'He's been great for the players': Eamon Fyfe credits David Jeffrey as Portadown face trip to Bangor

After six consecutive losses to kick-start his reign at Shamrock Park, the Ports managed to pick up their first point of the season in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw against Linfield.

A penalty by Ben Kennedy with less than 10 minutes to go gave the Ports a deserved share of the spoils against David Healy’s side. Speaking after games, Jeffrey was quick to defend his players and give them his full backing and Fyfe says that has gone unnoticed in the Portadown changing room.

"It’s been brilliant working under Davy so far,” said Fyfe. "It’s been an adjustment but he’s such a professional and so is well-structured with how he goes about his business. I know we haven’t had the best of starts but there’s no doubts that he’s things under control.

"He’s been great for the players and everyone respects him. We know we haven’t been great individually or collectively but he stood up for us over the first few weeks of the season, which shows you his character. When I look back at the goals we’ve conceded so far...I don’t think many teams have cut us open or anything like that, it’s been more down to individual errors."

Fyfe added that whilst it was “good to get off the mark” by claiming a point against the Blues, they know they need to back it up with another positive result today at Bangor.

He added: “This is a massive game for us and we will obviously be taking it seriously. We need to show up for this game and to show what we’re all about. We realise there’s a bit of pressure on us as we want to get more points on the board.

"Bangor probably haven’t had the start to the season they would have liked either...and their loss at Limavady was probably their worst performance of the season and an off-day. If you’re not at it in this league, then you can get easily punished. We need to grind out results but we know they are a tough team to beat.”

Kennedy’s goal was his first for Portadown since arriving in the summer transfer window from Ballymena United. Fyfe says the former Crusaders ace is “a joy to play with” and that he is just as important away from the pitch as he is on it.

"Ben is obviously a talented player but I probably didn’t realise he likes to get involved in the hustle and bustle of things,” he continued. "He’s not afraid to get down and dirty and try to win headers against six-foot central defenders and things like that.

"On the ball, I really do think he’s a class above and I’m sure the goal on Tuesday night will give him a confidence boost. He’s a complete character in the changing room, he likes to make people laugh, which is a good thing when you’re trying to keep spirits high.”