After a strange 2021/21 season derailed and interrupted by the global pandemic we are returning to some form of normality ahead of the 2021/22 Danske Bank Premiership opener. We have fans in the ground, although in a restricted capacity, and what a fixture to kick it all off with local derby rivals Glenavon coming to Shamrock Park on Friday 27th August for a 7.45pm KO.

The Mid Ulster rival met 4 times in last seasons Danske Bank Premiership campaign and split the contests up with both sides coming out of top twice, although last seasons reverse fixture seen the Ports travel to Mournview Park on the opening say of the 2020/21 season and come away 4-2 winners through goals from Murray x2, Bonis and Burns.

The Ports will be looking to get their season off the a great start just like they did last season but will be facing a Glenavon side boosted over the summer with some big name Irish League signing. Namely ex Linfield men Andy Waterworth, Mark Stafford and Mark Haughey returning to Glenavon after leaving them for Windsor Park in 2013.

Although the Ports have strengthened as well bringing in goalkeepers, Harry Doherty and Jethren Bar, defenders Oran Jackson and Michael Ruddy, midfielder Sammie McLeod and forward Harry Anderson and they will be looking to build on a 9th place finish in their first year back to the top flight.

Ports manager Matthew Tipton spoke to portadownfc.co.uk ahead of the derby opener:

Going into the new season I think this is the most competitive league that I’ve seen in my 10/11 years here. I know there’s lots of talk about the full time teams but I look around the rest of the league & can only see everyone improving. The challenge for us is to be the best we can & not worry about anyone else. We have been in 3 nights a week for the majority of my time at the club & last year we also added in extra day sessions on Fridays which we will continue with this year. With our link to Burnley now as well we have utilised their strength & conditioning coaches to draw up programs for our lads to do & already we can see them looking stronger & fitter than last season.
We’ve integrated the new players in over the pre-season & I feel they’ve all settled in really well. Our business has probably gone under the radar but we had specific targets & plans on what type of player we wanted to bring in & we have got those players in. Like all managers I would like one or two more but currently the type of player we want isn’t available to us.
Obviously we kick off again with a Mid Ulster derby which is our 4th in a row on opening day if you count our two v Loughgall. Derby days & opening day games are probably the first two fixtures that everyone looks for so for us to have that this Friday only adds to the excitement for everybody. With 1400 fans expected in on Friday night I think the atmosphere will be brilliant & it’s something I’ve been looking forward to for over 3 years. In many ways last year was an anti climax coming up with no fans in the stadium so I’m hoping this year we will gain the benefit of full backing from our fans.

Tickets are currently still available (although expected to sell out fast) and can be purchased by clicking here.

The match game will be live streamed by We Are Ports TV LIVE via Performa Sports TV

Match Sponsor – BPS Moira

Ball Sponsor – Paul Brown

PSS Man of the Match Sponsor – Eden Reds

The officials are – Referee – Ian McNabb / Assistant 1 – Gareth Eakin  / Assistant 2 – Paul Robinson / 4th official – Neil Robinson

 

Last Five Head to Head (All competitions)

  • Tuesday 4 May 2021 – Glenavon 4 (Fitzpatrick x2, Doyle, McCallum OG) Portadown 1 (Bonis)
  • Tuesday 9 March 2021 – Portadown 1 (Lavery) Glenavon 2 (Hall, McCaffery)
  • Saturday 6 March 2021 – Portadown 4 (Warde (p), Bonis, Guy, Lavery) Glenavon 1 (Ward)
  • Saturday 17 October 2020 – Glenavon 2 (Singleton, Campbell) Portadown 4 (Murray x2, Bonis, Burns)
  • Saturday 21 Janaury 2017 – Portadown 1 (Henderson (p)) Glenavon 2 (Gray, Moorhouse)

 

Last Five Head to Head at Shamrock Park (All competitions)

  • Tuesday 9 March 2021 – Portadown 1 (Laver) Glenavon 2 (Hall, McCaffery)
  • Saturday 6 March 2021 – Portadown 4 (Warde (p), Bonis, Guy, Lavery) Glenavon 1 (Ward)
  • Saturday 21 Janaury 2017 – Portadown 1 (Henderson) Glenavon 2 (Gray, Moorhouse)
  • Monday 26 December 2016 – Portadown 2 (Carson, Haire) Glenavon 2 (Martyn, Sykes) *3pts awarded to Portadown due to ineligible player fielded by Glenavon
  • Friday 4 September 2015 – Portadown 2 (Murray (p), Twigg) Glenavon 2 (Bradley, Singleton)