McBookie Super League Premier Division

KILWINNING RANGERS 1

KIRKINTILLOCH ROB ROY 0

BUOYANT Buffs soared into third spot after edging out a visiting side managed by former Abbey Park favourite Stewart Maxwell.

New signings James Latta and Craig Pettigrew, secured from Auchinleck Talbot, made very good debuts as the home side registered their fourth win out of six.

Chris Strain's side, who just beat the drop last season, look a much more accomplished side who are capable of competing at the top end of the table and are one of the form teams in the league.

Rob Roy began the game well and won an early free-kick, which was easily cleared by the home defence in four minutes before a flowing move saw former Ayr United man Ryan Nisbet fizz a shot just wide. Buffs were taking control and the same player then sent another effort past a post.

On the half hour the hosts were awarded a penalty kick after Bryan Boylan was fouled inside the box and Carlo Monti coolly netted from the spot. Rob Roy were then reduced to 10 men when their central defender was sent off for a bad tackle.

The second half was scrappy and apart from a Davie Winters shot which was saved Buffs struggled to find fluency.

Buffs were then reduced to 10 men when Ricky Hanvey was sent off for a stupid tackle.

Rabs pressed late on and Wullie Sawyers forced a couple of saves from Adam Strain.

Buffs have played better but it's a good sign when a team are not at their best but can still grind out victory.

They now have six tricky away games in a row but look to have a squad capable of coping with those challenges.

KILWINNING RANGERS: Strain; Latta; McCloskey, Pettigrew, Whyte, Frye, Monti, McGuinness, Nisbet, M Wardrope Jnr, Boylan. Subs: Coleman, Hanvey, Dallas, Winters, M Wardrope Snr.