After last weekend saw rain stop play at rather short notice, the weather gods seem to be smiling on Scotswood these past few days. Which means knockout tournament football is on the horizon in just a few hours.
While although the World Cup may currently be in full swing, it is the Challenge Cup which is arguably more important within the confines of NE15. Especially as Blue Star prepare for a semi-final clash.
Not only that, but there is a neat subplot when it comes to their opponents. Brian Smith’s men have only lost one game in all competitions this season and their single reverse came at the hands of Saturday’s visitors Wallington.
A 2-1 defeat in the late summer is the only blot on the current league leaders’ copybook and it is perhaps no coincidence that since that defeat, the team have subsequently gone up through the gears.
Whether the earlier defeat to Wallington was a wake-up call for the rest of the season, that is something only the players and management team will know. However, such a blip has certainly set them in good stead until now.
With the club still competing on every possible front and another still to open next month, talk of potential silverware is now beginning to gain in decibels. While such conversation will only get louder if they reach the Challenge Cup final.
Of course, Wallington cannot and should not be underestimated when they arrive. They have already picked up league points on enemy territory, they would love nothing more than to reach the final at Blue Star’s expense.
Which sets up Saturday’s clash rather nicely indeed. A warm welcome goes out to the travelling Wallington players and support. While for those who lending their voice to the home team, make sure to bring the noise throughout.
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