Hedley happy with performance and points in Chambers Park win

Play improved as the Qualifying League One fixture progressed, with Dromore grabbing a sole penalty across the opening moments but Portadown on top overall.

The second half increased the advantage from 7-3 thanks to the addition of 24 points by the hosts in a display which left Hedley with hope for future progress.

“The weather was good and that proved a massive help towards how we wanted to play,” said Hedley. “We had been doing a lot of work indoors and on moving the ball around the pitch once outdoors.

“There remains room for improvement but that is expected and, overall, you could see the lads enjoyed Saturday.

“Dromore got tired as the game went on because we continued to move the ball about and could even have put a greater winning margin on the scoreboard.”

Hedley’s delight at the technical approach is grounded in more than aesthetic endeavour.

“We would not be the biggest side in the league so, in truth, that approach remains our best chance of getting wins,” said Hedley. “It is more enjoyable for the players but it is also the way we can get results against sides much bigger than us.

“We forced it a bit in the first half but kept on trying and patience paid off with second-half points.

“The lads kept up the focus and continued to search for openings, with Dromore eventually starting to tire so we managed to take advantage of gaps.

“We needed some time to break down Dromore but were pretty good overall.

“That now marks positive performances over the past two games and it is always nice to put up a few tries.

“We now need the same approach on Saturday against CIYMS by putting them under pressure from the first whistle.

“As confidence will increase with better results then the style of play will become easier for everyone over time.”

Weekend teamsheets are as follows:

Firsts v CIYMS (league, away): M.Henderson, R.Reid, M.Wilson, J.Carlton, W.Graham, G.Hall, D.O’Kane, G.McCoy, D.Tully, C.Cousens, J.Orr, N.Irwin, R.Purvis, J.McClure, A.Morton, G.Reid, A.Winter, AN.Other.

Seconds v Instonians (cup, home): M.Davison, D.Thompson, R.Muldrew, R.Blair, D.Alexander, RJ.Greenlee, S.Lamb, D.Hardy, J.Hampton, O.Montels, C.Chambers, R.Whitten, R.Ciack, R.Quinn, S.Buckley, J.Graham, AN.Other.