Whitby Town skipper Lewis Hawkins gave his reaction after an emotional afternoon at Hednesford Town on Saturday, as the club said goodbye to manager Gary Liddle ahead of his move to Hartlepool United, and picked up a battling draw that could yet prove important in the weeks ahead.

The news following the match that Liddle would be leaving to take up the Assistant Manager's role at the National League outfit was a blow for the squad, and it was clear just how highly regarded he is inside the dressing room.

"It’s been an absolute pleasure playing with him," Hawkins said. "I hope everything works out for him. It’s something he deserves and I couldn’t wish him any better for the future."

It felt like a fitting send-off in Liddle's final match in charge, as the Seasiders held joint-table toppers Hednesford to a goalless draw at Keys Park. The performance certainly had all the hallmarks of what Liddle has brought to the side during his time at the club, Hawkins believes.

"It’s a tough place to go," the Town captain reflected. "They won’t drop many points there. I think there was a bit more in it for us first half and we could’ve taken a couple of chances, but you can’t be unhappy with a draw. It was a good send-off for Lidds."

Attention now turns to what comes next, with Lee Bullock and Jason Kennedy stepping in to take charge as Joint-Managers until the end of the 2025/26 season.

"I don’t think anything will change particularly," Hawkins said. "Bully and Jason will come in and the lads have got to help them both out. We've got to stick together and get through the season now."

With the club still locked in a somewhat precarious position in the Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division table, albeit with games in hand, the timing of the change isn’t ideal, but Hawkins believes Saturday's result can be used as a platform to build some momentum.

"To go to Hednesford and get a draw could be the start of something," he added. "We’ve got to kick on, see where we can end up and get out of this battle. We just have to stick together."

Hawkins was also keen to praise young goalkeeper Isaac Allan, who has stepped up admirably in his two outings to date following Shane Bland's injury.

"He’s been absolutely brilliant," said Hawkins. "We took a risk and played a high line on Saturday, so he was off his line a lot, coming out and collecting things. He’s been brilliant for us."