McDowell winner seals a five goal game for YCOB

On behalf of Sponsor Harry's Bar, Kevin McGivern presented the Player of The Month Awards to Banbridge Youth Club Old Boys' Sean McAlinden and Stevey McArdle, included is Manager Kieran McCourt ©Edward Byrne Photography INBL1536-244EB

Banbridge YCOB made it two from two in Division Four on Saturday as edged out West End Hibs 3-2.

It was a ding-dong battle at the Tech, Stephen McArdle opening the scoring before a late double from Gartland and McDowell sealed the win after the visitors had gone 2-1 ahead.

The locals started Saturday’s game without four important players but it didn’t show when the prolific Stephen McArdle got his fourth goal of the season within 30 seconds thanks to a mazy run and a precise finish from the kick-off

After that, a better organised Hibs side took all YCOB’s pressure and capitalised on some dodgy defending from the home side to equalise in the 25th minute.

Stevey McArdle was on target on Saturday. INBL1536-249EB

The second half started again with all the pressure coming from the host side’s energetic wingers McArdle and Walsh but Hibs held out and even found themselves 2-1 on the hour mark.

YCOB manager Kieran McCourt’s three trusted amigos McAnulty, Finnegan and Lawson saw time for a change and replaced the hard-working Cunningham and the injured player/manager McCourt with Rooney and McDowell.

After Gartland’s second goal of the season brought the sides level, it was up to Stumpy McDowell to step up and blast home what turned out to be the winner for the hosts.

YCOB could have extended their lead but the usually reliable McArdle failed to capitalise on a great through ball from Rooney.

Not only did YCOB show the damage they can do in this division going forward, but captain Danny McAlinden had a solid game at centre back and did enough to be named the club’s man of the match.

BANBRIDGE YCOB (ratings): T O’Hagan 6, A Nelson 7, S McAlinden 7, McCourt 7, D McAlinden 9, S Fitzpatrick 8, S McArdle 8, R Gartland 7, S Cunningham 7, S McKay 7, P Walsh 8. Subs; M Rooney 7, S McDowell 8.