Background

Kilwinning Rangers are a club that I have been interested in visiting for a wee while now. Since their introduction into the West of Scotland league system, they have embarked on a rollercoaster journey. After finishing a respectable 5^th place in the first full Premier Division season, the club were unfortunately relegated the following year after only 7 wins in 30 games. Life in the First Division has started slowly for North Ayrshire side, sitting 9^th in a 16-team league.

Despite The Buffs currently trying to settle themselves in new surroundings, a lot of their history in the junior leagues comes with a large degree of success. Formed as early as 1899, it did not take long for Kilwinning to make a splash on the national stage. After winning the Ayrshire Junior Challenge Cup in 1905, the Holy Grail of Scottish Junior fitba’ would follow just 4 years later. After a 0-0 draw in the final, The Buffs went on to lift the famous trophy with a 1-0 win over Strathclyde after extra-time at Rugby Park. In doing so, they became the first side from Ayrshire to ever win the cup. They almost became the first Ayrshire side to lift back-to-back titles the following year. At Firhill, The Buffs defeated Ashfield 1-0. However, Ashfield protested the result and succeeded, forcing a replay the following weekend. Kilwinning fell 3-0 in the second game, denying them consecutive cup wins. The club reached the final once more in 1922 only to be outfought 2-1 by St Rochs and the famous James McGrory.

It would take exactly 100 years from their first Scottish Junior Cup victory for the club to lift the trophy once more. On the 20^th of May 1998, The Buffs took on Kelty Hearts at Firhill and beat them by a single goal in front of more than 7,500 people. It’s an achievement that is signified and celebrated with a flag at Buffs Park.

Amongst the two Junior Cup wins, Kilwinning have amassed a plethora of other silverware inside the trophy cabinets. These include but are not limited to a West of Scotland Superleague, an Ayrshire District League, and two West of Scotland Cups amongst a multitude of other local tournament wins.

The Buffs will be hoping to continue their journey to add another cup to the cabinet this weekend. They take on Renfrew in North Ayrshire for the right to advance to the next round of the West of Scotland Cup. Having been defeated 2-1 by Frew in early August, Kilwinning will be looking to retaliate by knocking them out of the cup and extending their excellent run of form simultaneously. It was looking to be a cracker.

Facilities

Located within the superb Kilwinning Community Sports Club, Buffs Park has been home to Kilwinning Rangers for the last 4 years. In that short space of time plenty of work has been done to ensure it is a welcoming and appropriate venue to play and watch football. It is fair to say that job has been done incredibly well.

Buffs Park is accessible on all four sides, with shelters covering the length of three and an American-style bleachers stand being the main viewpoint for punters. Despite having never visited Buffs Park before, I have sat in these very bleachers before. They were acquired from Benburb’s New Tinto Park in the last year or so: a ground I visited back in February 2022. I quite enjoy the look of a bleacher stand. It fits well for days like today where the sun is out and the temperature is mild. Not so sure it would have been quite as busy if typical Scottish weather were to hit.

A shout-out must also go out to the grounds staff at Buffs Park. The playing surface looked fantastic and allowed both teams to play football on the ground when it suited them. I’m not sure the game would have been as intense it the grass were not kept in such good shape.

Overall, I really like the look and feel of Buffs Park. It is by no means a finished product for a club that probably should be aiming high in the coming years, but it is a ground that has superb potential. Its tight and narrow playing surface mixed with the range of viewpoints and accessibility gives it an old-school feel in a relatively new location. 3.5/5.

Atmosphere

A good crowd turned up for today’s encounter. The bleacher had plenty of punters scattered around with all four sides having supporters leaning across the barriers. It was also pleasing to see Renfrew bringing through a decent number of supporters. They were very recognisable in their scarves and jackets lined up on the far touchline. On a day where nearby big boys Kilmarnock and Rangers were at home, it was good to see the town of Kilwinning come out to showcase their loyal support to their local team. They were in good voice for the majority of the game and added to the fiery battle taking place on the park. 2.5/5.

Quality of the Match

For two teams who play in the 7^th tier of Scottish football, I was genuinely impressed with the quick tempo on display from both sides in the first fifteen minutes. It was clear that both Kilwinning and Renfrew were attempting to play their football on the ground on a surface that allowed them to. However, after taking the time to suss each other out, it would be the hosts who would take the lead. Graham Boyd latched on to a pass over the top and managed to get to the ball before Renfrew stopper Danny Mcleay. From a narrow angle, the striker played the ball across the box where fellow forward Dylan Mackin was free to slide the ball home. I’m not sure the former Motherwell, Falkirk and Livingston man will score many easier goals this season.

With their tails up, Kilwinning perhaps should have immediately doubled their lead. More excellent work down the left-hand side resulted in a cross to the back post. Blair Macintyre rose high to head the ball goalwards, only to be brilliantly denied from point blank range by McLeay. A let off for Renfrew.

McLeay was again called into some very important action soon after. A superb kick from Buffs goalkeeper George O’Connor saw Gavin Millar through on goal. His legs tangled with the last defender, resulting in the midfielder going down and a penalty being awarded. Despite protests from the away side, it looked pretty clear-cut from my angle. Mackin stepped up, but Mcleay superbly dived to his left to deny the striker his second of the game.

Some teams may have taken a step back and lost momentum after missing a penalty, but Kilwinning kept pushing. Their pressure paid off when Mark Lamont pulled off some excellent footwork and slipped teammate Gavin Millar through on goal. With just Mcleay to beat, the midfielder kept his cool to slot home. The Buffs were in control and thoroughly deserved their two-goal lead.

However, despite having not had any great control over the game, Renfrew dealt a blow or two of their own. With 5 minutes to half time, they attacked down the right-hand side. A lovely cross to the back post found left-back Andrew Wright, who guided a wonderful header into the far corner. Deficit halved.

They were not done there though. Almost exactly 60 seconds later, they won a corner. In almost a carbon copy of their first goal, a cross to the back was nodded home at close range by Ben McLernan. Kilwinning seemed shellshocked to be heading into the break level.

Half Time: Kilwinning Rangers 2-2 Renfrew FC

After a slow first 15 minutes of the second half, Kilwinning got themselves back in front. Once again, Gavin Millar took centre stage. A lovely piece of play between him and Graham Boyd saw Millar positioned just outside the box with the ball at his feet. A lovely touch away from the defender gave him time and space to drive the ball hard and low into the net. A wonderful goal to give the hosts the lead once more.

Millar would have been gutted not to have his hattrick soon after. After gaining possession on the right-hand side, he pushed his way into the box and struck the ball goalwards. However, Mcleay was more than equal to it from a tight angle as he battered the initial strike and the rebound away.

With his hosts dominating possession, it only seemed right that a fourth goal would be forthcoming. More good work down the right resulted in a cross to the back-post. Neil McGregor met the ball with a lovely diving header to guide the ball home. A very well worked goal to complete the scoring.

Full Time: Kilwinning Rangers 4-2 Renfrew FC

I felt Kilwinning were more than deserving of this win. They controlled possession, played some excellent attacking football and produced some lovely individual performances. A special shout-out must go out to Gavin Millar, who scored two wonderful goals and was fairly unlucky not to score a hattrick. I felt Dylan Mackin was also impressive. He used his body well in attack and showed his SPFL experience well. It is clear manager Chris Aitken is beginning to get a tune out of his side. It was also great to see some development players earning their chance with a few substitutions.

Renfrew will naturally be disappointed with their performance today. It was incredibly impressive to see them score 2 swift goals to level the match and they will be frustrated not to keep it closer for longer. However, they do have some very talented players and it is clear that they will be absolutely fine in the First Division. After a league and cup double last season, it will not be surprising to see them climb their way up the league.

Overall, I was treated to 6 goals, some great drama and a plethora of good individual performances. I feel this match deserves a worthy 4/5.

Pricing

For this West of Scotland Cup game, entry was a mere £8. For a club with the size and reputation of Kilwinning at this level, I think this is a bit of a steal. Catering was also fairly priced which is always pleasing to see. You can never argue with seeing a good game, a wonderful venue and a great feel at this price. 5/5.

Final Score

Kilwinning Rangers finish the weekend with a score of 15/20. I really enjoyed my time down at Buffs Park and feel it is a place that lower league enjoyers should take themselves along to. It will certainly be interesting to see if they can continue their momentum up the league and find a way back to the Premier Division. I for one will be keeping my eye on them.

– Connor