I was so, so proud of the lads on the back of their effort and commitment to win against Hednesford Town on Tuesday night. I said ahead of last Saturday’s game at Ashton United about the need for consistency and that was the main brunt of my team talk pre-match in midweek.

We picked up a decent point at home to Prescot Cables and that was backed up with a really good performance at Ashton. We didn’t just accept that, we had that mentality of wanting more.

On the quality of performance in the midweek outing:

Right from the start against Hednesford I felt we were on it and it was a really good game to watch. Hednesford played their part in it too. They’re one of the favourites for the league for a very good reason and that was clear to see with some of the personnel they had on display, but I’ve got a good, committed group of players.

They’ve shown glimpses across the season so far without getting the results, but over the last couple of games especially they’ve really shown up and I’m really proud of them.

On the game against Bamber Bridge:

The key going into Saturday's match is not to rest on two wins or three undefeated if you include the Prescot game. We need to go again which is what the best teams do, and that’s how you find yourself on good runs of form.

We’ve all of a sudden found ourselves in a decent league position, and with how close the league is at the moment runs of form are crucial. We’ve got to enjoy it but we won’t rest on our laurels. We’ll prepare accordingly and properly for what will be a tough game. Hopefully we get a good crowd back at home.

Collins on the back of registering his first goal of the season against Hednesford Town:

I'm delighted to have scored, but I'm more delighted for the team really. We've had two big wins against two heavy hitters in the league.

We showed on Tuesday that when we get the ball down and we want to play, we can beat any team in the league.

On the quality of football, particularly leading up to Tuesday night's goals:

I think the referee did us a big favour in my goal on Tuesday night because he could have pulled it up for a free-kick on DC (Donald Chimalilo) on the edge of the box.

Sometimes luck hasn't gone our way but we know that if we play like we can chances will go our way and that started against Ashton and we managed to get six goals in two games.

As a team, we've looked really good in units which was the case on Tuesday night. We've worked hard, and looked like we had each other's backs.

On his return to form following a troubled start to the season personally:

When you have a bit of time off, it takes you a while to re-adjust. I knew myself that I wasn't at my best and I still think that's yet to come, but I'm liking the way each game's going.

I'm getting fitter and I'm starting to be more aggressive which is paying off in my performances.

Bamber Bridge in profile

Nickname: Brig
Manager: Jamie Milligan
Last encounter: Bamber Bridge 0-2 Whitby Town, Pitching In Northern Premier League, 4 January 2025, SFC Stadium