Gartland header sends AFC through

Dungannon Tigers 1

BANBRIDGE AFC grabbed their first win in the Marshall Cup as Richie Gartland's late header earned a deserved victory against a strong Dungannon Rovers side that finished third in Divison One last year.

The midfielder was on hand to convert Mark Myles' left-wing free kick with four minutes of the match remaining.

The visitors created the first clear opening when there forwards shot narrowly cleared the crossbar. AFC responded as Ryan MacDowell's cross just went across the face of goal with no one challenging to win the ball.

The visitors opened the deadlock after a mix-up at the back there was a tug on the shirt of the rovers forward and the ref blew for a penalty. They converted the spot kick opening the scoring on 22 minutes.

Again the Rovers winger came close to extending the lead with a header just before the break before McKay brought it back to 1-1 with another penalty after mark MacDowell was fouled in the box.

Buchanan made a great overlap with Ryan MacDowell and whipped in tremendous cross for stumpy MacDowell who with a powerful header brought a great save from the Rovers keeper.

Dungannon looked the most likely to make a breakthrough as their midfielder shot over the crossbar and their forwards' looping volley was saved by Smith who was immense between the sticks he was playing like a man possessed.

At the other end Sean McKay and Trainor threatened but failed to work in a shot.

When Gartland's header put AFC in front for a second time Dungannon Rovers were unable to come back.

Great work effort in the second half joint man of the match goes to Conrad Smith and Mark Myles.

Next week AFC are away to Camlough Rovers in the league.