Lowry: 'Goal was one of the best I've scored'

The January capture of the former Derry City and Linfield midfielder on a short-term contract is considered key to the Ports’ Irish Cup push over the second half of the season.

Lowry marked his third appearance in club colours with a memorable first goal as Portadown enjoyed progress into the quarter-finals at the expense of Coleraine.

His spectacular dipping drive from distance marked the highlight in the closing stages of the Ports’ 3-1 victory and confirmed a reputation as a goal threat from midfield.

Lowry is happy to accept the responsibility of adding to the team’s goals tally but has a warning for the fanbase.

“Normally my goals come about 20 yards closer to the net,” joked Lowry. “To be honest, the goal was one of the best I’ve scored.

“It was great work by Mark McAllister off the throw-in and I knew what I wanted to happen once he played the pass.

“Once it left my boot I knew it was heading into the net.

“Although we looked comfortable at 2-1, the tie is always on a knife-edge with one goal in it so it was important to get a third no matter how it arrived for the team.”

Lowry is hoping to help add to the significant number of Irish Cup winner’s medals within the current Portadown panel but is also keen to see the knockout progress provide a league boost.

“We are all aware the Irish Cup marks our final opportunity for silverware this season,” he said. “With that in mind, it was a great win and I am feeling much sharper now having played three 90 minutes in a row following a few months without football.

“The incentive now is to keep going in the league and pick up results against Linfield and Ballinamallard United.

“I have had a fantastic reception from everyone since I joined Portadown and there is a great spirit in the dressing room despite recent league results.

“It is important to stay positive as playing football is a job we should all love and, hopefully, Saturday will prove a turning point.”