‘Longest few minutes of my life’ - concedes O’Donnell

The centre-back, who came off the bench on Saturday to head home their opening goal against Limavady United, conceded he was over the moon when news filtered through that Bangor had slipped up and drew with Harland & Wolff Welders.

“I’m not going to lie but you could do any bets or any type of gambling in the world, but that was the biggest sweat I have ever had in my life, it was the longest few minutes of my life, but it was all worth it in the end.”

O’Donnell was Stute’s super sub as he replaced injured skipper Paddy McLaughlin, but he made an instant impact heading home the crucial opening goal.

“All the players in the squad were ready to come on if and when called upon, unfortunately Paddy got injured, but when I came on I just wanted to do my best and help the team win.

“It was only my second touch, but I knew I had a chance because Decky’s (McKeever) free-kick was super and I just stuck my head out and thankfully the ball went into the net.”

The one time QPR starlet believes this summer he will have some great nights sleeping dreaming of coming up against the likes of Liam Boyce, Joe Gormley, Andy Waterworth, Gary Twigg and he believes they’ll shock a few sides next season.

“We talked about playing at the likes of Linfield, Cliftonville and Glentoran over the last few weeks and used it as a motivational tool.

“I think we’ll be good enough to stay up, but at the minute we are going to celebrate winning the league and then worry about next season later on in the summer.”