You wait for one September clash between Newcastle Blue Star and Birtley Town and then two almost come along at once. The two sides meeting just a fortnight ago within the confines of Northern League Division One and they will do so again this Friday night.
This time around it is Blue Star’s Scotswood home that will play host to the two teams but two weeks ago it was The Arrowmark Home Improvements Stadium that staged a lively 1-1 draw between these opposing forces.
A draw and a subsequent point which certainly had to earned by Marc Nash’s men and after finishing the game a player lighter than their hosts due to goalkeeper Dan Lister’s sending off, a point was the minimum that Blue Star deserved for their endeavour that evening.
One point that on another evening could have been three and although there was frustration at missed chances, there were no such pessimism after Blue Star’s trip to Penrith on Saturday. This time, it was three more points to take back to NE15 and three goals being scored in the process.
Just like a long wait and then a quickfire double between Blue Star and Birtley, you could say just the same about Dan Lanning’s scoring of goals. The long streak without being on the scoresheet ended in emphatic style as the youngster’s brace played a considerable part in securing victory.
A considerable part but far from the only part and although Penrith started and ended the game strongly, they were not strong enough to stop manager Marc Nash overseeing his fourth successive league encounter without defeat.
With an artificial surface and far from artificial winds to deal with, Blue Star’s narrow 3-2 lead going into the last few minutes was always going to be under severe test at Penrith but it was a test that a largely young squad passed with flying colours.
Four without loss and eight points collected from the last 12 on offer and a routine 3-0 win at Bedlington Terriers in the Northumberland Senior Cup on Tuesday, means momentum is picking up quite a pace.
Momentum that puts Blue Star in the middle of the league pack but with a considerable number of games in hand over the teams above and the continuation of their current unbeaten run, it can quickly change midtable into the playoff pack.
By the same token, Friday’s visitors will be keen to use their handful of spare games for a similar reason. After a strong 2023/24 campaign, things are yet to click for a side that finished in the playoffs last season and if they are to repeat that feat, fortunes will need to change rather quickly.
Something which sets up this upcoming clash rather nicely. A warm welcome goes out to the visiting Birtley Town 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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