Northern League: Easington Colliery 'find a way to win' against Newcastle Benfield

Olly Hotchkiss admitted Easington Colliery had to ‘find a way to win’ as they came from a goal down to see off Newcastle Benfield and remain at the top of the Division One table.

It was the struggling visitors that took the lead in a meeting of the league leaders and the bottom of the division side with a goal from Promise Nzumba on the half-hour mark as he fired home at the near post to give his side a shock lead.

Easington’s response was a positive one and they got back on level-terms eight minutes before half-time with a goal from former Sunderland youngster Nathan Greenwood before top goalscorer Liam Adamson put the Colliers in front for the first time in first-half injury time. Adamson went on to secure the points when he fired home his sixth goal in his last three league games with just under quarter of an hour remaining with a cool and composed finish.

Hotchkiss stressed his side had not been at their best but praised his players for claiming another win that keeps them at the top of the table.

He told The Echo: “We are delighted with the win from what was a really tough game. I don’t think we played particularly great, I thought we looked tired and the fixture list is hectic and it’s only right the players are feeling the fatigue and the mental fatigue as well. The performance levels weren’t as good as they have been - but we have found a way to win and we responded really well with the two goals before half-time and then the third.

“I thought the three goals, the finishes were absolutely superb and we are delighted with the win against a very good Benfield side. They caused us problems at times, especially the front two, and we stuck together really well, which really pleased me. We found a win and that’s the sign of a good side.”

Results

Bishop Auckland 3-1 Whitley Bay, Blyth Town 0-2 Shildon, Carlisle City 0-0 Newton Aycliffe, Crook Town 3-0 Northallerton Town, Easington Colliery 3-1 Newcastle Benfield, Kendal Town 2-1 Birtley Town, Newcastle Blue Star 3-2 Marske United, Redcar Town 3-2 Penrith, Thornaby 0-1 Yarm and Eaglescliffe, Whickham 2-5 Horden CW

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