McBookie Super League Premier Division

HURLFORD UNITED 1

KILWINNING RANGERS 2

BUOYANT Buffs motored four points clear at the top of the table following a narrow win away to struggling Hurlford.

On a high following victory away to Auchinleck Talbot a week earlier, Buffs knew they faced on what was a very heavy pitch following relentless rain for much of the week.

It was quite an even opening 20 minutes. However Buffs had the best chance of the match so far in midway through the half when a close range effort from Sam McCloskey crashed off the post.

In 26 minutes the deadlock was broken in style with a peach of a goal as playmaker Carlo Monti won possession outside the box, picked his spot and curled the ball into the net.

Five minutes later it was all-square as the home side equalised.

On the hour Buffs were reduced to 10 men when Craig Pettigrew was given a straight red card for a last man challenge.

However two minutes later the visitors were back in front when former Ayr United and Dundee United striker David Winters, who had come off the bench, shot home.

Seven minutes from time Hurlford were reduced to 10 men.

'Ford piled on the pressure in the last few minutes and had three chances to score. However the visiting defence held firm to secure another three important points.

They now host champions Glenafton Athletic on Saturday and can go into the game with confidence.

KILWINNING RANGERS: Strain; Coleman, Pettigrew, Maitland, McCloskey, McGuinness, Hanvey, Lewis, Monti, Boylan, Latta. Subs: Winters, Whyte.