Ben Pierce signs new Ports deal

Portadown goalkeeper Ben Pierce has signed a new contract to keep him at Shamrock Park for another season.

The 21-year-old Englishman signed for Ports earlier this year, making five appearances and keeping two clean sheets to help Matthew Tipton’s side to win the NIFL Second Division in what turned out to be a curtailed campaign due to Covid-19.

After penning his new deal, Pierce admitted to portadownfc.co.uk that Premier Division football and the support he’s felt since joining Ports was more than enough to entice him to stay at Shamrock Park for another season.

“After sitting down with Tippy (Matthew Tipton), the challenge of playing in the Premiership really excited me as every player wants to play at the highest level and it’s great having a manger and staff who believe in you. For me to be part of this was a fantastic opportunity again. When I signed from the first session all the boys and the staff made me feel so welcome and being part of what this great club wanted to achieve made it all the more enjoyable and to be able to play in front of the amazing Portadown fans at Shamrock Park who gave me unbelievable support since my debut against Knockbreda.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge of playing in the Premiership and playing against the best teams in the country which will only help me improve and in looking forward to giving my all for the club, staff and supporters for us to go and enjoy next season back in the Premiership where this amazing club rightly belongs,” the former Everton shot-stopper added.

Ports manager Matthew Tipton also spoke of his delight at tying Pierce down for another campaign after his impressive form at the tail end of last season.

“I’m delighted to say that Ben Pierce has agreed to extend his stay with us for another season. Everyone knows how hard we had to look for a goalkeeper not only last summer but then again in January & when we landed Ben outside of the transfer window it was a massive coup for us. He then proceeded to show us in his short time that he has all the attributes to be as top class as his young career CV shows. So, to be able to maintain his services for another season delights me greatly & I hope he continues to grow as a goalkeeper with us.”