Just seven and a half weeks after tragically losing five family members, Josh Daniels scored his first goal for Derry City in what was an emotional night.
The 20-year-old netted for the Candy Stripes and grabbed an assist too during their 2-2 draw with Finn Harps but the performance was significant for so much more than just his footballing talent.
@JoshuaTracey17 celebrates his goal as @derrycityfc & @FinnHarpsFC draw 2 each @ Brandywell. 3 goals in last 10 mins pic.twitter.com/AgZwkS08KN
— Lorcan Doherty (@lorcanphoto) May 10, 2016
Having lost his mother, his sister, two nephews and a brother-in-law in the one night during the horrific Buncrana pier tragedy, the young Derry man who joined the club as a boy made a return to training in a show of real character and courage.
And, as Derry welcomed Donegal rivals Finn Harps to the Brandywell, Daniels was back doing what he does best.
Apologises for some dog shit finishing the wee man @JoshuaTracey17 👏🏼absolutely ripped it up goal and a great assist 👌🏼
— Rory Patterson (@roryp84) May 10, 2016
Brought on as a second half substitute, the tricky attacker – who used to go by the name Tracey until he took his mother’s surname in recent years – rattled the net with his very first touch of the game in what was an inspiring introduction in more ways than one.
WATCH:
Substitute @JoshuaTracey17 levels the game for @derrycityfc with his first touch! #NorthWestDerby #SetantaLOI https://t.co/3PDVsPSTGX— eir Sport (@eirSport) May 10, 2016
And, after what him and his family have been through in recent months, his goal – his first ever senior goal – was one of the most celebrated of them all.
Well done to @JoshuaTracey17 tonight who Liam Coyle gave the @BBCRadioFoyle MOTM for his impact as sub and first senior goal @derrycityfc
— Eric White (@ericwhite80) May 10, 2016
https://twitter.com/AdzMcGoo/status/730156962558685184
https://twitter.com/LdhranOusby/status/730137165636734978
delighted for josh daniels👏❤️ #rawa
— Bláthnaid (@blathnaid_1) May 10, 2016
JOSH DANIELS!!!!!!!!!!!! 1-1 @derrycityfc
— Ciarán Roddy (@CiaranRoddy) May 10, 2016
Not a bad ball through for the second goal either.
WATCH:
Here's how @roryp84 put @derrycityfc ahead with a quality finish! #NorthWestDerby https://t.co/3piJcXOU7r— eir Sport (@eirSport) May 10, 2016
