IRISH LEAGUE: Positive Portadown thanks to team talk with expert
A season-long relegation battle received a welcome boost on Friday with the Ports’ spirited 1-1 draw away to title-chasing Linfield.
Only an injury-time equaliser prevented Niall Currie’s men from recording a dramatic victory - and the determined display arrived 24 hours after a team meeting with Dr Mark Elliott.
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Hide AdDr Elliott has worked with world-class athletes covering fields including football, rugby, golf and ice hockey.
Currie called in the expert to help Portadown regroup for the rest of the season in the aftermath of a demoralising 3-0 reverse to struggling Ards the previous weekend.
The Ports boss accepts the session should not be seen as a magic wand to solve all problems but feels the clean slate can now serve the club for future challenges.
“We had a full turnout and felt it was really productive,” said Currie. “Small things matter and everyone had an open floor to discuss any issues.
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Hide Ad“It really helped clear a number of areas and now the goal is to approach the rest of the season with fresh focus.
“Dr Elliott was a massive help and it was a really informative night, with the players taking full advantage of the opportunity.
“There was a real renewed sense of togetherness the next night at Windsor Park against Linfield.
“We worked so hard for each other, with a massive shift put in by every single player.
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Hide Ad“In the end, we left Windsor Park disappointed with only a single point for our reward.”
The Ports now take on defending champions Crusaders at Shamrock Park this Saturday in an evening fixture. Kick-off will be 5.30 but there is a special discount entry fee of £5 before 4.30, with a beer tent and promotions running from 3 o’clock.
“There should be a cracking atmosphere,” said Currie. “I’m a big fan of night games and trying to do something different to get more fans past the turnstiles.
“Credit to the organisers.”