Northern League: Olly Hotchkiss satisfied with Easington Colliery win against Marske United

Easington Colliery manager Olly Hotchkiss believes his side’s final day win against Marske United provided his players with their ‘story of the season’.

There was little to play for at Welfare Park with the Colliers sitting comfortably in the top ten and their visitor safe from the threat of relegation and, in Hotchkiss’ own words, the two sides played out a ‘typical end of season game’. It was the Colliers that struck first as Liam Adamson took one of a number of opportunities that fell his side’s way during the opening 45 minutes - but their inability to extend their lead was punished when Danny Boyle got Marske back on level-terms just six minutes into the second-half. However, Brad Hird’s goal with the last 20 minutes approaching ensured Hotchkiss could enjoy a winning end to what has been another positive season for his side.

The Colliers boss was left slightly unhappy with some aspects of the performance and believes his players have to show a more clinical side to their game and only securing a narrow win to round off their campaign.

He told The Echo: “It was a typical end of season game where we were in full control in the first-half and probably should have been more than one up. We had a couple of really good openings, a couple of one-on-ones and the keeper has made some really good stops to keep them in the game. We came out a little bit sloppy in the second-half but ultimately, we came good in the end. We got a bit of control back and it should have been more than two-one if we took our chances and became a little bit more clinical. That’s been the story of our season when we’ve been on top.”

Results: Birtley Town 1-1 Whitley Bay, Boro Rangers 1-0 Newcastle Benfield, Crook Town 0-0 Carlisle City, Easington Colliery 2-1 Marske United, Kendal Town 1-2 Thornaby, Shildon 2-5 Guisborough Town, West Auckland Town 3-1 Whickham, Newcastle Blue Star 3-2 North Shields, Northallerton Town 2-0 Horden CW

Boldon CA already preparing for next season

Chris Spence has revealed Boldon CA are planning a short break after their Northern League season came to an end with a 4-1 defeat at Division Two rivals AFC Newbiggin.

Things started brightly in Northumberland as Boldon edged themselves in front inside the opening five minutes as Charlie Whitfield found the net. However, their hosts rallied and goals from Keros Lizinde and Matthew Nelson were on target for their hosts and an Ethan Smith took them out of sight and left Boldon to reflect on a disappointing end to what has been a challenging season.

However, joint-manager Spence has revealed it is a campaign they are keen to move on from by getting a quick start on preparations for next season.

He told The Gazette: “We are looking at going straight into pre-season really. There’ll be a couple of weeks rest and then straight into pre-season. We have a settled squad and I don’t think we need to change much next season, just maybe one or two quality additions rather than a big overhaul again. We have plans and one or two might leave and one or two might come in but there won’t be massive changes because we feel we have ridden out the hard months and we have a settled squad.”

Results: AFC Newbiggin 4-1 Boldon CA, Chester-le-Street Town 0-1 Alnwick Town, Darlington Town 0-3 Redcar Town, FC Hartlepool 3-0 Sunderland RCA, Grangetown Boys Club 4-1 Ryton and Crawcrook Albion, Jarrow 3-0 Esh Winning, Newcastle University 2-4 Billingham Synthonia, Tow Law Town 0-0 Seaham Red Star, Yarm and Eaglescliffe 2-1 Billingham Town

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