Loughgall v Portadown: Irish Premier League derby

Portadown are set to face Loughgall in an Irish Premier League derby match on Thursday, 21 April, with a depleted squad. The team is missing several key players, including Vinny Arkins, who is being rested for the upcoming Setanta Cup game against Shelbourne.

What's at stake?

The match may seem like a meaningless end-of-season game, but Loughgall manager Jim Gardiner disagrees. He believes it's an attractive derby game that will give his players a chance to test their skills against one of the strongest teams in the Irish League.

Player availability

Portadown will be without several regulars, including Cullen Feeney and Marc McCann, who are also being rested for the Setanta Cup game. John Convery, Kyle Neill, and Keith O'Hara are suspended, while Darren Kelly remains out with an ankle injury.

Impact on the team

The injuries and suspensions will give Loughgall fringe players Brian Pentland and Johnny Black a chance to play in the first team. Portadown boss Ronnie McFall sees this as an opportunity to judge his young players and give them experience in Premier League football.

Current form

As of 26 Jun 2026, Portadown are 9th in the Premiership with 36 points from 33 games, having won 11, drawn 3, and lost 19. Their recent form has been WWLDD, with a 4-game winning run. They are 37 points behind leaders Larne and have a goal difference of -21, having scored 36 goals and conceded 57.