Jonté Smith, the Ballymena United striker, says he and his team-mates are keen to build upon their inspiring and dramatic win over Crusaders in the BetMcLean League Cup.

The visitors prevailed 3-2 in a gruelling and evenly fought cup-tie with striker Smith netting twice, including the winner in the last minute of extra time at Seaview on Wednesday night.

The Northern Ireland side are away to Portadown in the Danske Bank Premiership today at Shamrock Park, where they hope to continue their winning ways and turn around their flagging league fortunes.

“Obviously off the back of a big result like that, we want to use that momentum to get a run of results,” Smith told The Royal Gazette. “We need the form to carry into the league. ”Everyone is on a high after the win and we need to use that energy to help carry us through after playing 120 minutes midweek.“

Ballymena are ninth in the league standings, level on points with their hosts but ahead on goal difference, with only one win so far this campaign, against Dungannon Swifts.

The visiting side won the previous league meeting 4-2 on their own patch at the Showgrounds on the final day of the 2020-21 season.

Smith has made a big impact in a short period, having joined the club last month as a free agent after departing Woking, of the Vanarama National League in England, in the summer.

The 27-year-old already has four goals under his belt in only a handful of appearances and is hungry for more.

“I’m hoping I can keep taking my chances when they come and continue to help the team that way,” he added.

“I’m getting fitter every week and the games come thick and fast.

“It’s nice to be playing regularly more than anything, enjoying my football and confidence in front of goal.”

The Bermuda striker officially opened his account when he came off the bench to net the winner in his team’s 4-3 league win over Dungannon last month.