Flash Gordon: Nicole ready to put best foot forward for Donegal

Nicole Gordon admits life and football has proved a difficult juggle in the past but the Urris girl finally feels ready to put her best foot forward for Donegal. 

She was superb at centre half-back on Sunday as John McNulty’s team easily brushed aside the challenge of Westmeath, in Letterkenny, by 1-9 to 0-6. 

Gordon was a real presence along her own ‘45 and also got forward to post two superb points from play. Speaking after, she explained that with her own fitness business finally up and running, she is now looking to make up for a little lost time with Donegal.  

“I’m at home, I’m working full time in the gym and I’m able to fully commit this year,” she said. “Other years it was that little bit tougher. Trying to start up my own business took up a lot of time and energy. But I’ve help there now and that’s making all the difference.

“I’m in a place where I feel I can give it the time and attention it needs. John has come in and it’s been really encouraging so far. I know it’s a sort of transitional period but there is real competition there to be involved. Girls are seeing this season as a real opportunity. 

“John calls it as it is and he and his backroom team have been brilliant, really positive. Reputations mean nothing. If you’re seen to be working as hard as you can, you’ll get a chance. 

“Today was good and even though we have plenty to work on, we feel we’re moving in the right direction again after last week.  

“Conditions were so tough but, to be fair, they haven’t been in our favour at all in any of our games so far. We’ll get a sunny day soon!

“We’ve put in a serious effort in pre-season and in the games so far. Last week against Kildare didn’t go our way so we were determined to give a much better account of ourselves today”. 

Gordon looked really comfortable coming out of her defensive station and not only linked matters as a play-maker but also nabbed two very good points. 

“We are all encouraged to get up the field when the opportunity arises. It just takes a wee bit of discipline to do it at the right times. The more options off the shoulder, the greater the numbers, the bigger threat you’ll be as a team”. 

Gordon, as well as Tara Hergaty and captain Niamh McLaughlin were all included in the starting Donegal XV on Sunday while the likes of Niamh Harkin and Katelyn Rose Doherty were amongst the substitutes. 

And with the Inishowen presence in Jim McGuinness’ senior mens squad also strong, Gordon says it’s exciting times in the peninsula in that regard. 

“It’s great to see and I’d say there will be more stepping up in the next while as there are some great girls coming through the ranks. It just brings eyes and interest to the games and it’s really encouraging”.   

Donegal now have a week off before turning attention to an away encounter with Monaghan. With two wins out of three Gordon says the aim is to be competitive every day they go out and, at the end of the league, see where that takes them.

“It’s not about a target. We are looking for a performance. I think if we can do that there’ll be more good days than bad.  We’ve a fortnight now to get some really good work on the training pitch and then attention will turn to Monaghan”.