PORTADOWN boss Niall Currie has called on his players to “show character” and get back into the PlayR-Fit Championship title race with a win at Ballinamallard on Saturday.
The Ports - aiming for an immediate return to the top flight - slumped to a 4-0 reverse against Newington at Shamrock Park on Tuesday a night, a result which left Currie’s side in third, a distant seven points behind leaders Dundela who have a game in hand. Bangor are two points ahead of Portadown in second.
The Duns and Seasiders can extend their advantage over Portadown on Friday night, with the former away to Annagh and the latter hosting Ballyclare.
Currie said: “It’s very important we get together again and regroup. It’s a tough league. It’s such a rollercoaster of a season, one minute you are so high, the next you are on the floor.
“Players have to be strong. I have to pick players up, that’s part of the job. We will have a fresh approach. Our boys are mentally strong enough to show a bit of character.”
FIXTURES
Friday, February 23: Bangor v Ballyclare Comrades (7.45pm); Annagh v Dundela (8pm)
Saturday, February 24 (3pm): Ards v H&W Welders; Ballinamallard v Portadown; Institute v Newington; Knockbreda v Dergview