After going six Northern League Division One games unbeaten, it was unlucky number seven for Newcastle Blue Star last Saturday afternoon. A home encounter with Tow Law looked like being a draw at best for large portions, unfortunately it ended in the worst possible outcome.
Defeat that was arguably more of a bitter pill to swallow when considering Tow Law are bottom of the table at present and whereas they took their sole chance of the game, Blue Star were punished for not taking what few they had.
A late goal for the visitors sinking Blue Star and halting the momentum that had been previously created from what has been a rather relentless schedule. Perhaps the cycle of Tuesday to Saturday football finally paid its price, perhaps a midweek rest may do the team some additional good.
While a rest on Tuesday was precisely what Blue Star were afforded this week and with no midweek activity to worry about, manager Marc Nash and his players can now place all their focus on a trip to Boro Rangers on Saturday.
A trip that will see the Scotswood outfit visit the team that currently finds itself second in the table and just two points behind Redcar Athletic having played a game less and just how Nash’s men suffered a shock last weekend, they will look to pull off a relative shock of their own.
Even though last Saturday’s defeat was a tough one to take, it should not undermine the efforts of the past month or so. A raft of injury or unavailability never helps at the best of times, to both can seriously derail any plans a management team may have.
However, for all the absence that has been enforced of late, Blue Star have held their own and more in their new surroundings and go into this weekend’s clash sitting ninth in the table with games in hand over all the eight clubs that sit above.
As for Saturday’s hosts Boro Rangers, they have picked up 10 points from the last 18 on offer and it is this slight downturn in form which has opened the door to Redcar Athletic – a door that they will look to prise back open at the weekend.
Something which sets up this clash rather nicely indeed. A big thanks to Boro Rangers for the upcoming hospitality and for those attending from an away perspective, safe travels both there and back.
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