VIDEO: Portadown win 3-0 but boss Niall Currie admits big mistake
Play proved tight early on until Niall Henderson broke the deadlock on 27 minutes thanks to the Ports captain’s deflected shot.
Larne had a series of players ruled out due to lack of international clearance but worked hard to frustrate a Portadown side aiming for a rapid return to senior football following relegation.
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Hide AdSubstitute Matthew Hazley enjoyed a superb cameo after joining play off the sidelines - with his performance highlighted by Ports boss Niall Currie in the post-match interview.
Currie considered the playing surface unsuitable for a playmaker in his line-up but Hazley produced a perfect response by making it 2-0 with a close-range finish after Adam McCallum’s header had bounced off the post.
Kyle McVey wrapped up the scoreline by reacting first when his initial header bounced off the bar on 76 minutes and the defender slotted home.