On Friday 21st April, Portadown u18s make the short journey across the roundabouts to face old derby rivals Glenavon u18s in the final of the Mid Ulster Youth Cup. After the Lurgan-men wont the coin toss for the right to host the showpiece final, all eyes have been on preparations for the big day. Ports u18s, managed by David Marsden, have been in good league form currently sitting in 4th position in the NIFL U18 Academy league, behind leaders Linfield by 10 points with 2 games in hand.
The cup run has been a welcome distraction for the young Ports, after getting a bye in the first round it was straight into the Quarter Final where they had a rematch of the previous years final, beating Newry City u18s 6-0, a rare double hattrick from Gonçalo Monterio & Zach Woolsey seen both young players compete for the match ball.
Next up was the short trip to Loughgall where the two sides battled out in a ding dong contest, with the two teams finishing the game 2-2 AET (Ports goals from Johnny McCullough), it was the Ports who held their nerve through the penalty shootout to give them a chance to compete for the trophy in the final.
Ports are the current holders of the trophy, winning last years competition after a 7-1 final victory over Newry City u18s, highlights of that match are below from WeArePorts TV:
Kick off at Mourneview Park is at 7.45pm, all fans are encouraged on making the journey over and cheering on the young Ports.