It was a victory on return to league action for The Buffs as they ran out 2-1 winners against Renfrew FC, for the third time this season. Despite the narrow margin between the sides on the scoreboard, The Buffs were in control for large proportions of the game, with Renfrew only managing to muster a consolation goal from the penalty spot, right at the death.
It was The Frew who looked better in the opening exchanges of the match as they consistently found themselves in decent areas of the Buffs’ half. The first chance of the game came just over ten minutes in when a scooped ball in behind caused a mix-up in the Buffs’ defence. The chipped ball took both of the Buffs’ centre-halves out of the equation, which forced Logan Burgess to come inside the pitch in an attempt to cover his teammates. Burgess couldn’t quite get to the ball in front of Renfrew striker Ben McLernan, who managed to set himself before firing towards goal from around twenty yards. McLernan’s shot flew over the bar, much to the bemusement of Renfrew wingers Healy and Harwood, who felt like the striker should’ve squared the ball as they both found themselves unmarked and in great space on the Renfrew flanks.
The Buffs were made to wait for their first sight of goal, but they made sure to make the most of it when it fell their way in the twenty-first minute. Olly Smith spun a great switch, into space, from left to right, which allowed Ryan Wilson to stretch his legs as he chased after the through ball, down the right wing. Wilson left full-back Logan Punton for dead as he raced through on goal before placing the ball perfectly into the bottom left corner with a right-footed shot across the goalkeeper, to net The Buffs’ first goal of the year.
It wasn’t long before Wilson was causing trouble for The Frew again as he picked up the ball in his own with his back to goal and turned. The forward played a great, defence-splitting ball into the channel for Jack McMahon, which enabled the striker to run through on goal; however, Mcleay was quick off his line in the Renfrew goal and succeeded in closing down McMahon’s angle, who was unable to squeeze his shot past the goalkeeper.
The Frew did show a glimmer of quality in an attempt to claw themselves back level in the game when Keiren Healy caught the ball perfectly with the outside of his boot and bent an effort towards the top left corner with a half-volley from long range. Healy’s strike had the beating of Glen Cameron, but didn’t dip in time as it swerved just over the Buffs’ crossbar.
The Buffs could and probably should’ve doubled their lead just before the break as a long throw from the right side was launched towards the back post, where it found Wilson in space. Ryan controlled and volleyed back across the goalkeeper, but wasn’t able to get the connection he was looking for, sending the ball past the far post. McMahon just about got his head to the ball in an attempt to redirect the shot back at goal, but didn’t quite get enough on the header as it went just wide from close range.
The Buffs started the second half as they finished the first, dominant, as they went in search of an important second goal to give themselves some breathing space in the game. Ewan McLevy, who performed admirably throughout the ninety minutes, beat his man on the left side before swinging a dangerous cross into the box, which landed on the head of Murray MacKintosh. Mackintosh, who played in a slightly higher role than normal and did so well, was totally free in the box, but couldn’t make the most of the chance, heading straight at the goalkeeper, with a rather tame effort.
It was a fairly cagey second half, with The Buffs dominating the territory and probing the Frew’s box; however, struggling to carve out many clear-cut opportunities. Olly Smith and Ryan Wilson both had half-chances in front of goal, but it would take until the eightieth minute for another great chance to be created by The Buffs. Mackintosh occupied a great space in midfield where he received the ball before slipping a perfect pass through for McMahon, who beat the offside trap and ran through on goal once again. McLeay was able to deny McMahon in a 1v1 for the second time of the game, but the rebound fell favourably for the striker, who made no mistake in finishing into the empty net to all but confirm the three points for his side.
Considering the lack of action during the second forty-five, the game really sparked back into life in the dying minutes when Renfrew ramped up the pressure and won themselves a penalty thanks to some clumsy defending from The Buffs. Scott Morton stepped up and comfortably passed the ball into the bottom right corner to set up a nervy finish at Buffs Park.
Ironically, it was actually The Buffs who had a sublime chance to land the final blow through some good work down the left by Olly Smith. The Buffs moved the ball up the flank before the winger drove an excellent low cross into the box, where it looked harder for Wilson to miss than score, but the striker got it all wrong and sent the ball wide of the far post.
Overall, it was a good performance and a great result for Kevin Kelly’s side, who made it three wins out of three against The Frew this season. The victory moves The Buffs up to sixth place in the league as they leapfrog Johnstone Burgh and Hurlford, who were on cup duty, and Arthurlie, who were defeated by Beith on the day. The Buffs now move on to face a Troon side flying atop the division in a tough clash under the lights on Friday.
