EXHIBIT 99


PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Contact:
Ambanc Holding Co, Inc., Robert J. Brittain, President and Chief Executive
Officer 
(518) 842-7200
AFSALA Bancorp, Inc., John M. Lisicki, Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer 
(518) 842- 5700


             AMBANC HOLDING CO., INC. TO MERGE WITH AFSALA BANCORP, INC.

     Amsterdam, NY - (April 23, 1998) Ambanc Holding Co., Inc. and AFSALA
Bancorp, Inc., announced they have signed a definitive agreement to merge
AFSALA Bancorp, Inc. with Ambanc Holding Co., Inc. The transaction will be a
tax-free, stock for stock exchange of 1.07 shares of Ambanc common stock for
all outstanding shares of AFSALA, for a total value of approximately $30
million.  Pending regulatory and shareholder approval, the acquisition is
expected to be completed in the fourth quarter, 1998.  In connection with the
merger, AFSALA has approved an option to Ambanc to purchase 19.9% of its
common stock, excercisable under certain circumstances.

     AFSALA Bancorp, Inc., which is headquartered in Amsterdam, New York has
assets of $166 million, and deposits of $139 million.  John M. Lisicki,
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of AFSALA Bancorp will become
the President and Chief Executive Officer of the combined bank immediately
following the consummation of the merger, and President and Chief Executive
Officer of the holding company no later than January 1, 1999, following the
retirement of Robert J. Brittain, the current President of Ambanc Holding Co.
The combined bank will be renamed at a later date.

     As a result of the merger, Ambanc will have approximately $670 million in
assets, $470 million in deposits, and 18 offices. "A partnership between
Ambanc and AFSALA presents tremendous opportunities," says President and CEO
of Ambanc, Robert Brittain.  "This merger will allow us to provide even
greater access to our complete line of bank products and services and will
strengthen our position as the dominant bank in terms of total deposits.  In
addition, this merger will resolve our management succession issues, allowing
me to retire knowing that a capable and experienced executive, and an
Amsterdam native, will be guiding Ambanc into the 21st century."

     AFSALA Chairman, President and CEO, John M. Lisicki, stated, "We've built
a successful franchise and are pleased to partner with such a strong local
organization.  The coming together of these two companies - companies that
have enjoyed a long tradition of success and respect in the communities that
they serve - provides a win/win situation for customers and shareholders.  We
believe that the shareholders of the company become the owners of a premier
franchise in our market area and I am pleased and honored in accepting the
challenge of leading this combined entity. We will work hard at finding ways
to combine operating systems, integrate businesses, cut costs and coordinate
activities, without harming employee morale or disrupting customer
relationships.  I believe this to be an exciting opportunity for both
companies and I am looking forward to the process of increasing franchise
value."



     Ambanc's common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the
symbol "AHCI". AFSALA's common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market
under the symbol "AFED".

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