Nathan's goals helping bring City's season to the '˜Boyle'

Considering his goal once again came from playing in a wide right position, it makes his goalscoring tally all the more impressive.

But the 22 year-old is taking such early success in stride, focusing more on how he can continue improving instead of resting on what he’s already accomplished.

Boyle showed great composure and a deft finish on 18 minutes to win a difficult game for Derry City. It was his fourth league strike, his sixth in all competitions, and he says he’s slowly but surely reaching his own personal goalscoring target in his best campaign to date.

It’s well documented he could so easily have been plying his trade at Finn Harps this season if it wasn’t for Kenny Shiels’ persistence in bringing him back to Brandywell.

And it’s proved a decent bit of business as the level headed striker clinched a vital victory on Friday night to move Derry clear in third spot. He’s also earned three points with two goals against Galway United as a late substitute and another brace sent City through in the EA Sports Cup against Sligo Rovers.

He refuses to get carried away and knows he’s playing second fiddle to first choice striker Rory Patterson, but he’s prepared to play wherever he’s asked and is enjoying his football under Kenny Shiels.

“I read the ball well and just got my foot onto lifted it over the keeper,” he said of his first half finish. “It was a nice finish so I’m happy with that.

“I’m happy with the goals I’ve been scoring but I’m not getting too carried away with myself. They’re tallying up nicely but the three points was the most important thing.

“The lads worked hard. At times, the intensity wasn’t there but it’s another three points and we’re creeping up.

“I’ve set myself a goalscoring target but I’m not going to reveal that,” he joked. “But I’m getting there slowly but surely.”

of age, Boyle has shown great maturity this season and he claims his teammates are not convinced he’s under the age of 30 given he’s been around the club for some time now.

But he’s one of the younger talents at the club with a bright future and he’s delighted the club’s youths are getting their chance this year.

“In training they say I’m 30 because I’ve been here that long,” he laughed. “But I’m still a young man. The young boys are growing in confidence. They’re getting their chances and loving it every time they get on.

“This year is a lot different, They’re getting the confidence to play and getting their chances.

“Hopefully we can step up the intensity next week against Dundalk and maybe I can get another goal.”