McFall's delight at second Ports signing

The Ports added Withers to the Shamrock Park squad this week on an 18-month contract.

The forward’s final appearance for Lisburn Distillery arrived on Saturday in a 5-1 defeat to Loughgall.

“We have signed Mike Withers from Lisburn Distillery on an 18-month contract with a view to the future,” said McFall. “He can play on the left or up top and will add pace to the squad, which is something we currently lack.

“There is nothing else happening at the minute in terms of bringing anyone in.”

Withers has become the second signing of the January transfer window for Portadown, following the high-profile capture of Philip Lowry.

Lowry made his debut in last weekend’s 1-0 defeat by Crusaders across the Danske Bank Premiership.

Lowry, who is based in England, will fly in and out for games on a contract which runs until the end of the season.

He will train across the water with Wingate & Finchley, the Ryman Premier League side managed by Portadown-born Keith Rowland.

“Philip came in last weekend and made his debut, not having played for a few months,” said McFall. “He has settled quickly and knows quite a few of the players, so that will help.

“Philip is naturally fit and keeps himself in good shape so he just needs to build up his match sharpness.

“Under the circumstances, with not having played much football and with a strong wind blowing and pitch difficult, I think Philip had a good game.”