venue: Shamrock Park, Portadown date: Friday, March 1st kick off: 19:45 GMT |
coverage: Watch on the BBC Sport website and BBC iPlayer. Live text, in-play clips, reports and highlights from the BBC Sport website |
Portadown manager Niall Currie said there was “no pressure” on his side heading into Friday's Irish Cup quarter-final against Cliftonville.
Ports won the Mid-Ulster Cup this season and are unbeaten in cup competitions, playing Linfield in the Bet MacLean Cup final next month.
While the Reds are looking to bounce back from two consecutive defeats, they are aiming for promotion to the top flight.
“It's just a free shot for us,” Curry said.
“It's our place and we're always thinking about things in our place and we have an opportunity.
“But we are realistic about the situation. We need to make sure we are at our best. Being at our best can cause serious problems for the team. ”
Curry, who will be without Douglas Wilson and Jack Henderson due to suspension, said: “As always, our main focus is to make sure we're up to our level. If we're up to our level. If that's the case, we'll give Cliftonville a game.”
“But they were going to come and beat us on Friday night, so there's no pressure on us. We're going to play freely and as long as we're at our level, we'll be fine.”
Portadown, who will face Linfield in the League Cup decider at Windsor Park on March 10, defeated Carrick Rangers on penalties and saw off Bangor for Friday's Irish Cup clash with Cliftonville. .
The Reds have not won the Irish Cup since 1979, but a win is needed to reverse their recent dip in form, which saw back-to-back league defeats to Linfield and Dungannon Swifts deal a big blow to their title chances. is necessary.
Following his side's defeat at Stanngmore Park on Saturday, Cliftonville manager Jim McGilton praised Portadown's “outstanding” performance in the cup competition.
Coach Magilton said, “They have never lost in a cup match,'' and said the team showed strength. “A clear lack of belief.” Against Swift.
“They were really good. They were going to be in the League Cup final and won the Mid-Ulster Cup as well, so they were in really good form in the cup.”
“We're going to have a really tough game.”