Player welfare fears for Portadown’s Matthew Tipton

The welfare of his squad will play a greater role in selection issues for Tipton as he attempts to manage the unique circumstances of this current campaign.

Tipton’s Ports finished level with Ballymena United on Saturday following a demanding second fixture back in the aftermath of positive coronavirus tests within the camp.

The Irish League’s delayed return from lockdown has been given the green light under various restrictions including access to changing rooms as clubs adapt to social distancing measures and health protocols.

Tipton fears a correlation between the unprecedented situation and greater number of muscle problems across the game.

“Playing Saturday to Tuesday was my life for 20-plus years across my career but I think this year is more difficult,” said Tipton after Saturday’s 0-0 draw. “The team might change now as it’s definitely hard to play two games in four days at this level.

“We have training planned for tomorrow (Sunday) as it maybe enables players to have some rest then after work on Monday before going to Dungannon Swifts on Tuesday.

“It’s about trying to maximise the time we have and do the best we can.

“People are popping up with more and more injuries.

“We had Chris Wright in today working with the subs for a proper warm-up at half-time then those coming back out to get back up to speed.

“We cannot have people outside with core body temperature dropping at half-time as that’s how muscle injuries can develop.

“After that performance today it would be harsh for anyone to not be in the team on Tuesday but we have to look at the data.

“We have to remember we went six months basically without a game of football then now stand two games in after three weeks off (in line with NIFL Covid Case Policy) into a tougher league (following promotion) and with young players.

“Players have been running for months (during lockdown) but that’s different to the twisting and turning in football and now we are coming into heavy pitches at this time of the year.

“We didn’t know the circumstances against Carrick but, looking back, some played with coronavirus in the system.

“Then last week, facing Cliftonville after one training session back, they tried their best but were knackered.

“But today, now with another week of the virus out of the system of those who had it and another week of training as a team, that was more like us.

“This is an unforgiving league as you will be found out if even 80 per cent fit.

“There are different reasons now for selection, not just form,

“People want to play but we’ve to look at the bigger picture and protect players.”

Portadown: Pierce, Hall, Finnegan, McKeown (Kerr, 67), Lavery, Salley, Bonis, Wilson, McNally (McCallum, 33), Teggart, Healy.

Subs (not used): Pengelly, Tipton, McGrandles, Croskery, Conaty.

Ballymena United: Williamson, Redman, Addis, McElroy, McCartan (Winchester, 81), Balmer, Hume, Millar, C.Kelly, J.Kelly, McCready (Waide, 70).

Subs (not used): Glendinning, T.Kane, McKeown, Harpur, Ervin.

Referee: Lee Tavinder.

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