Portadown are back in Danske Bank Premiership action this evening (Tues 30 November) when they take on Crusaders at Seaview, kick off 7:45pm.

Crusaders come into the game on the back of a 2-0 defeat to Ballymena United on Saturday while Portadown held Larne to a 2-2 draw at Shamrock Park.

The last time the two clubs met was back in August with Crusaders running out comfortable 4-0 winners with goals from Paul Heatley, Johnny McMurray, Billy Joe Burns and Ben Kennedy. Paul Heatley’s goal in that game means he’s scored five in his last five games against Portadown at Seaview so the Ports rearguard will need to keep a close eye on him this evening.

Crusaders have won 8 out of the last 10 meetings between the two clubs with the Ports last victory over the men from the Shore Road coming back on the opening day of the 2015/16 season when two Darren Murray goals sealed all 3 points for the Ports at Seaview.  Portadown will be hoping to keep things at the back tight this evening as they’ve conceded 18 goals in their last five games at Seaview while only scoring 3.

Portadown manager Matthew Tipton had the following to say

We go into tonight’s game with renewed focus after Saturday. Whilst we didn’t get the win the performance from start to finish is what we expect & it has to be followed up this evening at a place where we’ve had no joy over the past year & a bit since being promoted. However if our application is the same as Saturday then I feel we can get something out of the game.

Even at this late stage we are still assessing injuries & added to the list we have a few lads who have been ill over the weekend.

Whichever players go onto the pitch tonight know the task that is in front of them & the responsibilities that will be needed.

 

The officials are – Referee – Shane Andrews / Assistant 1 – Stephen Donaldson / Assistant 2 – Jamie Carnduff / 4th official – Tony Clarke

 

Supporters Club Buses travelling:

  • Eden Reds – Departing Gary’s Bar at 6:45pm

 

Portadown supporters will be seated in the South Stand and Fonacab Stand with online tickets available via www.crusadersfctickets.com while tickets will also be available at the front office of the McDonald Centre.

 

Form (LAST FIVE GAMES – LEAGUE GAMES ONLY – MOST RECENT GAME LAST)

  • Crusaders – W, W, L, W, L (6th in DBP)
  • Portadown –  L, D, D, L, D (11th in DBP)

 

Last Five Head to Head (All competitions)

  • Tuesday 31 August 2021 – Crusaders 4 (Heatley, McMurray, Burns, Kennedy) Portadown 0
  • Tuesday 30 March 2021 – Portadown 1 (Salley) Crusaders 2 (Wilson, Owens)
  • Tuesday 26 January 2021 – Portadown 2 (McCallum, Bonis) Crusaders 2 (Caddell, Heatley)
  • Saturday 12 December 2020 – Crusaders 5 (Owens, Heatley, Lowry x2, Lecky) Portadown 0
  • Saturday 25 February 2017 – Portadown 1 (Soares) Crusaders 1 (Owens)

 

Last Five Head to Head at Seaview (All competitions)

  • Tuesday 31 August 2021 – Crusaders 4 (Heatley, McMurray, Burns, Kennedy) Portadown 0
  • Saturday 12 December 2020 – Crusaders 5 (Owens, Heatley, Lecky, Lowry 2) Portadown 0
  • Saturday 27 August 2016 – Crusaders 2 (Beverland, Coates)  Portadown 1 (Beverland OG)
  • Saturday 8 August 2015 – Crusaders 1 (Heatley) Portadown 2 (Murray 2)
  • Friday 23 January 2015 – Crusaders 6 (Owens 3, Heatley 2, O’Carroll) Portadown 0