IF Renfrew do finish the season as Central First Division champions then co-gaffers Colin Clark and Martin Ferry may well look back on Saturday’s 4-2 victory over Thorniewood United as a defining moment.

And not just because the win fired their side to the top of the table.

The Lanarkshire side's 2-0 half-time lead was wiped out with 15 minutes left at New Western Park before fate intervened.

An opportunist reaction goal from striker Gary McGarroch edged them back in front.

He was left grounded after running into team-mate Jamie Benton going for a driven cross.

But he still had the presence of mind to hook the loose ball home.

And that strike was followed by full-back Fraser Barbour netting at the end of a sublime passing move to clinch a memorable triumph.

“We dug deep and showed a bit of character just when it was needed," said a relieved Clarky afterwards who felt events had been somewhat surreal considering the Frew had bagged two first-half goals against a dominant Thorniewood whose own two scores were similarly against the run of play.

“Our clinical finishing provided a great platform going into the second 45 minutes and we looked more than capable of adding to our lead, so it was disappointing to let Thorniewood get themselves back into the game.

“They were allowed far too much territory and possession but rarely got in behind us to cause real problems and both Martin and I felt the goals we did concede were of the soft and avoidable variety.

“That said , the guys did rally to win the game with a storming finale so it’s difficult to be over critical of their efforts.”

A watching contingent from league leaders Rossvale were in attendance as Thorniewood started brightly.

Marc McShane caught the eye in unleashing two long-range strikes to test Frew keeper Dale Burgess.

The visiting strikeforce of Chris Lennon and one-time Hibs ace Kevin Harper were posing problems with their movement and hold-up play.

But all their good work counted for nothing as a goalkeeping blunder saw Renfrew get their noses in front just after the half-hour mark.

Marc McDaid’s well-struck shot appeared to have been saved low down by No.1 Alex Connell.

But he let the ball slip from his grasp and the following up Chris Zok grabbed close-range opportunity he was never going to miss.

The busy frontman was to be again the man in the right place at the right time in 43 minutes when Benton skilfully worked himself clear on the left flank before firing over a driven cross that Zok again touched home from point-blank range.

Renfrew’s tails were up on the restart, however they were rocked in 52 minutes when a defence-splitting Davie Hamilton pass released Harper through on goal.

And he expertly drilled home a low shot to reduce a deficit that was to be totally wiped out nearing the hour mark when a lofted free-kick to the back post saw substitute Daniel McNulty head home with his first touch after taking over from Lennon to make the score 2-2.

His side’s comeback subsequently petering out in the face of Renfrew’s late two goal burst had Thorniewood boss Andy Frame shaking his head in bewildered fashion at the final whistle.

“I really don’t understand how we finished up with nothing to show for what we contributed out there because a draw was the very least we deserved,” he said.

Two-goal hitman Zok said: “It was pleasing to be on the scoresheet and for Renfrew as a team to show we can win games without the injured Alan Kinney who has been in unbelievable scoring form all season.

“That was more like my old self today, but hopefully there’s better to come in terms of my fitness and sharpness as I’m still on the recovery trail after almost a year and a half out of the game through injury.

“If the team continues to create openings then my aim is to be on the end of them.”

Renfrew now lead the standings by a point from Rossvale and the ever-improving Wishaw, who could afford the luxury of missing a spot-kick in running out comprehensive 3-0 winners at home to St Anthony's through goals from Dean Kindlan, K.B. Grant and goalkeeper Sandy Thomson (pen).

St Roch’s promotion aspirations suffered a blow in losing 3-0 away to Larkhall Thistle for whom Ryan Innes (2) and Brian Jack were on the mark while Maryhill showed signs of getting their mojo back as scores by Justin Begg, Andy Monaghan, Willie Wells and Kieron Furay clinched a 4-2 victory against Carluke Rovers.

Lanark United will lead the Second Division pile heading into the New Year despite sitting idle on Saturday.

However, their points lead was cut to three by Cambuslang Rangers overcoming Vale of Leven 1-0 through a Bob Davidson counter.

And newcomers Gartcairn kept alive their promotion dreams with a 3-1 defeat of Ashfield thanks to Scott Murphy (2) and latest signing Yammi Misanjo finding the target.