News: Mason confident ahead of Evo-Stik

Having joined Colls in October from Widnes, Darrhyl Mason is looking forward to completing his first pre-season with Colls. The striker, who can count a host of Evo-Stik sides as his previous clubs, fully believes that Collieries can compete in the league this campaign and is relishing the challenge. Making his debut on October 1st 2016 in a home victory over Maine Road, fans were immediately drawn to Mason's raw pace and physical power. Some questioned whether this was just him on his debut trying to prove a point but this is all part of the forward's game and something which has made him become a pivotal part of the side over the last few months.

Mason signing ahead of the 2017/18 season

Despite making an immediate impact, Mason soon went out on a dual-registration deal to Mossley and then Ramsbottom United respectively. It was on his debut for Ramsbottom that he put in a man-of-the-match performance and also scored in a 2-0 victory over Brighouse Town. He looked to be seeing out the season at Ramsbottom but he returned to The Kensite Stadium in time for the home league game against Runcorn Linnets with manager Michael Clegg convincing the 22 year old to help out in the promotion push. Mason said, "I love it here at Colls. The camaraderie between not just the players but the coaches, fans and board is fantastic. It's not often you could attempt to win a league title while having a laugh along the way." "Most importantly for me on a personal note is that I've found a management team who believe in me and always encourage me to be the best that I can." Starting out at Cheadle Town, Mason soon made the step up a couple of divisions, moving to New Mills before then being secured by Witton Albion. While still only being young he does have a wealth of Evo-Stik experience and he believes Colls will do well this season. "I think we can definitely push for play-offs if we give it a good go. The quality in the Colls dressing room is just as good, if not better, than that in the Evo-Stik dressing rooms I've been in." When asked if there are any matches he is particular looking forward to, there was only going to be one answer following last season.

"Obviously I would love to go back to Ramsbottom and beat them but I'm really just looking forward to the whole season. It will be very interesting to see how we get on travelling to the likes of South Shields and Scarborough Athletic." With Mark Battersby and Jordan Cover in the side, Mason often found himself playing more as a winger and it was a role that he embraced as the campaign progressed. He is looking ahead to the new season and has set himself some sensible targets, which if they come into fruition, would benefit the club immensely. He explained, "I feel I need to score more goals this season. Its' all well and good running around like a headless chicken with no end product. If I reach 15 goals this time around I will consider it a successful one on a personal note." "On a team front we really just need to keep doing what we're good at. Anybody who watched us last season will know that's working for each other with the aim of keeping clean sheets and ultimately winning games."