KILWINNING RANGERS (Abbey Park)

SJFA WEST SUPERLEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION, KILWINNING RANGERS 0-0 HURLFORD UNITED, ATTENDANCE: 250 (est)

In what seems to rapidly becoming a tradition at this time of year, I headed North of the Border for my football fix. Destination this afternoon was Kilwinning in North Ayrshire. 

When the trip was originally mooted with three other football travellers, Killwinning were in with a shot of the title. However with a few untimely draws, the title appears to have slipped through their fingers unless other results go their way. Another reason for visiting is there are whispers that the club may be on the move (click here) due to proposals of the Scottish Junior joining the pyramid, meaning it is unlikely Abbey Park will meet the ground criteria in it's current form.

The ground, to be frank, resembles a building site at the moment with plenty of work going on. Whether this is any indication that the club plan to remain here, who knows? The old sleeper terraces have been removed and alongside the touchline there is a grass bank and flat standing whilst behind one of the goals there are new concrete steps. This complements the stand behind one goal and the main stand, which is essentially an overhang from a couple of portacabins. The ground certainly has character and is a lot more interesting than a 3G pitch in a cage.

The game was a hard fought affair, especially in the baking hot conditions, but in truth neither side created any real clear cut chances and it was no surprise in the end that it finished goalless. Unfortunately for the Buffs, title rivals Auchinleck lost to Pollok meaning a victory for The Buffs would have kept them in the hunt. However due to their inferior goal difference this draw has effectively ended their title dreams. 

The ruins of Kilwinning Abbey can be seen from the ground, hence the name
Abbey Park. The Abbey dates from around 1162 - 1168 and features prominently on the club badge.

I must give a special mention to the Buffs Steak and Sausage Pie,
which was excellent! Steady The Buffs!