After last Saturday saw Wallington hit for six, their Challenge Cup exploits would be brought to a shuddering halt by Newcastle Blue Star.
Not only did a half dozen goals earn the winning side entry to the final, but it also exacted revenge for this season’s only defeat in all competitions.
With the date and location of the Challenge Cup’s showpiece event still to be announced, Blue Star’s focus now pivots back to the Northern Alliance Premier Division and a gap at the top that has shrunk by three points.
What was an eight-point buffer last week, is now a five-point margin going into this. With activity in the league recentlytaking place elsewhere, it afforded Burradon & New Fordley the opportunity to reel in the current league leaders.
A scenario that was always likely to be the case and although Brian Smith’s men were previously eight points clear, it did come with a slight caveat. A caveat that was a game in hand for Burradon but a caveat that is no more.
Now all things are equal in terms of games played and as both the top two approach the halfway stage of their respective league campaigns, Saturday’s results will create perfect marker between what has happened and what is still to come.
While on the immediate horizon for NE15’s finest is a trip to Haltwhistle Jubilee. A team they welcomed only a few weeks ago and with two late goals eventually earning a 4-2 home win, such success could be pivotal come the end of the season.
Because at one stage it looked as if at least two points were to be dropped. Not only was the kitchen sink thrown at the Haltwhistle defence after going 2-1 down but a penalty was also missed in the second half.
However, grit, determination and maybe the slightest bit of fortune won through in the end. A win that was celebrated long afterwards in the Blue Star marquee. An away defeat that was commiserated in the same location.
A revenge-based plot that sets up Saturday’s clash rather nicely. A big thanks to Haltwhistle 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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