Irvine Times | Sport | Buffs bow out at final hurdle

Saturday, 22nd November, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 11th June, 2008 09:00

Buffs bow out at final hurdle

By Stewart McConnell

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Kilwinning Rangers 0 v 5 Cumnock

A CLINICAL Cumnock side blitzed sorry Buffs to land the showpiece domestic trophy for the first time.

Campbell Money's side turned in a five-star display to give them a psychological advantage against the Abbey Parkers in next week's two-leg Super League Premier Division promotion playoff.

Alan McTurk's side were a shadow of the fighting force who dumped holders Irvine Meadow out only 10 days earlier and they were outclassed in every area.

But they did miss suspended Derek McCulloch and injured George Wallace who should be back for next week's games.

In the seventh minute Ritchie Barr was fouled 20 yards from goal and the resultant free-kick from McInally was blocked by a Buffs defender. But seven minutes later, John McLay sent a low-angled 16-yard drive into the bottom corner of the net.

As Nock continued to press, Gareth Campbell swung over a cross to Ritchie Barr whose shot was scrambled clear by a Buffs defender in 25 minutes. However two minutes later Stuart McDonald sent a ferocious 25-yard free-kick in off the post to double their advantage.

In 40 minutes McInally waltzed into the box unchallenged before smashing home a shot from 12 yards. less than a minutre later Keith Ross was picking the ball out of the net again as Paul Cameron headed home a Barr cross.

There was a glimmer of hope for Buffs a minute after the break when an S McCulloch corner-kick was blocked by a defender and Nikki Smith had a shot deflected wide two minutes later.

Back at the other end in 52 minutes Barr ballooned the ball over the bar from 25 yards but by now Nock were in cruise control.

Campbell then sent a shot past a post from six yards in 58 minutes and Ross confidently smotherded a 25-yard rocket from Barr three minutes later.

However Cumnock went nap as Barr left Paul Mullin beating the visiting kepper from 12 yards.

Goalscorer McLay then hit the post from 18 yards three minutes later and 10 minutes from time Barr shot wide from 25 yards.

Seven minutes from time S McCulloch had a shot clearded off the line but the home fans started their celebrations and Buffs were left with much to think about as they prepare to face the same side in the play-offs.