BELFAST, Northern Ireland (Interstat) — Adam Brooks scored three goals to lead Crusaders to a 3-2 victory over Portadown on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, at Seaview. Brooks opened the scoring in the 11th minute and doubled the lead in the 32nd. Portadown cut the deficit through Baris Altintop in the 55th minute, but Brooks restored the two-goal margin two minutes later with his third goal. Eamon Fyfe scored for Portadown in the 59th minute to make it 3-2. Crusaders won their opening Premiership match and improved to 1-0 in league play and all competitions. Portadown dropped to 0-1 in the Premiership and across all competitions. Crusaders’ previous league result was a 2-1 home win over Ballymena on Aug. 14, while Portadown lost 1-0 at home to Dungannon the same day. Both teams had opened their seasons a week earlier. Crusaders next visit Glentoran on Aug. 28, and Portadown host Coleraine on Aug. 27.