Portadown Manager Currie Reflects on Patience and Performance in Glentoran Victory

Portadown manager Niall Currie lauded his team’s “brilliant” showing in their 2-0 victory against Glentoran at the Oval, a result that saw his side climb to sixth position in the table. The Ports surpassed their adversaries, moving into sixth spot in the Premiership table, following a late penalty converted by Shay McCartan and a subsequent goal from Ryan Mayse deep into stoppage time, which enabled them to overcome Declan Devine’s team. The mid-Ulster outfit generated a number of scoring opportunities in the first half but failed to convert them, also hitting the post once. Currie stated to BBC Sport NI, “I thought we were brilliant today. I thought first half we were top drawer. We were really disappointed we didn’t come in at half-time ahead. We could have been a couple in front easily.” He further commented, “At half-time we were frustrated but we kept doing the same things and applied ourselves in the same ways.” Currie remarked, “It’s a long time since I came to the Oval and had a team perform like that. We were sensational. Our midfield today was outstanding.” The visitors anticipated an improved performance from the Glens in the second half, but ultimately managed to secure the win. Currie elaborated, “Half-time I knew they would get a rocket from Deccie [Glentoran manager Declan Devine so we thought first 20 minutes of the second half would be about digging in, staying compact.” He also noted, “We know we have the ability to hit teams on the counter – we’ve got great pace in the team, great quality in the final third too.“” Currie concluded, “It’s a really good day for the club. If we’re right we’re a very competitive team in this league.”