After an impressive turnaround on Saturday against Newcastle Benfield, we caught up with
manager Olly Hotchkiss to get his thoughts on the game as well as the lengthy break the
Colliers have had to endure between league games.

The Colliers came from behind to beat Newcastle Benfield 4-3 this weekend, with the
Colliers two nil down at half-time and it looking unlikely to get anything from the game.

When asked about his side’s resilience in the game, Hotchkiss’ response was full of admiration for his players.

“It was a disappointing first half, we lacked urgency and running power. I think we looked a
little lethargic, but I believe it’s due to the break that we’ve had. We have not played a
competitive game since Boxing Day.

“The message at half-time was to believe in the system but execute it better. I don’t think it
was a fault with our system. There was nothing we needed to tweak except for the player’s
urgency. There were a few harsh words at half-time, but we didn’t panic.

“We kept the same personnel on the pitch with the message of being more aggressive, and
to try to lay a glove on Benfield which we did in the second half.

“I am always proud of the group; we have a great team that work hard but I’m especially
proud because it shows what we’ve got in the dressing room. If you have fight and spirit, you give yourself every possibility of winning a football match.”

In a full-blooded affair, there were seven yellow cards and a sin bin, but Olly was keen not
one to speak ill of officials and focused on his side’s performance.

“I thought it was a little bit inconsistent but it’s a tough job being a referee. I don’t really like
speaking about them once the game is finished. I prefer to focus on what we were good at
and what we can control.

“I thought we controlled the majority of the second half against a very good side. I looked at the team sheet and I thought it was the strongest Benfield side that I’ve seen for a good few weeks. They must be getting back to full strength.

“I’d rather speak on that front and focus on what we can improve then focusing on the
officials because it’s swings and roundabouts. You get some decisions while others you
don’t over the course of the season.

“Thankfully we did the business on Saturday and got over the line with all three points, so we don’t have to focus on that side of things”

This was the Colliers first competitive match since Boxing Day with a postponement and a
free week halting momentum. Having not played a league match for over three weeks,
Hotchkiss gave us an insight on the players’ fitness levels.

“Everything is about fluency, it does not matter what job you do in life, everything is about
fluency. The players need to be playing regularly which they have been. We have trained
and played friendlies, but they don’t resemble the real thing.

“I have to be honest and say I don’t agree with the break from the beginning of January to
now, but we just have to deal with it. The players have worked exceptionally hard in training
despite the break.

“It did influence the first half, but hopefully now the rust is off and we can concentrate on
playing regular football and getting back into our stride. We’ve had wins in the last two
games, and we want to continue that trajectory.”

Easington Colliery now have three games in quick succession with the first being
Wednesday in an away fixture against high flying North Shields. With the recent break, the
players’ fitness levels will always be a concern for the manager, but Hotchkiss is not worried
about his side’s capability to play the upcoming fixtures.

“We’ll touch base with the players, and we’ll assess any injuries or knocks. We didn’t have
any knocks on Saturday, so I am hoping to have a fully fit squad to choose from.

“We have a few players who are on the verge of returning into the team. The squad is
looking in a better place.

“It is a headache to have so many quality players to choose from, but I prefer it that way
because the players know where they stand. I think everyone is at their best when they play
regularly.

“We will assess it and rotate where needed. We’ll attack the next two games and try to get
on the front foot and see where it takes us.”

BY JOHN TALLENTIRE