Coveted Jacob Carney’s attacking strengths best form of defence for Portadown

The midweek derby defeat to Glenavon marked 11 appearances between the Danske Bank Premiership posts for the shot-stopper on loan at Shamrock Park from Manchester United

Although still waiting for that coveted first clean sheet, Carney is far from short of admirers around the game.

“Most opposition managers single out Jacob after our games and I am just delighted with everything overall since he joined the club,” said Tipton. “I would love him to stay with us again next season and he has really settled in well since moving over to Northern Ireland.

“Manchester United are in contact with me after every game and obviously regularly with Jacob directly, so they seem pleased with his progress at Portadown.

“It is unfortunate for Jacob not yet to have that clean sheet but it should not take away from his excellent performance levels.

“One massive bonus Jacob gives us is his kicking ability and that decision-making to quickly get us on the frontfoot.

“On Tuesday against Glenavon with really strong winds he was kicking into the gale but still reaching 25 or 30 yards inside the Glenavon half.”

The Ports visit Ballymena United this weekend aiming to move on from the midweek 2-1 loss in which Chris Lavery’s goal proved a consolation three days after defeat of the same side handed Portadown a third win of the club’s top-flight return following 2017 relegation.

“It was a difficult night and I was disappointed with our defending for the two goals conceded but happy, to an extent, with our response, so we focus now on Ballymena and want to replicate the positives from our recent performances,” said Tipton. “We had Eamon Scannell out injured on Tuesday at left-back and that’s been another aspect since Jacob’s arrival.,,the lack of a consistent defensive line-up due to injuries, suspensions and various factors.

“But, again credit to Jacob, you can see how much confidence he gives his backline no matter who is in front of him and that allows the defence to push higher up the pitch, which in turn gives us much better attacking options.

“His communication is excellent and we are just really pleased with everything around his contribution so far.”

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