Portadown are back in Danske Bank Premiership action this evening (Tues 25 January) when they take on Crusaders at Shamrock Park, kick off 7:45pm.
Crusaders come into the game on the back of a 2-1 defeat to Glentoran at Seaview on Friday evening while Portadown were beaten 3-1 Dungannon Swifts at Stangmore Park on Saturday.
A lot has happened at Shamrock Park in the past three days with Matthew Tipton departing the club on Sunday after almost 4 years at the helm to be replaced by former midfielder Paul Doolin, however Trevor Williamson will take charge of Portadown tonight with the new interim manager watching on from the stands.
The last time the two clubs met was back in November 2021 with Crusaders running out 2-0 winners with goals from Paul Heatley and former Ports midfielder Philip Lowry. Paul Heatley’s goal in that game means he’s scored six in his last six games against Portadown at Seaview so the Ports rearguard will need to keep a close eye on him this evening to prevent him bringing his goal scoring form against the Ports at Seaview to Shamrock Park.
Crusaders have won 9 out of the last 11 meetings between the two clubs in all competitions and are undefeated at Shamrock Park in their last seven visits. For 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. For Portadown’s last victory over Crusaders at Shamrock Park you have to go back to April 2015 when a Tim Mouncey header sealed all 3 points for Ronnie McFall’s men, Crusaders would go on to win the title that 2014/15 season however Portadown would win 3 of the 4 league meetings between the sides and would go on to finish 4th 20 points behind the Crues.
Crusaders will be without new signing Jude Winchester this evening following his sending off last time out in the defeat to Glentoran while Elliott Dugan could make his Portadown debut following his signing on Saturday if his international clearance has come through. Oisin Conaty is suspended for Portadown.
The officials are – Referee – Ross Dunlop / Assistant 1 – Stephen Bell / Assistant 2 – Bogdan Sfirloaga / 4th official – Louise Thompson
This evenings game will not be live streamed by We Are Ports TV LIVE due to Cliftonville against Linfield being broadcast on the BBC iPlayer this evening at the same time
Match Sponsor – Portadown Carpet Centre – http://www.portadowncarpetcentre.com/
PSS Man of the Match Sponsor – Harry Gallery
Online tickets for the game are available via https://tickets.portadownfc.co.uk/fixtures/ / A cash turnstile will be available for HOME SUPPORTERS ONLY, any Crusaders supporters trying to or found to gain access to the home stand will face ejection from the stadium.
Form (LAST FIVE GAMES – LEAGUE GAMES ONLY – MOST RECENT GAME LAST)
- Portadown – W, L, L, D, L (11th in DBP)
- Crusaders – D, D, W, W, L (4th in DBP)
Last Five Head to Head (All competitions)
- Tuesday 30 November 2021 – Crusaders 2 (Heatley, Lowry) Portadown 0
- 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
Last Five Head to Head at Shamrock Park (All competitions)
- Tuesday 30 March 2021 – Portadown 1 (Salley) Crusaders 2 (Wilson, Owens)
- Tuesday 26 January 2021 – Portadown 2 (McCallum, Bonis) Crusaders 2 (Caddell, Heatley)
- Saturday 25 February 2017 – Portadown 1 (Soares) Crusaders 1 (Owens)
- Saturday 12 November 2016 – Portadown 0 Crusaders 1 (Whyte)
- Wednesday 12 October 2016 – Portadown 3 (Haire 2, Hughes) Crusaders 4 (Soares, Carson OG, Heatley, Carvill)