It’s early days but Kilwinning Rangers are proving irresistible in their quest to be crowned the first ever WoSFL champions given the manner of their 6-0 demolition of Bonnyton Thistle in midweek.

In so doing, the Buffs recorded a fourth win from their four Premier Division games played but also, thanks to goals scored by Thomas Collins, Chris McGowan, David Syme, David Anderson, and Ally McColm, notched their 18th strike of the season so far as well as a third clean sheet.

That is a decent set of stats by anyone’s standards and there’s no denying his side’s impressive for and against columns have heartened team boss Chris Strain for the challenges lying in wait. Those challenges involving matches against the WoSFL’s so-called big hitters of Auchinleck Talbot, Clydebank, Darvel and Pollok.

Ahead of today’s visit to the Buffs Park by Glenafton, the ever forthright Strainy admitted: "Not all that many changes have been made personnel wise but I feel as if we’re a different proposition now to the Kilwinning Rangers team of last season. For starters, our goals have come from no fewer than  twelve different players which takes away the burden of finding the net from Carlo Monti of whom it was often said if he doesn’t score then neither do the Buffs.

“Beforehand, he carried our attacking threat almost single-handedly but now we have Thomas Collins on four goals and Jordan Stuart as well as a number of the other guys doing their bit which is pleasing to see.

“In particular Thomas, previously on Beith’s books before stepping into the Senior ranks, arrived here from East Fife at the start of this season, and is someone who gives the impression that he really comes alive in the opposition penalty box because of the positions he takes up.

“It’s sheer instinct with him and I’ve no doubt he will score a lot of goals for us.”

His backline‘s mean streak has similarly been a great source of pride for the seasoned gaffer as he appreciates the ability to keep things tight is a pre-requisite of title-challenging teams.

He said: "In all honesty we haven’t been asked a lot of questions defensively  up to now and the only goal conceded was an absolute worldly however there will be games when we will be put through the mill.

“That’s when good habits, organization and the desire not to let your teammates down can be worth their weight in gold and I believe it’s no bad thing if the guys take it personal and be hurting if the opposition score.

“We’ve looked rock solid with Kieron Wood and Gowser (Chris McGowan) dovetailing perfectly with central defensive pair David Syme and Ross Smith but now Tony Coutts has given me a headache after replacing Ross against Bonnyton and serving up an excellent performance

”Freshening things up is important but so too is the need to keep our momentum going which is anything but a given against a Glenafton side able to field quality front men such as Sean McIlroy and Leon Murphy."

The morale boost of a fifth consecutive win will be warmly welcomed by Strainy ahead of what is shaping up to be a top of the table clash at home to Darvel - who also boast a 100% record - next Wednesday night.

He insisted: “It’s a massive game but they all are in this Premier Division therefore talk of Wednesday having a bearing on the title race is absolute nonsense at this stage of the season. Darvel could be in the running and would like to think we will be there or  thereabouts however for my money, Auchinleck Talbot are the team we all have to beat.”

Today’s other top flight contests has Darvel, strongly fancied to take the spoils at home to Rossvale, set to unveil latest signing David Galt, captain of Queens Park last season, and steeped in the Juniors following stints with St Rochs, Petershill, Blantyre Vics and Cambuslang Rangers.

Benburb, who have transfer-listed experienced stopper Josh Meechan, will be hoping to bounce back from their midweek defeat  by Blantyre Vics when Bonnyton come through to New Tinto Park.

And the Southside of the city also hosts another potential Glasgow vs Ayrshire cracker with fifth placed Pollok taking on Beith, managed by former Lok midfielder Bryan Young and making a first return to Newlandsfield since hanging up his boots almost three years ago.

Word on the team front has Pollok resigned to going without Ryan McGregor and goal scoring midfield partner Shaun Fraser, hit with an automatic two match ban, after his red carding in Wednesday’s 2-1 victory over Rutherglen Glencairn.

Gary McCann or Chris Duff are thought to be in line to fill Fraser’s boots while Bryan Wharton and Grant Evans are vying for defensive jerseys against the Ayrshiremen whose own attack is set to again be spearheaded by youthful discovery Josh Fowler, thus relegating Kenny McLean, so often the scourge of Pollok teams, to the substitutes bench.

And something has to give at Guys Meadow where pointless pair Rob Roy and Kilbirnie Ladeside are in opposition.