Buoy wonders

Paddy McLaughlin can point to a number of reasons why last week’s 4-0 victory over Portadown will count for nothing when Cliftonville travel to face the same opponents in this evening’s League Cup quarter-final tie.

As well as their natural desire for quickfire revenge, the Ports will also be buoyed by their battling weekend draw with Linfield and have repeatedly proven themselves a different proposition on home soil – all of which, says McLaughlin, will make them a dangerous foe tonight.

“With the form we’ve been in, we’ll back ourselves to go there and get the win but they’ll fancy their own chances too,” he explained.

“If you let them, Portadown are a team capable of hurting you with the style of football they play and they showed some spells of that in the game last week.

“That result will have hurt them but they’ll have been lifted by their performance and result against Linfield at the weekend. Any point against the Champions is a good one and their confidence will be up for this game.”

Supporters are reminded that this is an all-ticket fixture for Cliftonville fans, with sales available exclusively via this link.

Portadown v Cliftonville
Tickets
Adults: £12
Concessions: £8
Available: Online only