The Buffs were unable to extend their late-season momentum, falling to a 1-2 defeat versus Largs in a flat final-day affair that ended their six-game unbeaten run. Neither side were at their brilliant best at Buffs Park in a game that had very little at stake, with both sides already guaranteed to be promoted.
Much like the rest of the game, it was a start which lacked action, with The Buffs having the only glimpse at goal in the opening 15 minutes. Harry Weir floated a cross in from the right, finding Wilson at the back post, who had broken free from his marker and controlled with his chest. Ryan’s touch set him perfectly for a shot; however, Largs defender Cory Hughes just about got a toe to the ball to take it away from danger.
Largs goalkeeper, George O’Connor, was the first to be called into action as Wilson tested him from distance. Wilson received a throw-in from the left and worked his way to the edge of the box before smashing an effort towards the top right corner. Wilson’s effort had plenty of movement on it, but was unable to beat O’Connor, who parried the shot away.
Next, it was Dylan Brown who was forced into a smart save as Largs nearly profited from some poor Buffs defending. Ewan McLevy misjudged the path of a long ball forward, which allowed Stracey to run through on goal and strike. The effort came from a narrow angle to the right of the box, but still had plenty of power on it, requiring a strong hand from Brown to save.
As half-time drew close, the game looked destined to be goalless heading into the interval, only for Blair Devine to hammer home from around 25 yards. Largs worked their way up the right wing, where Davidson teed the ball up for Devine to strike. The midfielder took the shot on first time and caught it perfectly as it flew into the right side of the net, leaving Brown no chance of keeping it out.
For the first time since Strain’s return to the club, his side went into the break behind, with a subdued first half leaving the Buffs chasing the game after the interval.
Unfortunately, for the crowd who had gathered at Buffs Park, the second 45 failed to really offer much improvement on the first. A cross swung in from a Lockhart free-kick nearly got The Buffs back on level terms, but they would have to wait until the 64th minute for another chance to fall their way. Weir won possession high on the right wing and moved it inside to trialist, Chris Callander, in space on the edge of the box. Callander slipped a great pass in behind for Wilson, who chopped back inside his man and hit at goal, with the goalkeeper getting a hand to it but unable to keep it out.
It was an underwhelming end to the campaign for The Buffs, as some sloppy defending made it too easy for Largs to net a winner with under 15 minutes to go. A low free-kick whipped in from the left was attacked by Davidson, who ran unmarked across the front post and glanced a header just past Brown.
Despite the disappointment of the result, the defeat did little to dampen what has ultimately been a rollercoaster but rewarding campaign for The Buffs. Promotion had already been secured with a game to spare, and while the six‑game unbeaten run came to an end in a lacklustre fashion, Strain’s side can still take pride in the resilience and momentum they rediscovered over the final months. The club now must look towards preparing for what will be an exciting season, as The Buffs step into the highest tier of the Scottish pyramid they have ever reached.
