ALMOST 12 months ago Kilwinning Rangers went to Beechwood Park needing a win against Auchinleck Talbot to keep their survival hopes alive.

They secured a 2-0 win and stayed in the Premier Division through the playoffs.

Now the two junior giants will meet at Beechwood Park with the title up for grabs in the business end of the season and leaders Buffs seven points clear of a Talbot side, who have four games in hand.

And a bumper 1,000 strong crowd is expected.

While going all out for the win, Buffs boss Chris Strain insists the game will not decide anything.

However he was delighted with his team's showing as they defeated Clydebank 3-2 away on Saturday, three days after defeating Irvine Victoria in an Ayrshire Weekly Press Cup second round tie.

Strain said of Saturday: "It was unbelievable -our best performance this season in terms of what went against us. The players surprised me as they took adversity in a positive manner. They put so much into the game. We got back on level terms and were then 2-1 down and at that point I atcutally felt the game had slipped away from us, we had ,mental strength as well as physical fitness, it was brilliant to come back with 10 men twice in the game, it surprised me how they have in reserve, The sending off was harsh and the second booking harsh as it was a coming together.

Looking ahead to the weekend Strain said: "We go into the game in control of our own destiny. I know we have the character which was epitomised on Saturday we have not done. We are not putting importance on the last game between us (Buffs won in December at Beechwood. It's just about on the day. There will be a massive crowd as in terms of local football it's the biggest game in the area, I expect more than 1000 will be there. It will be a good occasion and you want to be part but we are taking it a game at a time and it just happens Auchinleck are our opponents. We will do our best and are looking to win.

Strain doesn't accept it's just a two-horse race and added: "Beith can pick up 12 points from their remaining games and it will be up to us to see if we can get more points."