‘Human element’ key to Irish League answer says Portadown’s Matthew Tipton

The Ports had been hoping to get to grips with the league trophy this weekend - instead they remain simply holding on to hope for confirmation of a finish.

With the coronavirus pandemic resulting in an ongoing suspension of sport, Portadown’s title charge was forced last month into a freeze with seven games left on the Bluefin Sport Championship calendar.

Saturday marks the traditional final weekend of the league season, with the Ports on course for celebrations thanks to a four-point lead at the head of the Championship table.

If Tipton’s players had managed to maintain momentum across the remaining fixtures then Saturday would have signalled the official trophy presentation and confirmation of a welcome return to the top flight.

It remains uncertain if any conclusion to domestic football is possible, with the lockdown still in place and a waiting game for officials to announce a verdict.

Three years ago this week Tipton was celebrating Championship glory with former club Warrenpoint Town.

“We cannot predict anything and certainly nothing is guaranteed but, if dealing in hypotheticals, the fact this weekend would have marked the trophy presentation does make you think about what could have been,” said Tipton. “If we can finish the season top of the table it would be a shame not to have the celebration that goes along with that success after such a long and hard season.

“I’m not sentimental and do not know where my league winner’s medal is from Warrenpoint but can remember what it meant to everyone.

“It was a such a talented squad and I would love this current Portadown group to experience the same sense of getting the ultimate reward for everything put in.

“Former Portadown players at the club in 1999 when the Irish Cup was awarded without playing the final say the situation took a lot away from the achievement.

“The idea of those moments together when celebrating a trophy win help motivate you across the cold, dark nights and hard work in training.

“Any team that wins a league title deserves the opportunity to share the moment with the fans and people around the club who all give so much.

“Plus, there is a real value and benefit that comes from a group of players coming together and achieving something then moving forward ready for the next challenge.

“A trophy is the symbol of everything that goes into achieving that success.”

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