DRAWING ON EXPERIENCE

Niall knows what’s needed to win tough league

them this season? “We have a massive target on our back and a lot of teams will treat us like a cup final,” replied the boss.

“The players have to be strong and embrace that because ultimately teams will try that little bit harder in games against us, it’s natural.

“A lot of teams will love to come to Shamrock Park as it’s one of the biggest stadiums in the country and now has one of the best pitches, but we need to have the same mentality and be up for the challenge.”

Saturday saw Portadown draw 1-1 at PSNI, with Niall Henderson’s first half strike cancelled out by Chris Watts for the hosts in South Belfast in what Currie described as “a game of two halves”. “In the first half we were exceptional and were disappointed only to be one goal up, then we conceded early in the second and everything changed,” he reflected.

“The police had the better of the second half and created a lot of chances so in the end we had to settle for the point in a really tough tie.

“We may be looking back at that result at the end of the season as a very good point.

“PSNI have a settled squad and a great team ethic.”

The Ports will hope to return to winning ways when they face Institute, reeling from a 6-1 defeat to Ballyclare and flooding of their pitch in Drumahoe. “Institute have brought in top level players and will be a marker for any team,” added Currie (right).

“Last week was dreadful for them and local football will rightfully rally round them and help them recover.

“They’ll be a wounded animal after that defeat to

Ballyclare and both teams on

Saturday will look to get it down and play good football.

“Any team can win any game in this league but Stute will be right up there come the end of the season, along with several others.”