Fyfe: Portadown Asserted Control After Scoring Against Ballymena

Portadown midfielder Eamon Fyfe stated that his team asserted control over the match following their initial goal against Ballymena United on Friday night. Despite missing several chances during the first half, Portadown nearly conceded when Josh Carson’s free-kick hit the post. However, they subsequently launched an attack from that set piece, with Josh Ukek scoring the opening goal. Substitute Ryan Mayse and Fyfe then contributed additional late goals to secure the victory. Speaking to BBC Sport NI, Fyfe commented, “I thought we started the first half really well, created a lot of chances so we were disappointed to be going in at 0-0 at half-time.” He continued, “Second half, we had the intention of pushing on, but I thought the first 20 minutes we were sloppy enough but once the first goal went in, we dominated.” Fyfe added, “They pushed on trying to equalise and that is where we found pockets, the game felt more open, and we capitalised.” This notable victory marked Portadown’s second consecutive league win, following their defeat of champions Larne the previous weekend. The result propelled the Ports to fifth place in the table. Nevertheless, Fyfe emphasized that his team is maintaining a grounded perspective, acknowledging the league’s unpredictable character this season. He further stated, “It’s only two games in a long season, we don’t want to get too ahead of ourselves.” Fyfe concluded, “I don’t even know where we are sitting, the league is mad at the minute, everyone is in a big bunch, and it doesn’t look like breaking anytime soon so you can’t get too high.”