Blue Star were certainly at the double last weekend. Double figures that is. After recording an emphatic 11-0 win over Forest Hall Celtic, their rampant victory has seen them ease into the next round of the League Cup.
Now though, it is another cup for Brian Smith’s men to deal with and this Saturday, sees NE15’s finest on the road once again. The competition is the Benevolent Bowl, the destination is Haltwhistle Jubilee.
Another away day to deal with but ultimately the objective is the same as that of the last two – further progress within the confines of knockout football. While a look at their previous two wins could not have offered a pair of such varying performances.
After requiring penalties to advance to the tie against Forest Hall Celtic, any lessons regarding underestimating the opposition were certainly taken on board by the players and they subsequently offered up a footballing education at East Palmersville.
Not only that, but there has been a feeling that a big win was soon going to be on the cards. One where all the play in the attacking third is converted with ruthless efficiency and this is precisely what was delivered just a few days ago.
Which is exactly what the management team will hope once they make the journey to Haltwhistle. The two sides have already met twice in the league this season, the history books have recorded two wins for Blue Star.
Admittedly last October’s meeting in Scotswood needed plenty of late drama to make sure three points were in the bag.
Thankfully matters were far more routine when the venue was reversed some six weeks later, as a 3-0 win was added to the previous 4-2 home victory.
Now though, Haltwhistle will look to ignore the league placings of the two teams involved. Instead, they will look to use home advantage to their own advantage and this has all the hallmarks of another intriguing cup tie.
Something which sets up Saturday’s clash rather nicely indeed. A big thanks to Haltwhistle Jubilee 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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