Portadown are back in Dankse Bank Premiership this evening (Friday 26 August) when they take on Glentoran at Shamrock Park, kick off 7:45pm

Portadown come into the game off the back of a 2-1 defeat to 10 man Crusaders on Tuesday evening which leaves them with three defeats in their opening three Premiership games of the season, while Glentoran were 1-0 winners over Dungannon Swifts on Tuesday thanks to a 86th minute Jay Donnelly penalty.

The last time the two teams met was back in February at Shamrock Park with an injury time Oisin Conaty goal cancelling out a 86th minute Conor McMenamin strike to secure a point for Paul Doolin’s men, the game also saw Glentoran play an hour with 10 men following the sending of Patrick McClean.

Portadown have only 2 wins in their last 22 games against Glentoran, both coming at Shamrock Park – you have to go back to December 2015 for the Ports last home win over the Glens, a goal laden 5-3 win with goals from Gary Twigg x2, Darren Murray x2 and Robert Garrett while Glentoran replied through Marcus Kane and Curtis Allen x2.

Glentoran winger Conor McMenamin made his international debut for Northern Ireland in June against Cyprus in the Nations League, the talented former Linfield, Cliftonville & Warrenpoint Town forward has 4 goals in his last 5 games against Portadown as does Jay Donnelly.

Glentoran have added to their squad over the summer in their quest to bring the Gibson Cup back to the Oval for the first time since 2009 – arriving were Ally Roy from Queen of the South, Aidan Wilson from Crusaders, James Singleton from Glenavon, Harry Murphy from Portadown, Michael Argyrides from Larne and Daniel Purkis from East Belfast.

Portadown captain Paddy McNally had the following to say on this evenings game

There’s no getting away from the fact it’s been a tough start to the league campaign for us but you have to relish these games and whilst we’re still getting to know each other on and off the pitch we are showing signs of progress in stages, with time and understanding that will come I’ve no doubt about it.

Another tough game against a top team in Glentoran but again we will face the challenge head on and give our all.

 

The officials are – Referee – Jamie Robinson / Assistant 1 – Paul Robinson / Assistant 2 – John Doherty / 4th official – Steven Gregg

 

MATCH SPONSOR – G E Hygiene

 

PSS MAN OF THE MATCH SPONSOR – Portadown FC Youth 2008s National League team

 

CHARITY BUCKET COLLECTION – Portadown YMCA

COMMUNITY GUESTS – Killicomaine Men’s Club who are linked to Seagoe Parish

 

Online tickets for the game are available via https://tickets.portadownfc.co.uk/fixtures

 

For those unable to make it to Shamrock Park this evening the game will be live streamed on BBC iPlayer & BBC Sport NI website

 

Matchday Live returns this evening with Jonny Dunlop and Dave Wiggins on air from appox 6:30pm on the official Portadown YouTube & Facebook pages were they will be previewing the Glentoran game as well as chatting to players and management to get their thoughts and opinions on the Premiership clash with Glentoran.

 

Last Five Head to Head

  • 8 February 2022 – Portadown 1 (Conaty) Glentoran 1 (McMenamin)
  • 4 December 2021 – Glentoran 3 (J Donnelly x2, McMenamin) Portadown 1 (Ruddy)
  • 23 October 2021 – Glentoran 2 (J Donnelly, McMenamin) Portadown 2 (Ruddy, Bonis)
  • 3 April 2021 – Glentoran 4 (R Donnelly x2, McDaid, A Mitchell) Portadown 0
  • 16 February 2021 – Portadown 1 (Bonis) Glentoran 3 (McMenamin, Plum (pen), J Donnelly)

 

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

  • 8 February 2022 – Portadown 1 (Conaty) Glentoran 1 (McMenamin)
  • 16 February 2021 – Portadown 1 (Bonis) Glentoran 3 (McMenamin, Plum (pen), J Donnelly)
  • 3 January 2017 – Portadown 0 Glentoran 5 (Allen x2, Novo, Lavery, Smith)
  • 20 August 2016 – Portadown 0 Glentoran 1 (Nelson)
  • 14 December 2015 – Portadown 5 (Twigg x2, Murray x2, Garrett) Glentoran 3 (Kane, Allen x2)