WHEN the final whistle sounded after 93 minutes it was greeted with great jubilance and relief by Town's loyal but long suffering supporters - three points at last and the monkey was off their back - yes a league win after three long months!

Hopefully this is a sign of better things to come although manager Ronnie Haughey (despite his satisfaction with Saturday's result) will know that a long hard season is still ahead of Town with survival in Championship 1 being the name of the game!

After Loughgall's comprehensive thrashing of Killymoon Rangers in the Bob Radcliffe Cup on the previous Saturday Town were apprehensive about the visit of ex-manager Colin Malone's talented outfit.

Indeed to seven of the Loughgall squad it would seem like a home game as they had played for Banbridge at Crystal Park for several seasons.

However with talisman Chris Kingsberry passed fit just prior to kick-off Town approached the game with their usual fight and determination.

The latter picked out Gallagher after only 2 minutes but his effort could not beat the experienced Robinson in Loughgall's goals.

A strong wind favoured the visitors who enjoyed the bulk of possession but found Town's much maligned defence in uncompromising form.

Verner pounced on a rare mistake from Wilson but his shot was blocked and scrambled clear while at the other end a fine Jones-Kingsberry move was ruled offside.

In the 16th minute a snap shot from Kingsberry almost deceived Robinson at his near post but the 'keeper recovered to save at the expense of a corner which Gallagher took and watched as his central defender Nelson squeezed a shot just wide.

Hawthorne almost broke the deadlock for Loughgall after 23 minutes with a typical surging run and drive which was inches wide and a Malone free kick was pushed past the post by McAllister four minutes later much to the relief of the Town fans who know only too well how lethal Malone can be from set pieces!

Playing good football Loughgall continued to push for the breakthrough and McAllister was again forced to come to Town's rescue with a good stop from a Doyle effort after the latter had left a couple of home defenders in his wake.

Verner curled a 25 yard free kick off the outside of the crossbar after 36 minutes but the hard working home rearguard aided by an equally hardworking midfield thwarted the visitors as the half-time whistle sounded.

Simon Robb was outstanding at left back for Town and special mention must be given also to Keith Fannin who slotted into the unfamiliar role as a twin centre half with great ease.

Barry Nelson never put a foot wrong and James Wilson at right back defies his lack of height and weight courageously. However they suffered a setback in the 55th minute when Verner put the Villagers ahead when he was first to a loose ball in Town's box to cooly loop a header over the advancing McAllister. Had Banbridge shot their bolt?

It could have been much worse but for a great save from McAllister at Verner's feet after 60 minutes after Malone had sent him through with a defence splitting pass. However things turned for the better one minute later when Downey was on hand to guide his shot out of Robinson's reach after a fine Gallagher centre and it was 1 -1.

Chris Kingsberry was instrumental in the move which led to the equaliser. Back came a stunned Loughgall and a fine cross from Hall caused problems for Town before Fannin eventually cleared.

Pedlow fired over Town's crossbar soon after. Town were not willing to lie down and be steamrolled and Downey tested Robinson in the 71st minute before Chris McGrath put Town 2 -1 ahead one minute later with a stunning 35 yard screamer which flew past Robinson and nestled in the back of the net.

Loughgall were stung and fought back and their big sub. Paul Keenan (who also played for Banbridge several seasons ago) struck the underside of the home side's crossbar following a left wing corner - the ever alert Robb clearing.

Ferguson saw his shot go close soon after but with ten minutes remaining Jones sensationally made it 3 -1 to Town with a neat far post header from an exquisite Kingsberry centre.

However Colin Malone's sides dont go down easily and the game was back in the melting pot after 88 minutes when Verner slid in to convert a Keenan cross and make it 3-2.

Loughgall threw the proverbial kitchen sink at Banbridge in search of the equaliser and Keenan saw a last gasp header go just over and Town held on for their first League victory of the season.

Banbridge Town: McAllister, Wilson, Robb, Fannin, Nelson, McGrath, Jones, McCartan, Downey, Kingsberry, Gallagher subs McBurney (not used), McGarry (not used), Martin (not used), Haughey (not used), Ferguson (not used)

Loughgall: Robinson, Hall, Brady, King, Hull, Doyle, Hawthorne, Ferguson, Pedlow, Verner, Malone subs Stewart (not used), Keenan (replaced Doyle 60), Teggart (replaced Pedlow 85), Emerson (not used), Blevins (not used)