With this fixture originally being scheduled for August, Newcastle Blue Star will once again open their Scotswood doors to Chester-le-Street United. Last time out it was the weather that was declared the winner, now both teams will be looking to end September with three more points to their name.
While it was three points that Brian Smith’s men picked up at the weekend, as they found themselves in seventh heaven at Brandon United. A 7-1 win on the road was emphatic as it was important.
Important because the race to sit at the top of the Northern League table has only intensified further and with this being the first of the two games that Blue Star will play this week, the ramifications in terms of positioning will be huge.
Even though NE15’s finest find themselves lying fourth in the table at the time of writing, there are only three points separating they and three teams that sit above them. A win on Tuesday and Blue Star will have a superior rank over all of them.
Because not only was an emphatic win recorded on Saturday, but it also saw the goal difference ratcheted up at quite a pace. Goal difference that is already more positive than current pacesetters Horden Community Welfare.
Just to make things even more interesting, it is Horden Community Welfare that serve as hosts and opponents on Saturday. An encounter that could see both teams start the day on 32 points and also possess the top two rungs on the league ladder.
As tempting as it is to look ahead to the weekend, there are early week matters to also be dealt with and this is where Chester-le-Street United enter the picture - a picture that sees them struggling to really get the season underway.
12 or so months ago, it was Blue Star who ran out 3-1 winners in a pre-season friendly, but that is a rather long time in football and more importantly, there were no league points on offer. Tuesday night will make sure the intensity is increased for both sides.
Something which sets up this upcoming clash rather nicely. A warm welcome goes out to the traveling Chester-le-Street United team and support and for those who lend their voice to the home team, make sure to bring the noise throughout.
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