Ryan one step away from final

Editorial Department • Published 11 Mar 2010 11:39 0 Comments

Portadown took a step closer to the JJB Sports Irish Cup final on Tuesday night as they over came holders Crusaders to book a semi-final meeting with Ballymena United.

Midfielder Ryan McCluskey admits that the Ports did not play well on the night but he is delighted to have secured a last four berth.

"We're delighted to get through even though we were poor on the night. They were certainly the better side but we defended well and although they had a lot of the ball they did not really hurt us apart from one shot that hit the post. They say it is a good sign to be winning when your not playing well and if we were to play the same against Ballymena and get the same result then you would take that," he said.

McCluskey has already played in one Irish Cup final, as part of the Dungannon Swifts side that lost to Linfield, and he would love to get through again to the decider.

"Ballymena will be tough opposition but we're looking forward to it and it would be great to get through to the final. I don't have great memories of the last Irish Cup final so it would be good to reach another but first of all we have to focus on getting past Ballymena," added Ryan.

Having been out with a knee injury, McCluskey has forced his way back into the side for the last two games, and he states that with a strong squad he will have to perform well to hold on to the jersey.

"After we lost to Linfield the manager made a few changes and I was happy to get back in the team. There is good competition for places at the minute and there are more boys to come back so that will increase. If you don't perform then there is somebody else there who will come in so if you want to keep your place then you are going to have to play well."

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This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 11 Mar 10

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