Annagh United Takes on Portadown in Irish Cup

Annagh United faces Portadown in the fifth round of the Irish Cup. Manager Ciaran McGurgan said this tie adds a bit of spice. The Championship side will make the short trip to Shamrock Park on Saturday.

What's at stake?

Annagh United knocked Portadown out of the Irish Cup at the fifth round stage last season with a 3-2 home win. McGurgan is hopeful they can repeat that feat. The mood is good and cup day is one we look forward to.

The local rivalry

While from the outside it may appear that Annagh and Portadown are fierce rivals, McGurgan said the two clubs actually have a great relationship. They share facilities at the BMG Arena. McGurgan doesn't view that as problematic, even in preparing to face Niall Currie's side.

The road ahead

Annagh sit top of the second division and have hopes of winning promotion this year. McGurgan acknowledges that they are still the underdogs as the Championship club. But he is pleased with where the club is going. We'll always be the little brother, let's be honest, McGurgan said.

Current form

Annagh United is in a good place, with a recent win over Crusaders FC. The team is looking to build on this success in the Irish Cup. With the local derby against Portadown coming up, the stakes are high. But McGurgan is confident in his team's abilities.