After a number of knockout cup fixtures in recent weeks, Newcastle Blue Star returned to league matters on Tuesday and they did so with some style. A relatively short trip to Seaham is one that saw Marc Nash and his players return to NE15 with three more points in their possession.
A performance that offered the perfect response after giving up a two-goal lead to Hallam just three days before and in doing so, going a considerable way to help erase the memory of a bruising FA Cup exit at Scotswood.
While there is no doubt that Tuesday night was a rather bruising encounter. Hosts Seaham were certainly physical in their approach and it would have been easy for Blue Star to be pushed about with events of the weekend still in the back of their minds.
However, Marc Nash’s men were equal to any challenges that came their away and after a goalless opening 45 minutes, it only took 45 seconds or so for Liam Henderson to put the visitors ahead straight after the break.
That goal giving the away side something to protect and they did so in rather secure fashion. A couple of Seaham chances giving reason for the travelling support to catch their breath at times but holding out for a 1-0 win also gave them reason to be cheerful come full time.
Admittedly, the win by a single goal does not tell the full story on the night. Blue Star actually having the ball in the net on three separate occasions – one on either side of the interval, both times a frustrating decision from the officials scrubbed them off.
Just the one goal on the scoresheet but more importantly, maximum points for their maximum efforts and after a run of three successive defeats in all competitions, it was imperative to become familiar with that winning feeling all over again.
Especially as the Northern League Division One outlook looks wide open. No matter the current position, teams are dropping points and considering Blue Star have at least three games in hand on a handful of fellow promotion rivals, there are plenty of opportunities to soon surge up the table.
Which is precisely what Friday’s hosts Birtley Town will be looking to do and after finishing fourth last season, their start to this campaign has been rather slow by comparison. They start the weekend lying 18th in the table and will be keen to put a third win of the league season on the board.
Something which sets up this clash rather nicely indeed. A big thanks to Birtley Town for the upcoming hospitality and for those attending from an away perspective, safe travels both there and back.
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