Return to top flight remains the target for Portadown says Matthew Tipton

Portadown will head into the new year with the same old goals as a return to the Irish League’s top table remains priority.
Portadown Manager, Matthew TiptonPortadown Manager, Matthew Tipton
Portadown Manager, Matthew Tipton

Matthew Tipton’s squad visit Loughgall on Boxing Day aiming to cement a Bluefin Sport Championship lead over Ballinamallard United.

Loughgall sit third but, following back-to-back defeats, trail the Ports by 10 points before the derby date.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Although bragging rights remain up for grabs, the only present on Tipton’s Christmas wishlist is a three-point delivery to aid the promotion bid.

“Although we think of the post-Christmas run as the second half of the season, with 22 games now played in the league we are beyond that midway stage and pleased with the progress so far,” said Tipton.

“The Loughgall game is a derby test but the only aim is to add another win to the table as every victory we can achieve moves us one step away from our rivals.

“In many ways, a Boxing Day game stands alone as there are so many unusual factors surrounding it - often I think it comes down to the mental approach, having the right focus to stay professional in your preparations despite everything else going on with the holiday season.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“From starting out in management I’ve always had my teams in for a training session just ahead of Boxing Day, not so much for tactics or fitness but really just a way of getting the squad together for that final time before the match.

“It helps keep everyone sharp and, hopefully, we can get the right result in Loughgall and end the year in top spot.

“That is the target as you set goals along the way and sitting first at the start of the new year is a marker which can benefit the squad.”

Portadown recovered from defeat to Ballinamallard United with a 5-0 success on Saturday over PSNI at Shamrock Park.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A Lee Bonis brace alongside goals from Chris Lavery, Adam Salley and Callum Ferris secured victory.

“We were 1-0 up at half-time but had kept moving the ball around and the final goal was the most pleasing in terms of representing so much of what we work towards,” said Tipton.

“It came after a 16-pass team move - by moving the opposition and maintaining control, eventually players tire and that leads to extra space, which we can try to exploit.

“The final goal was the culmination of that teamwork and it was pleasing to see the players still strive towards that at 4-0.”