.
No matter what happens elsewhere in the race, a win is the only outcome which gives Kevin Kelly’s a chance due to The Buffs’ greatly inferior goal difference when compared to those in the battle. However, if The Buffs were to win against St Roch’s, they would need either Rutherglen to drop points away to Blantyre or Renfrew to drop points against Petershill. History does look to favour The Buffs’ chances, as The Glens have not been able to beat Blantyre in their previous 5 attempts but will undoubtedly look to give an extra 10% this time around with so much on the line.
Regardless of this weekend’s results, it has turned out to be a really positive season for The Buffs who underwent a lot of change in the summer, including a new management team in the dugout who have steered the club through a difficult time brilliantly. It has been a season to be proud of for The Buffs, with just one hurdle now remaining in the race and promotion very much still to play for as we head into the final matchday of the season.
