Goals from Brad Hird and Andrew Nelson put the Colliers two goals up against Newcastle Blue Star, but a controversial equaliser snatched the visitors a point in stoppage time.

Despite this, the gaffer was still pleased about the overall performance.

“The lads have been really good lately. We’ve had a few good positive results and it’s down to the good performance levels, but those performance levels have been there for quite a while,” said Olly.

“We’ve been unlucky in certain games especially against Blue Star. We’ve done really well, and it gives us a lot of confidence going forward into Blyth, but we know it’s going to be a tricky game. Blyth are a very good outfit and we noticed that last year. They have recruited well in the summer, and they have a fantastic manager. It’s going to be a really difficult game, but the confidence levels are really high and I’m looking forward to going up there on Saturday.”

After a controversial equaliser for Blue Star at last Saturday cost the Colliers of three points, the boss was surprised that the goal was given, but isn’t going to let the decision overshadow the performance the players put in.

“I was very surprised. I think everyone who’s seen the footage knows it’s a foul, but ultimately it hasn’t been given and it’s costs us two points. I’m not a big one for coming out on social media and berating officials, I would rather talk about how good we were in terms of the game itself. I do believe in the last 20 minutes the fatigue kicked in from Consett on Thursday night but ultimately, we were really good on the day.

“I thought we were worthy of the three points, but it wasn’t meant to be. It’s still three games unbeaten against three very good teams though.

“Rather than speak about the decision, I’d rather everybody focus on the performance level of the players and that’s where the praise and attention should be diverted.

“It happens in football; I’ve been in football long enough to know that but ultimately the players were superb, and they deserve the plaudits and that’s what I want to speak about”

At the halfway stage of the season, Easington Colliery sit 17th in the table. The manager has opened up about some of the major changes both himself and his team have faced after getting promoted to Division One.

“No doubt the levels higher. It’s crisper, it’s quicker, it’s fitter. Teams are more well organised but that’s like every level of football when you move up through the leagues. The leagues get tougher, the leagues get harder, you just have to look at the football pyramid for that.

“The changes that I’ve noticed are definitely the physicality of the game and how quickly we are punished for mistakes. There’s a lot of firepower in terms of money being spent at this level so it’s more difficult to compete with whereas the second division was a little bit more of a level playing field.

“I know every budget isn’t the same but ultimately, we are facing tougher challenges. I think that’s what’s bringing the best out of the players though. It’s certainly bringing the best out of myself.

“I’m really enjoying the challenges. I enjoy being the underdog in games. I certainly won’t shy away from it, and neither will the players. It’s definitely a bigger step up but we are really enjoying it. We are not complaining at all.

“We love what we do, and we’ll move on, and we keep enjoying the journey because that’s why we’re here.”

Kick-off in this afternoon’s game at Blyth Town is 15:00.

BY JOHN TALLENTIRE