Weather 3-0 Blue Star. That has been the final score after repeated attempts to face Heaton Stannington A in the League Cup have been constantly foiled. That fixture will eventually be played at some stage, now though the focus pivots back to the league.
Focus that sees Brian Smith and his players travel to Cramlington United this evening and with the weather gods finally shining for a few hours at least, Blue Star’s management team will hope the football gods are as well.
Especially after suffering something of a shock defeat in their last league outing of 2022. One that saw Alnwick earn a deserved 2-0 win in NE15. One that has added additional intrigue to this season’s title race.
Even with defeat, the position in the league is still the same. While due to Burradon & New Fordley being inactive in the league programme this weekend, it offers the current league leaders the chance to extend the gap to eight points.
However, such an opportunity also can be seen as a double-edged sword for Friday’s visitors. Failure to earn maximum points at Cramlington and it is another game in hand for Blue Star’s nearest rivals to profit from.
While because the weather has come out on top in recent weeks, it has also meant enforced inactivity for those who are itching to return to the field of play. A chance for players to rest any niggles over the festive period but also one that can lead to ring rust at the same time.
Although this is not an issue that tonight’s hosts will have to deal with. They were one of the few teams who were able to play last weekend and in doing so, recorded a 6-3 home league win over Whitley Bay A.
Something which sets up Friday’s clash rather nicely indeed. A big thanks to Cramlington United 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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