PORTADOWN's prize for claiming the scalp of Cliftonville in the Co-Operative Insurance Cup is a quarter-final tie with reigning champions Linfield.
Ronnie McFall's Ports provided the giant-killing act of round three by inflicting a 4-3 defeat on the Solitude Reds on Wednesday night.
It was a fairytale cup story for the IFA Championship side, but provided another indication of the quality McFa
ll has retained despite the club's shock demotion to the second tier of local football.
The Ports' demise from the Premiership – the result of an administration gaffe – has left the Shamrock Park club struggling to ignite any momentum into their season as they strive for automatic promotion.
But with David Jeffrey's Blues on the horizon, there will be an added spring in their step as they look to provide another cup shock.
Speaking during yesterday's draw at IFA headquarters at Windsor Avenue, Portadown director Bobby Jameson admitted the quarter-final tie was massive for Portadown.
"The players proved against Cliftonville that they can compete against a Premiership club, and that's who you have to beat if you want to lift major trophies like this," Jameson said.
"Linfield are always difficult to beat, and they showed against Dungannon that they won't give up this cup without a fight."
Reflecting on Portadown's demotion to the Championship ranks, Jameson admitted the players were finding it tough to adjust.
"It has been difficult for them, because the club's fall from grace had nothing to do with them. But we hope that come Christmas our fitness will show and we will rise to the top as cream usually does."
Linfield midfielder Jamie Mulgrew is excited at the prospect of meeting Portadown over two legs.
"Portadown kept all their best players from last season so it will be a tough test. We just hope our own victory against Dungannon can give us a lift."
Meanwhile in the other quarter-final games Glentoran will take on emerging Coleraine for a place in the last four.
Glens striker Gary Hamilton said: "It's a tough draw as Coleraine are doing really well. But if you have to beat the best to lift trophies so that's what we have to do.
"It should be an interesting clash and we are all looking forward to it."
In the other ties Glenavon were paired with Lisburn Distillery and Newry City will face Loughgall.
Distillery boss Paul Kirk said: "I watched Glenavon play Crusaders and they impressed me.
"So we are under no illusions how tough a tie this will be for us, but we are keen to reach a cup final."
Newry City manager Gerry Flynn also insisted the Bordermen wouldn't be taking their tie with Championship outfit Loughgall lightly.
"Loughgall did fantastically well to beat Institute in the previous round so they are more than capable of beating us.
"But we will be looking forward to the two games and hope for qualification. A cup final would be nice for Newry City."
