Buffs win adds polish to unbeaten run

Iain Smith - Iain Smith • Published 11 Mar 2009 12:30

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Kilwinning Rangers 0 Renfrew 2

RENFREW are beginning to make a habit of winning, with Kilwinning Rangers the latest side to be beaten off the pitch as Frew ruled the roost.

It was another dogged and determined display from Renfrew as their new found fighting mentality ultimately decided this tempestuous fixture to maintain their five-game unbeaten run.

The Frew travelled to Abbey Park on Saturday with a point to prove after Kilwinning"s 3-0 victory at Western Park last month, and set out an unchanged side from last week.

Ryan Deas was the Frew"s creative spark and his through ball to Clinton Maxwell could have brought the games opener but the bustling forward could only find the side netting.

Deas did have a hand in the opener when the Buff"s keeper flapped at his free-kick allowing James Crowhurst to put his side up with the goal at his mercy.

Maxwell could have scored the second shortly before half-time after a neat flick from Steven Reid sent him through on goal, but his effort was matched by the outstretched Kilwinning keeper.

Dean Sexton produced a spectacular save from Chris Faulds" driven effort before a Buff"s corner threatened to level the scoring. The high winds beat the Frew keeper but Crowhurst was well positioned to block the ball on the line.

Renfrew continued their good work after the break and scored the second goal 10 minutes into the second half. Willie Stewart battled for possession and clipped the ball over the defence for the oncoming Graeme Mort who fired his shot under the keeper.

With Kilwinning looking dead and buried frustration started to creep in. The home side"s James Tyler perhaps should have seen red for a late and dangerous challenge on Renfrew"s battle-tank defender, Neil Shearer, but he was let off.

The Frew held firm to collect the match spoils and elevated their league position to sixth - much to the delight of gaffer, Dougie Mitchell.

He said: 'You just can"t fault the guys" effort. The conditions were hard, which may have suited us in the first half but I"m pleased with the way the lads battled away.

'In this league you score more points with battling performances than with playing silky football.'

On Renfrew"s turnaround in fortunes over the recent weeks, Mitchell commented: 'I"m quietly confident we can keep this run going. Next week is another big game with Kilsyth coming to Western Park. We"ll be up for it.

'The lads are working hard in training and are fighting for each other on the park. It"s a happy dressing room we have and we"re all fighting fit.'

Renfrew are three points shy of a play-off position but the Frew gaffer won"t be getting too carried away, just yet.

He said: 'Well anything is possible, if there is a chance of a play-off place then we will go for it. But for now we"re taking it one step at a time and I"m delighted with the result today.'

Renfrew: Sexton, Hammond, Fraser, Dickie, Fraser, Deas, Mort, Reid, Stewart (McKay), Maxwell (Gordon), Crowhurst. Subs: Marshall, Rankin.

Renfrew are at home to Kilsyth on Saturday, with a 2pm kick-off.

This article appeared in The Gazette 11 Mar 09

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