McBookie Super League Premier Division Playoff Second Leg

KILWINNING RANGERS 2

KILSYTH RANGERS 2 (Kilwinning won 3-2 on aggregate)

By Stewart McConnell

NERVOUS Buffs overcame Kilsyth in a tense tussle which twice saw the visitors twice come from behind.

Leading 1-0 from Wednesday's first leg at Duncansfield Park with a wonder goal from Carlo Monti, Buffs were favourites to progress.

But they were made to work for victory and this match was not for those of a nervous disposition.

Buffs got off to the perfect start by blasting into the lead with the first action as Findlay Frye shot home from 12 yards just a minute in.

Two minutes later the Buffs had a lucky escape when the unmarked Iain Diack sent a header from eight yards just over the bar.

Home player Carlo Monti won the ball in the box in 11 minutes but visiting goalie Andy Carlin dived to save at his feet. The hosts came agonisingly close in 17 minutes when Joe Coleman's strong effort from 25 yards crashed off the post.

However in 23 minutes, Kilsyth were back in the game when the unchallenged Scott Davidson tapped the ball home from six yards.

A Martyn Campbell header was cleared for a corner in 40 minutes. Then a minute later Adam Strain made a diving save at Diack's feet.

A Frye header hit the side netting in 43 minutes as the hosts kept up the pressure. Right on half-time A Ricky Hanvey rocket from 25 yards was smothered by Carlin.

Buffs stormed into a 2-1 lead in 48 minutes when a Sam McCloskey shot was deflected off the keeper and spun into the net.

A curling effort from 22 yards by Monti was well saved by the visiting goalie in 56 minutes. However on the hour Davidson netted from long range to set up a nervy finish.

Buffs were denied a stonewall penalty in 80 minutes when Ryan Wilson was upended inside the box by Michael McGhee.

A brilliant acrobatic kick from Darren Moffat was saved on the line by Carlin in 84 minutes and a minute later a Findlay Frye rocket from 12 yards crashed off the post.

Mark Tyrrell's free-kick four minutes into stoppage time was brilliantly saved by Adam Strain four minutes into stoppage time as Buffs held on to win the tie.