History
Portadown's first major trophy success came in the 1933–34 season when they won the Gold Cup under manager Tommy Sloan. Their first championship success came in the 1989–90 season when they were crowned Irish League champions for the first time in their history, having come close on numerous occasions in the past. The 'Ports' then went on to have a period of continued success winning the league title a further two times within five years, including a 'double', when the Irish Cup arrived at Shamrock Park along with the league championship in 1991. They beat their County Armagh rivals Glenavon 2–1 at Windsor Park in the Irish Cup Final, with Stevie Cowan scoring both goals to take the trophy to Shamrock Park for the first time.
On 30 April 2008, Portadown, who had enjoyed senior status since 1924, was relegated to the Championship as a result of its final application form for the new IFA Premiership (due to replace the Irish Premier League for 2008–09) having been received late and thus not considered. The club unsuccessfully appealed its exclusion. Due to the drop from Northern Ireland's top domestic football league, the IFA Premiership, Portadown were forced to take on intermediate status, due to the IFA Championship, which is Northern Ireland's second tier of football, being an intermediate league. In its first season in the Championship, however, the club won promotion straight back into senior football, beating their closest rivals Donegal Celtic 2–0 in the last (and decisive) match of the season. Also after beating Newry City 1–0 at Mournview Park on 28 February 2009, Portadown became the first intermediate club to win the Irish League Cup. Scotsman Gary McCutcheon scored the winning goal.
Portadown qualified to play UEFA Europa League football in the 2010–11 season on account of being runners up in the 2009–10 Irish Cup to Linfield. They defeated the Latvian side Skonto Riga 2–1 on aggregate to advance to the second qualifying round. It was their first win in European cup competition since 1974. The second qualifying round 1st leg match was played at Shamrock Park on 15th July 2010 with Richard Lecky scoring the opening goal against the Azerbaijani side FK Qarabağ, but two second half goals from the Azerbaijanis saw them take a 2–1 lead back home for the second leg on 22nd July 2010. The 2nd leg in Azerbaijan ended 1–1 which was not enough for Portadown who were knocked out 3–2 on aggregate.
Read more about this topic: Portadown F.C.
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