Relief for Nicholls as Bonagee United pick up first National League win

It was a first win after six games of this competition, and having conceded last minute in their opening game to draw with Home Farm DCU, the Dry Arch Park men had suffered four defeats in a row since.

But to get a first three points over their Donegal neighbours was something the young goalkeeper was delighted with.

“It was great to get the victory,” Nicholls said after the game.

“I’d say relief is the feeling right now in the changing room because when you look across the club and all the work that has gone into it since the start of the year, we felt we owed the club a win, so it’s great to get that victory and we’re delighted.

“Cockhill, in my opinion, have set the bar for Donegal clubs at Junior level, so we knew it would be a tough test, and they went 1-0 up early.

“The reaction was great after the first goal, and it was just a great occasion for Donegal soccer and we’re delighted to be on the right side of the occasion.”

Bonagee went a goal down inside three minutes as Luke Rudden got to the ball before Nicholls and Ciaran Kelly.

Rudden dispatched the penalty, but three first-half goals from Gareth Breslin, Micheal Doherty and Shane Moran allowed the shot-stopper to see the funny side when asked about how fouled the Cockhill striker.

And he bounced back from that, making a couple of good saves in the second half when two up.

“I’ll blame Ciaran Kelly, and he’ll probably blame me! But it was probably just a miscommunication from both of us, and I took him down, I think, so we’ll have to hold our hands up.

“A couple of years ago, the confidence may have been rocked, but Declan (Lynch) puts a lot of faith into me and all the players and he’ll never criticise a player for making a mistake. The reaction is the main one and we’re happy with that.

“When the first goal went in, you could get flashbacks to Mervue (6-1 loss), and that was unacceptable, so we’re just hoping the boys can get back in it.

“You have boys like Gareth (Harkin), Ryan Rainey, Gary Merritt and Tommy McMonagle who have the experience, and once the first goal went in, you could feel the energy in the squad and the fans.”

While many of the aforementioned experienced heads in the Bonagee team have played League of Ireland football with Finn Harps, it’s a new experience for the 19-year-old.

“We’re enjoying it, and every week you’re learning.

“As I mentioned, the older lads in the changing room, they’re brilliant to bring you on, and even Decky himself is a great man-manager for us young lads, and I’m learning every week and I’ll try to learn from the mistakes and the results, but I’m definitely enjoying it.”