Portadown’s Josh Ukek is confident the Shamrock Park side can build on their first point in the Irish Premiership.

Niall Currie’s newly promoted side started the season with two consecutive defeats against Cliftonville and Glentoran before getting going with a 2-2 draw away to Loughgall on Tuesday night.

The Ports took the lead twice on the night but were denied by a deflected goal for the second time in four days as Tiernan Kelly’s shot hit Lewis MacKinnon and beat Aaron McCarey for Loughgall’s second equaliser.

Ukek, who scored his first goal for the club in the second half following his summer move from Bala Town, admitted Kelly’s lucky try was a “blow” but took comfort in the fact his team were back to picking up a point in the top flight.

“It’s a bit tough to take, but at the end of the day we needed points,” he said.

“I think if we had lost we would have been devastated. We got a point and were much better in the second half. That gives us confidence and we can now gain momentum with this draw.”

“We have worked hard and now we are moving on to the next game.”

With Saturday’s match postponed due to Larne’s participation in the UEFA Conference League, the next match will now be between Portadown and Linfield on 30 August.

“Playing against these top six teams, who are full-time teams, is always tough,” Ukek added.

“I support all the boys, we have a good dressing room, a good team, good players.

“We can play a good game against them and hopefully get something.”