Execution over emotion for Portadown boss Matthew Tipton

It was a case of pragmatism over passion for Portadown boss Matthew Tipton as he set aside the emotion of Mid-Ulster derby delight on the club’s Premiership return in favour of pride in the successful execution of a gameplan.
Luke Wilson and George Tipton celebrate with Lee Bonis (centre). Pic by PressEye Ltd.Luke Wilson and George Tipton celebrate with Lee Bonis (centre). Pic by PressEye Ltd.
Luke Wilson and George Tipton celebrate with Lee Bonis (centre). Pic by PressEye Ltd.

A 4-2 success over Glenavon secured the bragging rights for the Ports fans unable to attend due to the coronavirus restrictions - but Tipton’s post-match focus centred on the quiet satisfaction of preparation providing the end product.

“It’s an ongoing process but I know I can trust these players because of the work put by everone across the past two-and-a-half years,” said Tipton. “Even if we go out and lose that doesn’t mean we are wrong, in the same way winning today doesn’t mean we are suddenly the best in the world.

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“But it’s about continuing to develop and it’s never easy coming up - with some not expecting us to win many games - but we came with a gameplan today and I’m delighted with how we executed it.

“It’s a derby but, really, our focus is only on three points and now we look to the next game.

“It doesn’t surprise me, ultimately that’s why we have these players at the club and in the first-team squad.

“We’ve prepared for dealing with situations like today with our backs to the wall at times.

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“It was about the balance then of what we could do to try and stop that Glenavon attacking threat but without losing our own danger on the counter-attack.

“That formation is something we’ve been working on and tweaking across pre-season in different ways.

“We felt tonight it was the best way to get the best out of our players - but that’s not to say we are committed only to one system.

“It’s only ever about the best way to try and win games.

“With the first goal, aside from the early timing, it was great to see the rewards for something we had worked on.

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“We were under a bit of pressure across those opening minutes but then we had the ability and bravery to do on a matchday what we work so hard on in training.

“For the second goal it was the same, with a quick release of a throughball and composed finish.

“We knew to expect a response from Glenavon in the second half but we stuck at it, got another counter-attack goal and then the last one came from the last kick of the game.

“So we’ve to make sure the performance levels are the same next week.”

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