 Vinny Arkins hit the winner for Portadown in the second half |
Portadown manager Ronnie McFall hailed his side's mental strength as they claimed a semi-final place in the Nationwide Irish Cup. Vinny Arkins struck he only goal away to Ards in the cup quarter-final.
A week earlier the Ports had been knocked off the top of the Premier League when they lost 2-0 at Ballymena.
"We were more like ourselves. We dominated the game but it took a special goal from Vinny Arkins to take us through," said McFall.
The Arkins winner came on 51 minutes, a skilful overhead kick which beat Ards keeper Andrew Fox.
The Ports will now meet cup holders Glentoran in a mouth-watering semi-final clash on 2 April.
"I had a sneaky feeling it would come out like that," added McFall.
"But in the cup you have to take what you get. We recognise Glentoran's quality but we aim to go through."
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
