Life at Portadown more freestyle circles than straight lines for Ben Tilney

The 23-year-old former MK Dons player first attracted attention as a marauding wing-back during Larne’s title-winning Championship campaign before injury issues restricted his Premiership playing time.

A January loan switch to Shamrock Park offered Tilney the opportunity to get back on track - and he is embracing the tactical change by Ports boss Matthew Tipton which has turned his on-pitch position from straight lines into freestyle circles.

“The gaffer gives you that freedom within your roles and responsibilities,” said Tilney, who provided a corner-kick assist for Adam McCallum’s late equaliser in the 1-1 weekend draw with Cliftonville. “Whoever’s playing in that midfield three, as long as we have a good defensive shape, there’s the opportunity from the manager to go and be free and do what you think is right in situations.

“That’s been really enjoyable, we get into a solid defensive shape really well so then, when we go forward, I think it’s difficult for other teams to mark or pick up.

“It’s another bonus for us and I think important for any team to have that fluidity.

“It’s probably something that’s quite different to what I’ve been used to, so it’s exciting and a learning experience.

“Back in England as well as at Larne, I was more of an attacking full-back or wing-back, which I’ve really enjoyed as I think I’ve the fitness to get up and down and affect the game at both ends.

“Now I’m still doing the same but more in the central area...using the same attributes but in a slightly different position.

“I probaly wasn’t expecting to have it like that coming into Portadown as I knew they played wing-backs.

“But we changed shape and it’s been good, from the Crusaders game everything seemed to click in that system.

“As an ex-player, the manager really understands not everything can be rigid or mapped out, so you can have a common language that’s perfect and I learn best that way.

“We are on the pitch so the gaffer puts things in place but trusts us to see scenarios and adapt.”

Despite the challenges of adjusting to a new club and new role, Tilney is also enjoying the sense of responsibility encouraged at Portadown.

“This is a fantastic place to play football and really nice environment,” said Tilney. “At Larne I was probably one of the youngest players and still think of myself as young...but can also hopefully help some of our less experienced players.

“It’s another exciting aspect and improving an area like communication skills is something I consider a good progression for my career overall.

“Sometimes getting chucked into the deep end is good, with the games coming thick and fast...for me, I’ve joined on loan from Larne not having played any minutes really to now Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday-Tuesday, which is fantastic.”

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