Irvine Times | Sport | Buffs down but not out

Sunday, 12th October, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 18th June, 2008 12:30

Buffs down but not out

By Stewart McConnell

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Cumnock 3 v 1 Kilwinning Rangers

DEFIANT Kilwinning Rangers manager Alan McTurk is not giving up hopes of his side reclaiming a Premier Division berth, despite Monday night's 3-1 defeat at the hands of Cumnock in the opening leg of the playoff at Townhead Park.

The Buffs now have a mountain to climb as they return to Abbey Park for tonight's (Wednesday) return leg knowing they really need an early goal to put any pressure on the Citylink Scottish Cup finalists.

After battling well in the first half and missing a couple of excellent chances Buffs got their noses in front four minutes into the second half from a powerful back-post header by Jeff Howe.

However less than a minute later it was all-square as the ball broke to Barr 16 yards from goal and he lashed it into the roof of the net, sending the home fans into raptures.

On 54 minutes the hosts were in front as Barr bulleted the ball home from 12 yards.

A third hammer blow was dealt to Buffs eight minutes from time as slack marking allowed Barr into the box before the striker clinically finished from six yards to complete his hat-trick and give Nock a huge advantage.