'We didn't have the keys to open the gate' - Currie

Portadown manager Niall Currie lamented the fact that his side were unable to "open the gates" against Ballymena United despite enjoying the lion's share of the possession against Jim Ervin's side in their 1-0 reverse at Shamrock Park.

Ethan Devine's well-placed header before half-time, his second headed effort in two games, ensured the three points headed back to Warden Street.

"I'm coming away today and I don't have a lot of grievances with my players," Currie told BBC Sport NI.

"I thought our ball retention was very good, we controlled possession, controlled the game, but you have to give Ballymena a lot of credit as well.

"They were absolutely resolute, they defended magnificently well and they put their bodies on the line."

The defeat ended Portadown's six-match unbeaten run in the top flight.

"The disappointment we had was we needed to get the keys to open the gates and unfortunately we didn't have the right key today.

"That was our big frustration, we got into great areas, we had a lot of the ball, but ultimately in the last third of the pitch we weren't able to have that wee bit of quality and cutting edge.

"It was just one of those days. We have come a long way in a short period of time."