Tigers put Banbridge behind the eight ball

AFC Banbridge 1

Dungannon Tigers progressed to the last 16 of the prestigious Marshall Cup with a superb 8-1 win against a disappointing AFC Banbridge team.

Banbridge, who play in the higher grade of Intermediate football, were no match for a hungry Tigers team who, particularly in the second half, showed no mercy.

Conor McBride, starting his first game for the Tigers having returned from England, got the Tigers off to a great start when he rushed in to side foot home on seven minutes.

Ten minutes later McBride had doubled the Tigers lead and his tally, when he showed great improvisation to shoot and score as he lay on the ground. The second goal followed some intense pressure from the visitors where Tigers Goalkeeper Johnny Campbell pulled of a magnificent save .

The defence of Brennan, Jordan, Martin and McCrory were holding firm as the midfield four of Jarvis, Gareth Devlin, Simon Devlin and Bernhart were at this stage dominant. Somerville and McBride up front were causing all sorts of problems for the Banbridge defence.

The home side were soon into their stride at the beginning of the second half and it was another man making his first start for the Tigers who got his first goal and the Dungannon men’s third. Marcel Bernhart finished off a superb move that involved Brennan, McBride and Somerville.

Centre midfield player Graham “Scouse” Jarvis planted a fine header past the stranded AFC keeper to make it 4-0 after a pinpoint ball in from the influential Gareth Devlin who has made the right wing spot his own this season.

Jason Toner converted a penalty to make it 5-0 before some sloppy defending allowed Banbridge a consolation goal.

Brian Somerville scored his 14th and 15th of the season to bring the score to 7-1 and Jason Toner concluded the scoring with a tap in to make it eight.

A fine display from the Tigers but probobly not the facile game they would have wanted before this Saturday’s Dungannon derby game against Dungannon Rovers at the White City.

Man of the match was Dungannon Tigers player Conor McBride.

The Tigers would like to thank Gerald Cavlan, Tyrone Insullation, for his generosity in sponsoring Saturday’s game.

Training continues on Wednesday evening at castlecaulfield at 6.30pm.

Money is now due for the end of season trip to Ibiza and also for those who have yet to pay for the recent club quiz.