McBookie Super League First Division

GIRVAN 1

RENFREW 0

By Stewart McConnell

CONSISTENT Girvan moved within striking distance of promotion after seeing off stubborn Renfrew at Hamilton Park.

They are now within four points from promotion following a battling display.

However had it not been for visiting goalie Dale Burgess, who pulled off a strong of stunning saves, they would have won even more handsomely.

In three minutes David Jardine saw his shot from eight yards well saved by Burgess, who then raced out to save at the same player's feet.

Renfrew carved out their first opening in 25 minutes when a Sean Fitzharris effort from 25 yards was smothered by home goalie Scott Johnston.

The visitors came close in nine minutes when an Anton Heffron header was deflected wide.

At the other end in 12 minutes a well-flighted free-kick from Tony Murphy was headed inches over the bar from six yards by Sean Robertson.

Girvan went very close in 18 minutes when a Murphy corner broke to Jamie Ballantyne who shot just behind the goal from 10 yards in 21 minutes.

The hosts came agonisingly close in 24 minutes when the ball broke to Murphy 25 yards out but his strong effort crashed off the post.

However they made the breakthrough three minutes later when Murphy thundered an effort home from six yards after a Patterson effort had been blocked.

Then two minutes later a fierce Jardine effort from 16 yards was turned round the post by the visiting goalie.

Renfrew came close in 44 minutes when Paddy O'Keefe sent a volley from 12 yards narrowly wide from six yards.

Jardine was through on goal in 48 minutes but had his shot blocked by Burgess.

In 50 minutes another great save by Burgess denied Patterson.

A Jack McDowall rocket from 10 yards was tipped round the post by Burgess in 55 minutes.

At the other end a Sean Fitzharris free-kick from 25 yards was cleared by the Girvan defence in 62 minutes. 'Frew went close in 64 minutes when a Scott Morton header from six yards glanced just over the bar.

Burgess made a wonder save to foil James McDowall from point-blank range in 71 minutes.