Long-awaited win over Linfield ‘as good as it gets’ for Portadown boss Niall Currie

Portadown produced excellent performance to record first home win over Linfield since 2016

Good things come to those who wait and that was certainly the case for Portadown on Friday night as they picked up their first home win over Linfield since February 2016.

After an open first half at Shamrock Park the hosts took the initiative 10 minutes after the restart as Baris Altintop deservedly headed them in front.

And they wrapped up the long-await victory over the Blues at Shamrock Park with 18 minutes to go as James Teelan bagged the second on a swift breakaway to leave boss Niall Currie a happy man at the end

“Tonight was as good as it gets. One to 11 we were unbelievable,” he said.

“We were a threat, our wingers were fantastic as were our number nine, midfielders and backline and our goalkeeper was outstanding, making some huge saves at really critical times.

“From I came back to the club this is as good a performance I have had the pleasure of watching.

“I think when the players are challenged and there is adversity that gets you up,” he added.

“That’s our third game in six days which is hard to believe, but there is nothing wrong with those boys, they have plenty of heart and desire and we’re not too short of threats now.

“I think when we got in at half-time, we said we can hurt them. We showed that in the first half.

“We had three or four wonderful chances and I said you could do it again. It was a matter of getting them to believe and know we could hurt teams. We were worthy winners.”