Nahki Wells says it is a “great feeling” to have lived up to expectations by playing a significant role in Bermuda qualifying for the Concacaf Gold Cup for the first time.

The 28-year-old netted the winner in Bermuda’s final two Nations League qualifiers at home to El Salvador and away to Dominican Republic.

“To score the winner in consecutive matches is a great feeling of course, knowing I have made a significant impact, which is expected of someone of my calibre to be doing so,” Wells said. “I know what I have to offer and what I have to bring.

“I know that as a striker and the player that I am, I have to be contributing at those crucial times.

“I’m just thankful I was able to score the pivotal goals to get us [to the Gold Cup], but I also believe that’s my job.”

Wells scored the second goal in Bermuda’s 3-1 win over the Dominican Republic on Sunday as his team wrapped up their successful Nations League qualifiers by finishing fifth in the standings.

Zeiko Lewis and substitute Justin Donawa were also on target as Bermuda rallied after falling behind to Enmy Pena’s fortuitous third-minute strike.

“Having gone a goal down early was a big setback and a little bit demoralising considering we knew we had to win,” Wells said. “Equalising soon after settled our nerves and once we were able to break them down we knew our quality would shine through.

“We were hungry and prepared to do whatever it took to win and understand what a great achievement it was to qualify. It was a long process but we always felt it was possible.”

“Beating Sint Maarten 12-0 gave us a platform to believe that if we beat El Salvador we would have a very good chance. It’s an historical moment for our generation and something to look forward to. I think the coaching staff deserve a huge credit for the hours and hours of preparation to come up with a game plan. In our last two fixtures they got it spot-on.”

Wells believes Bermuda’s team spirit will be a crucial factor as they build towards the Gold Cup, which will be held in the United States and the Caribbean from June 15 to July 7.

“We have been a very promising team and deserve to be going to the Gold Cup,” he said.

“We are a small nation and this probably wasn’t expected of us. But all of us players know and believe what we have in the dressing room is exceptional.

“We are punching well above our weight, but we have some huge talent that can match a lot of the big countries in our region on any given day.

“I can only see us a growing because the Bermuda Football Association are going to do everything to try and keep this squad together. It’s a good combination of youth and experience.”

n Osagi Bascome was an unused substitute in Darlington 1-0 defeat at home to Chester in the National League North last night.