Matthew Tipton compares Manchester United prospect to Irish League favourite

On Saturday both men watched from the Shamrock Park sidelines as Jacob Carney, the present number one between the Ports posts, pulled off a double save that left Tipton drawing comparisons with Miskelly.

Carney is still waiting on a first clean sheet since making a January loan switch to the Danske Bank Premiership from Manchester United.

However, the ease with which he has adjusted to Irish League life has Tipton full of increased confidence - a boost only bolstered by Carney’s quick reactions and recovery to deny Paul O’Neill then Chris Curran in the 1-1 draw with Cliftonville.

“Jacob made some great saves,” said Tipton. “The one he tipped over the bar was smashing (off Ronan Doherty), plus he made a brilliant double save.

“I’ve not seen a double save like that since Dave, who was famous for those when playing.

“Also, when we were better at what we were trying to do in the second half, Jacob was putting Cliftonville’s defence under pressure kicking it out of his hands.

“But I was disappointed then we didn’t get out to stop the cross soon after the double save that led to the Cliftonville goal.”

A mass voluntary effort by Portadown to clear heavy snowfall off the playing surface across Saturday morning and afternoon allowed play to ultimately kick off, following multiple pitch inspections, at 5pm.

“People grafted all day,” said Tipton. “It sums up how we are not just here to make up the numbers or see the season out - there was a real determination to play today despite the conditions.

“It’s credit to the whole club...the supporters could not get into the ground today to watch the game but there was a real group effort to clear the snow and give us every opportunity to play the match.

“We are back up in the Premiership and there’s a sense of purpose around the club and everyone wants to finish this first season back in as high a position as possible.

“It comes down to pride in our club.

“I don’t think it was a great game and conditions put paid to any quality.

“I would have been disappointed if we’d lost, I don’t think we deserved to lose...I don’t think we deserved to win.

“We were playing against Cliftonville and the conditions.

“With such a strong wind there’s not much you can do other than work hard, try to stop the opposition getting into our area then try to get on the end of something in the other area.

“But it didn’t favour either side...during late pressure we needed a lucky bounce or break and, thankfully, we got the corner-kick that led to Adam McCallum’s goal.”

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