Lee Chapman credits manager Niall Currie for his sparkling form with Portadown

Portadown boss Niall Currie is hoping to close the gap at the top of the Championship

Portadown will be hoping to cut Dundela’s lead at the top of the Playr-Fit Championship to two points on Friday night when Ballyclare Comrades visit Shamrock Park for the second time in 10 days.

The Ports are out to repeat last Tuesday’s 2-1 win as they aim to extend their unbeaten run in the League to six games.

Right-back Lee Chapman has played a key role in his team’s recent renaissance, with the former Glentoran and Carrick Rangers man crediting manager Niall Currie for his good form.

He said: “The thing that has helped me settle at Portadown is working with Niall and his staff again.

“I worked with Niall at both Carrick Rangers and Dundela, so when I joined up with him at the Ports it didn’t really feel like it was a big change.

“I’m enjoying it and I’m feeling appreciated here.

“The difference at Portadown to a couple of my previous club is the fanbase is massive and they desperately want success.

“This club has to be back in the Premiership. It was our goal in August and it’s still our goal today.”

On Saturday, table-topping Dundela travel to the Brandywell to face second-placed Institute, whom they lead by four points after Tuesday’s 3-2 win over Bangor, when Glentoran loanee Jordan Jenkins scored a hat-trick.

Manager Stephen Gourley said: “That’s what Jordan does. He puts the ball in the net. He’s frightening when he is at his best.

“I have to wrap him in cotton wool sometimes because he gets kicked and battered, but he’s an important player for us.

“Saturday’s game will be just as tough as Tuesday night’s as Institute are flying in both the League and the Irish Cup.

"It’s a long trip up there for us, but we will make it with