'We had character in abundance' - Ports boss Currie

Portadown manager Niall Currie praised the character shown by his team after they defeated Glenavon 1-0 in Saturday's Irish Premiership derby at Shamrock Park.

Ahu Obhakhan scored what turned out to be the winning goal after six minutes of a fiercely contested game between the mid Ulster rivals.

“I thought we didn’t get off to the best of starts. I thought we were a wee bit sluggish out of the gates but the goal calmed us down," Currie told BBC Sport NI.

“It was an evenly matched game. I thought both sides showed great endeavour.

“We were a wee bit off it today, we weren’t at our very best, but what we had in abundance was character and we had strong guys who went into the trenches for us today.

“We had loads of desire and enthusiasm but we could have done with a bit more quality to our play."

Currie was pleased with the performance of goalkeeper Aaron McCarey, who helped repel the threat of the Lurgan Blues with some fine saves.

“Aaron McCarey is the best in the league in my opinion. Whenever you need to dig in and you need big saves he’s the guy for it.

"He’s a wonderful leader in the changing room as well and a real character."