Portadown are back in Danske Bank Premiership action tomorrow (Sat 5 December) when we take on Ballymena United at Shamrock Park, kick off 3pm.
Ballymena United are coming off the back of a 2-0 victory over Carrick Rangers, their third consecutive Danske Bank Premiership win following victories over Cliftonville and Warrenpoint Town while the Ports are coming off the back of a 5-0 defeat away to Cliftonville, a fourth defeat in five games.
The last time the two clubs met was back in February 2019 in the Irish Cup when Ballymena United ran out 4-1 winners after Ports striker Salley had gave the Ports an early lead. In fact Ballymena have won the last six meetings in all competitions between the two clubs with the Ports last victory over the Braidmen coming back in October 2015 when goals from Ken Oman, Sean Mackle and Peter McMahon sealed a 3-2 win with current Portadown manager Matthew Tipton among the Ballymena goal scorers.
Ballymena United ended last seasons curtailed campaign in tenth place, just 9 points above the play off 11th position, however they did reach the Irish Cup Final losing out in extra time to Glentoran. Manager David Jeffrey has added Paul McElroy, Ross Redman, Shay McCartan, Ryan Waide and Owen McKeown while Trai Hume and Ciaran Kelly have joined on loan from Linfield and Bohemians respectively as Jeffrey looks to improve on that disappointing position last season.
Portadown manager Matthew Tipton spoke to the Portadown media team ahead of tomorrows game and had the following to say:
We look forward to getting back to playing at home tomorrow v Ballymena.
After a tough game last week which would have been difficult regardless of the fact we went into after very little preparation time, we have been able to get a good weeks preparation in this week which should stand us in good stead for tomorrow & also Tuesday night v Dungannon.
Whilst very disappointed with the defeat last week what it did do was enable us to reset & focus on what we do well & reinforce those this things this week to give ourselves the best opportunity to perform well & in turn pick up points.
We now have to get back to our best after our previous two performances which without making excuses were certainly impacted due to the Covid issues surrounding the squad.
Unfortunately we will still be without fans but hopefully this will be the last home game behind closed doors so I urge you all to be backing us from your own homes & hopefully we will see you all very soon.
Tomorrows game will be live streamed by We Are Ports TV LIVE via https://www.247.tv/niprem
PSS Man of the Match Sponsor – Dennis Davison Christmas Trees
The officials are – Referee – Lee Tavinder / Assistant 1 – Gareth Eakin / Assistant 2 – George Argyropoulos / 4th official – Keith Kennedy
Form (LAST FIVE ALL COMPETITIONS – MOST RECENT GAME LAST)
Portadown (12th in DBP) – L, D, L, L, L
Ballymena United (5th in DBP) – L, L, W, W, W
Last Five Head to Head (All competitions)
Monday 11 February 2019 – Ballymena United 4 (Friel, Lecky x2, Ervine) Portadown 1 (Salley)
Tuesday 10 October 2017 – Ballymena United 2 (Owens, Braniff) Portadown 0
Saturday 11 March 2017 – Ballymena United 3 (Kerr, Flynn, Kane) Portadown 0
Saturday 3 December 2016 – Ballymena United 2 (McCaffrey x2) Portadown 0
Saturday 17 September 2016 – Portadown 0 Ballymena United 2 (Owens, McMurray)
Last Five Head to Head at Shamrock Park (All competitions)
Saturday 17 September 2016 – Portadown 0 Ballymena United 2 (Owens, McMurray)
Friday 1 January 2016 – Portadown 3 (Soares, Breen, Mackle) Ballymena United 4 (Jenkins x2, McBride, Cushley)
Saturday 10 October 2015 – Portadown 3 (Oman, Mackle, McMahon) Ballymena United 2 (Gawley, Tipton)
Saturday 17 January 2015 – Portadown 5 (Twigg x3, McMahon, Murray) Ballymena United 5 (Tipton x2, Henderson, Taylor, Jenkins)
Saturday 18 October 2014 – Portadown 2 (McMahon, Twigg) Ballymena United 1 (McVey)