Scottish Junior Cup Second Round

KILWINNING RANGERS 2

LARKHALL THISTLE 1

BUFFS battled their way into the third round in what was a tricky test against the lower league visitors.

The Abbey Park side missed a few chances to put the game totally out of sight against the Super First Division side, but will be happy to progress from a game which boss Chris Strain had labelled a potential banana skin.

The windy conditions helped ensure quality football was at a premium.

Incidents in the first half were few and far between, although a few shots from Carlo Monti were saved by the visiting goalie.

The second half was totally different and Buffs upped a gear. They were awarded a penalty following a strong challenge inside the box but the spot-kick effort from Monti was saved by the visiting goalie.

Junior Scotland international Bryan Boylan then came close when his brilliant shot crashed off the crossbar.

However on the hour, the Abbey Park side went ahead when Craig Pettigrew flicked a cross from Ryan Nisbet on to David Winters, who netted with a shot from 14 yards,

The lead was shortlived, however as Larkhall took a quick free-kick and their striker found the net.

The Larkhall goal led a charmed life, but finally Nisbet raced clear and smashed a shot into the roof of the net.

Buffs bossed much of the match and were deserving winners.

KILWINNING RANGERS: Strain; McCloskey, Whyte, Pettigrew, Latta, Nisbet, McGuinness, Frye, Monti, Boylan, Winters. Subs: Coleman, Maitland, Dallas.