After a break in the cold weather allowed Blue Star to take to the field of play last weekend, there was no break in their usual standard of performance and with Newcastle Chemfica making the trip to Scotswood, they would have to make do with an empty-handed return to Longbenton.
No additional league points for them, but three more in the bag for Brian Smith’s men and with both they and Burradon & New Fordley recording respective maximums, it is still as you were at the top of the Northern Alliance Premier Division.
Although with their being no more league games in the month of March, Blue Star now have to put their cup hat back on and with two knockout fixtures in the space of the week, this is going to be a pivotal seven days for their 2022/23 campaign.
The rescheduled Challenge Cup final against Seaton Delaval takes place this coming Wednesday but first there is a trip to Alnwick on the horizon and one that sees a berth in the League Cup semi-finals up for grabs.
While just like with their recent Benevolent Bowl trip to Wallington, there is a certain score to be settled. Only two teams have got the better of NE15’s finest during the season and three weeks ago saw revenge exacted at Oakford Park.
Now it is time to right the other outstanding wrong and after Alnwick earned themselves an away league win just three days before Christmas, their 2-0 victory certainly lessened the festive cheer in and around the Blue Star camp.
However, a multitude of wins in all competitions has since given the current league leaders plenty of reasons to be cheerful and if they can make further progress in this cup competition, there will be plenty of smiles at the start of this weekend.
Something which sets up Friday’s clash rather nicely indeed. A big thanks to Alnwick for the upcoming hospitality and for those who will be attendance from an away perspective, safe travels both there and back.
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