After rain stopped play last weekend, there was eventually no stopping Newcastle Blue Star on Wednesday night. A third Northern League game of the season, a third victory subsequently etched into the history books.
Billingham Synthonia served as the next team to go up against last season’s Northern Alliance Premier Division champions and like with the victories over Jarrow and Yarm & Eaglescliffe, the pattern of their defeat would play out in the same way.
Just like in the first two wins of the season, Brian Smith’s men had to come from behind in order to earn maximum points. Admittedly it is not a template that you would want to see all season, but one should not overlook the fight and desire that is showed after handing out these head starts.
As shown in the opening week of the campaign, Blue Star not only dug in when it mattered but also created an abundance of chances. There is nothing regarding desperation when going a goal down, more a sense that good things will come in the end.
The perfect measure between composure and patience was on show in the second half at Billingham Synthonia. That same composure and patience was rewarded with an eventual 3-1 win – with Curtis Coppen, Michael Richardson and Dan Lanning all finding themselves on the scoresheet.
Now the focus turns to Saturday’s trip to Esh Winning and the hosts will be looking to awaken themselves from an early season slumber. With four fixture rounds played, they currently find sit bottom of the table.
There is mitigating circumstance in that they have only played two fixtures to date and Thursday night saw them suffer a second loss of the season, as they lost 5-0 to Easington Colliery. With that heavy defeat still ringing loudly in their ears, they will look to finally get off the mark for 2023/24.
Something which sets up Saturday’s clash rather nicely indeed. A big thanks to Esh Winning for the upcoming hospitality and for those attending from an away perspective, safe travels both there and back.
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