No concern over league position for Portadown just yet

Matthew Tipton says he’s not concerned about league tables at this stage of the season.
Portadown manager Matthew Tipton.  Photo by David Maginnis/Pacemaker PressPortadown manager Matthew Tipton.  Photo by David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press
Portadown manager Matthew Tipton. Photo by David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press

Portadown find themselves at the foot of the Danske Bank Premiership following their 5-0 defeat at Cliftonville last Saturday.

It was a return to action for the Ports following a two week break in line with the NI Football League’s Covid Case Policy. Tipton though says there is no cause for any panic with so many games still to be played this season.

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“They never used to produce league tables until about ten games had been played,” said the Portadown boss.

“We are only six games in. I’m not bothered by points at this stage.

“If it was a normal season this would be the end of August and the transfer window would still be open.

“Come the new year we’ll have 26 games to play in a very short period of time.

“There’s four points separating eight teams.

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“If we’re still sitting on the same amount of points in ten games time then I’ll be worried.

“Everybody is beating each other,” he added.

“Warrenpoint obviously beat Linfield there, Dungannon had a great result against Cliftonville and then got beat heavily off Glentoran who hadn’t won a game up until then, Ballymena had struggled then won three on the spin without conceding.

“It’s all relative. We had a really good win over Glenavon who then beat Crusaders on Saturday.

“One result against one team doesn’t influence the season.

“We have to make sure that what we do on Saturday is better for us than Ballymena.”

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