Each week Trevor will capture the mood and anticipation from the Portadown camp as the big day draws ever nearer.

THERE IS cup fever in the air around Portadown, and the buzz is already clearly audible.

Since that thrilling extra-time victory over old adversaries Glentoran, the fans have been gearing up for 28th February. Dropping five points at home in two league games this week has taken a bit of the shine of that cup success, but with a month to go to the final everyone will be ready when the time comes.

Despite the enforced demotion from the Premiership attendances at Shamrock Park have held up well and the fans have got behind the team especially since they went on their long unbeaten run. Earlier in the season a group of young fans got together to form 'The Red Terrace'.

The thinking behind this group of 'ultras' was to bring a bit more colour and noise to the local game. They raised funds and bought flags and banners, and together with their drummers and non-stop singing, they have vastly improved the atmosphere at Shamrock Park and at grounds around the country. Their display of flags and banners at the Co-operative Insurance Cup semi-final was very impressive, and they sang non-stop throughout the game.

The group are planning an even bigger display for the Cup Final and as their numbers have grown steadily throughout the season, so has the enthusiasm to make their voices heard.

Behind the scenes at the club preparations are underway to cater for the needs of the fans. I spoke with staff in the club shop and they will be bringing in a range of cup final items for the fans over the next few weeks. One thing is for sure the final venue will be a sea of colour when Ronnie McFall's 'Red and White Army' roll into town.

Talks over the venue are well underway and both clubs would ideally like to play at Mourneview Park. The compact nature of the ground would no doubt provide for a much better atmosphere. No matter where the game is played however, you can be sure you will know 'the Portadown Boys are in Town'.

The players are also excited about making it to the final and it is clear to see that this group of players that Ronnie McFall has put together are enjoying their football. Both on and off the park they are a happy bunch of lads and this point is clearly demonstrated whenever they score a goal. All the lads rush as one to the goal scorer, and they are bonding and blending into a team that has a real desire to win.

I talked with a number of fans at Shamrock Park at the game against Ballymoney United. Like the players and our management team, they are excited about the final, but be in no doubt promotion back to the premiership is their main desire. There are still a dozen or more league points to be played for before the final, and ever point will be vital.

Over the next month in the build up to the final I will be bringing you the stories from the fans and the goings on around Shamrock Park. Whenever Portadown make it to a cup final you can be sure that that game will be colourful and noisy affair. Together with the staff at Co-operative Insurance and the IFA we will be doing everything possible to promote what is sure to be a great family day out at the final. 'Come on you Reds'.

Trevor Clydesdale