Midleton will make the trip to Chambers Park to face a Portadown side with relegation concerns entering the closing weeks of the Division Three campaign. Co Carlow remain rooted to the bottom of the standings in the aftermath of a defeat last weekend by Queen's.

Portadown - who lost to Ards by 23-0 on Saturday in the Ulster Senior Cup - will wrap up the league season with a trip to take on Navan at the end of the month before playing host to Co Carlow on the final weekend.

""The players know the importance of a good result this weekend," said Reid. "Everyone at the club is pulling together and staying positive so that is the encouraging aspect of the situation.

"We may be down to the final three games but there is no better time to turn the tables on our run of results and it is the least the players deserve.

"They have been in great spirits despite results and remain upbeat and eager to work hard during training and on matchdays.

"That desire and commitment will eventually result in a reward and this weekend would mark the ideal time, especially with home advantage on our side.

"Against Ards on Saturday I drafted in eight young guys, including four from the under 19s.

"That allowed me to hand a few of the senior players a much-needed rest but also boost the experience levels within some of the club's most promising youth prospects.

"It is unfortunate that we have had to blood so many of the next generation over the course of the one season but they have been excellent and this taste of senior rugby can only improve the future plans.

"We continue to cope with a lengthy injury list but everyone is confident we can get back on track.