After James Taylor was sent off during Glenavon's victory over Coleraine in March 2022, striker Matthew Fitzpatrick donned the gloves - and enjoyed himself by making a few saves in the process!placeholder image
After James Taylor was sent off during Glenavon's victory over Coleraine in March 2022, striker Matthew Fitzpatrick donned the gloves - and enjoyed himself by making a few saves in the process!

GALLERY: Eight times an Irish League outfield player stepped in as emergency goalkeeper

Johnny Morton
By Johnny Morton

Sports Journalist

Published 26th Oct 2025, 16:34 GMT
Updated 26th Oct 2025, 16:41 GMT

Eamon Fyfe was in an unenviable position on Saturday afternoon as he was forced to don the goalkeeper gloves for the second half of Portadown’s Premiership clash against table-toppers Coleraine – but he’s not the first player who has been called upon in an emergency in the Irish League.

With Aaron McCarey shown a straight red card on the stroke of half-time and regular reserve goalkeeper Alex Moore ruled out through a shoulder injury, Niall Currie turned to striker Fyfe.

Fyfe held his own in an unnatural position, but the Bannsiders ultimately ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Matthew Shevlin and Joel Cooper.

Here are eight examples from over the years where an outfielder has had to go between the sticks for their team.

After Jonny Tuffey was sent off DURING an Irish Cup semi-final penalty shoot-out against Larne in May 2021, Billy-Joe Burns stepped between the sticks for the final two Inver Reds penalties. In a highly controversial finish, Larne reached the final with a 6-5 spot-kick triumph.

5. Billy-Joe Burns (Crusaders)

After Jonny Tuffey was sent off DURING an Irish Cup semi-final penalty shoot-out against Larne in May 2021, Billy-Joe Burns stepped between the sticks for the final two Inver Reds penalties. In a highly controversial finish, Larne reached the final with a 6-5 spot-kick triumph. Photo: INPHO/Stephen Hamilton

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During his time at Glenavon, Andrew Mitchell was known for his ability to score goals - but he was temporarily tasked with stopping them in a Mid-Ulster Cup clash against Banbridge Town in April 2013. The striker, who was also previously a wicketkeeper for Waringstown Cricket Club, stepped up when Davy O'Hare was sent off and saved two penalties in a shoot-out, but the Lurgan Blues still lost out.

6. Andrew Mitchell (Glenavon)

During his time at Glenavon, Andrew Mitchell was known for his ability to score goals - but he was temporarily tasked with stopping them in a Mid-Ulster Cup clash against Banbridge Town in April 2013. The striker, who was also previously a wicketkeeper for Waringstown Cricket Club, stepped up when Davy O'Hare was sent off and saved two penalties in a shoot-out, but the Lurgan Blues still lost out. Photo: INPHO/Matt Mackey

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Ryan Harvey scored two Steel & Sons Cup final-winning doubles during his career, but was also called upon as a goalkeeper for H&W Welders in a Championship fixture against Ballinamallard United in November 2010. He's pictured after failing to save a penalty!

7. Ryan Harvey (H&W Welders)

Ryan Harvey scored two Steel & Sons Cup final-winning doubles during his career, but was also called upon as a goalkeeper for H&W Welders in a Championship fixture against Ballinamallard United in November 2010. He's pictured after failing to save a penalty! Photo: Jonathan Porter/Presseye.com

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Eamon Fyfe wasn't the first Portadown outfield player forced into being an emergency goalkeeper as four-time Irish League champion Philip Major revealed on BBC Sportsound he was in the same position for a match against Cliftonville. He reflected: "Back in the day we never really had a reserve or sub goalkeeper on the bench. I did 80 minutes at home to Cliftonville when Tim Dalton was sent off. I only conceded two and we drew the game 2-2!"

8. Philip Major (Portadown)

Eamon Fyfe wasn't the first Portadown outfield player forced into being an emergency goalkeeper as four-time Irish League champion Philip Major revealed on BBC Sportsound he was in the same position for a match against Cliftonville. He reflected: "Back in the day we never really had a reserve or sub goalkeeper on the bench. I did 80 minutes at home to Cliftonville when Tim Dalton was sent off. I only conceded two and we drew the game 2-2!" Photo: Pacemaker Press

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