Portadown star labelled 'best in the league' as Niall Currie revels in derby win

Niall Currie hailed his goalkeeper Aaron McCarey as "the best in the league" as Portadown claimed the derby honours over Glenavon.

Ahu Obhakhan's sixth minute strike put the Ports in front at Shamrock Park in an entertaining affair.

Glenavon under new boss Paddy McLaughlin pushed hard for an equaliser in the second half but they couldn't find a way past the inspired McCarey with Currie beaming at the end.

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“Aaron McCarey is the best in the league in my opinion," he told BBC Sport. "Whenever you need to dig in and you need big saves he’s the guy for it. He’s a wonderful leader in the changing room as well and a real character."

Currie felt his side were not at their best but he was quick to praise the character they showed as they moved up to fourth in the Irish Premeirship.

“I thought we didn’t get off to the best of starts. I thought we were a wee bit sluggish out of the gates but the goal calmed us down," said the Portadown boss. “It was an evenly matched game. I thought both sides showed great endeavour.

“We were a wee bit off it today, we weren’t at our very best, but what we had in abundance was character and we had strong guys who went into the trenches for us today. We had loads of desire and enthusiasm but we could have done with a bit more quality to our play."

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