United keeper Nelson ‘playing best football of career’

The goalkeeper has been one of a number of Ballymena players who has flourished in the 10 months since Glenn Ferguson took charge at the Showgrounds.

Having seized control of the number one jersey from the second game of Ferguson’s reign, Nelson has played more games than any other Ballymena player in Ferguson’s tenure.

But it’s not merely the number of games he has played that has caught the eye as much as the quality and consistency of his performances.

“I’m more than happy with my own form,” admits Nelson.

“Since big Wes (Lamont) has come in as goalkeeping coach his work ethic has been first class and he has given me the confidence to go out and do what I have to do, week in, week out.

“The more games you play, the more confidence you gain, so getting a good run of games has helped me a lot.”

Given that he made his debut for Ballymena as a 16-year-old, it’s easy to forget that in more than a decade on the Irish League scence – which has included spells at Coleraine and Dungannon Swifts before a return to Ballymena last season – that Nelson is only 28 years old.

“People say keepers come into their prime around the age of 28 or 30 so hopefully that is the case with me.

“It’s a good stage of my career to be at and Glenn and the backroom staff have given me a lot of confidence.

“Last year I would have been in the team for four games, then out again for six and back in for eight and that doesn’t do a big lot for your confidence.

“I have Stuart Addis breathing down my neck and it keeps me on my toes every week and keeps me focused to do my best every week.”

Surprisingly, given that clean sheets are the undisputed ‘currency’ of goalkeepers, Nelson is unaware of how many times he has stopped the opposition from scoring this term.

“I haven’t a clue to be honest! Funnily enough Alan Davidson asked me the same thing before the match and he seemed surprised when I said I didn’t know!

“I don’t really set myself targets as such but obviously the more clean sheets any goalkeeper keeps, the happier he is.

“I was chatting to Wes on the phone the other night and he was saying we’ve only been beaten twice in something like 30 games.

“I know there have been a lot of draws in among that but even of you’re drawing games, you’re still taking something from them – the big thing will be to try to turn some of those draws into wins.

“Everybody’s confident and the place is buzzing at the minute so long may that continue,” added Nelson.