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Steven Crawford

Niall Currie says the kids are alright for Portadown

Niall Currie will keep putting his faith in the kids as Portadown bid for Premiership survival.

The Ports find themselves six points adrift at the foot of the table after they were docked the three points they won at Newry City.

The club haven't given up hope in winning those points back after they launched an appeal last week.

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But while that process is ongoing Currie is demanding the same level of performance they produced at Newry and in the 1-0 win over Ballymena United last Saturday.

The Portadown boss feels a lot of that is down to the enthusiasm of his young players.

“Against Ballymena we had a 17-year-old at left back, a 19-year-old right back and centre half, two 21-year-olds and a 20-year-old in midfield and an 18-year-old coming off the bench," said Currie.

"They may not be the finished articles but they care and their endeavour, honesty and enthusiasm is what we got.

"What matters to me is they care. It was a really young side but they battled all the way.

"It was a proud moment for me seeing those kids coming off the pitch at Shamrock Park and getting a standing ovation from the fans.

"That's what it is all about. It creates memories for everyone, myself included.

"We'll have our ups and downs, but we'll strengthen with a few experienced players in January to help the young players.

"The guys we bring in in January will improve us and that will only be good for the kids as well."

It is another tough test for Currie and his players on Saturday afternoon as they make the trip to title challengers Cliftonville.

Currie has challenged his charges to go out and put in another shift against the Reds at Solitude.

"We're not expected to beat Cliftonville but we certainly want to keep our performance levels at that level and keep that bit of momentum we have going," he said.

"As long as the players continue with that honesty they're showing then there will be no complaints from me as a manager."

Elsewhere on Saturday afternoon Linfield entertain Dungannon Swifts at Windsor Park.

Four games have fallen foul to the adverse weather conditions.

All three games scheduled for Friday night - Ballymena United v Larne, Carrick Rangers v Glentoran and Newry City v Coleraine - were postponed along with Saturday's game between Glenavon and Crusaders.

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