Lee Bonis living the dream at Portadown

Two years ago Bonis was playing for Seagoe in the Mid-Ulster Football League but has, over the past week alone, represented Northern Ireland and trained in preparation for a tonight’s Mid-Ulster derby set to be streamed to homes across the country.

It has been a remarkable rise by the 21-year-old forward but one always part of his personal gameplan.

“I had played for Portadown Youth all across the age groups but then could not see regular football open to me with the club’s reserves so opted to go down and develop,” said Bonis. “Living in Killicomaine, I first signed for Portadown BBOB as a Mid-Ulster club on my doorstep then moved on to Seagoe and it was a brilliant learning curve.

“It helped me cope with the extra physical demands and the goal was always to use it as a stepping stone to get towards the highest possible level.

“I had interest from other clubs at different times over those few years in Mid-Ulster football but Portadown is my club and it’s a dream to think I will be playing back in the Premiership.

“I used to play for Portadown Youth in the mornings then go to watch the firsts with my friends and was a mascot at four years old, so it means a lot to wear the jersey.

“I came up alongside Luke Wilson with Portadown Youth and his progress to first-team captain has been superb.

“But everyone in the squad has that drive to fight for the club and the team spirit was such a big part of our success in the Championship.

“We know we are going to need that this season back up for the first time in a few years.”

Bonis enjoyed substitute appearances against Finland and Ukraine with Northern Ireland under 21s inside the space of five days - with that international reward evidence of his ability to adjust and adapt.

“Obviously the pace of the game is so much different from Mid-Ulster League level to the Championship and it goes up again now we are in the Premiership,” said Bonis. “But being around the Northern Ireland under 21s is a great experience and real honour as everyone wants the chance to represent their country.

“It is another opportunity to develop and learn from top players and other ways of coaching.

“As a former striker himself, Matthew Tipton has been brilliant with me as Portadown manager in terms of passing on specific advice and constructive criticism.

“Adam Salley has quite a lot of experience as a striker so is always very helpful but being around such good players overall each week at Portadown naturally helps you.

“Although it was always my ambition to get back to Portadown, when I first signed I didn’t know what to expect or how often I would play initially but, thankfully, scored goals and hit the ground running.

“Playing week in, week out and scoring goals for Portadown last season was amazing and, like everyone else, I’m really looking forward to the Premiership challenge.

“You are always learning and going up against the toughest opponents is another chance to test myself.

“Already I’ve been able to shape my game and learn more about timing of runs or the decisions on the pitch.

“But I also want to win so much and don’t ever want to lose that energy or passion in my game.”

Coronavirus restrictions will prevent Bonis from walking out at Mourneview Park on Saturday evening backed by a Ports support which has embraced him for that guts-and-glory attitude.

The pathway from Ports fan in the stand to goal-scoring hero represents the dream of many but Bonis’ performance levels attract the ultimate measure of respect.

“I love night games and to have a big match against Glenavon under the floodlights to kick off our Premiership return is going to be superb,” said Bonis. “It’s such a shame my friends and the other Ports fans won’t get the chance to watch it in person but I’m sure they will all be streaming the game and cheering us on.”

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