After weather once again got the better of Newcastle Blue Star's attempt to play at Chester-le-Street United, their focus now pivots quickly to home matters.
No league football on Tuesday but Non-League Day on Saturday and with Sunderland West End travelling to the West End of Newcastle, this special day in the football calendar has served up a Tyne/Wear Derby of sorts.
A derby that has already been contested earlier in the season and with Blue Star running out 5-1 enemy territory, a similar glut of goals would be welcomed by manager Marc Nash.
Especially a lack of goals has been something of a major symptom in Blue Star's recent ills and after suffering a 2-1 defeat at FC Hartlepool just over a week ago, it also means third position in the league before the weekend's events begin.
While due to their being no events in midweek, it now means Blue Star have to play their final 10 league games of the season in the space of 27 days - and also hope there is no further inclement weather.
A packed schedule that means Blue Star's battalion will have to be fully stocked in this final month of the regular season. More importantly Nash and his players must still secure a top five finish as recent form has been largely inconsistent.
Whereas Saturday's opponents Sunderland West End find themselves in the relegation zone at present and although their struggles are of a different kind, the last team you want to play at this stage, is one that is fighting for its life.⁹
Something which sets up this upcoming clash rather nicely. A warm welcome goes out to the visiting Sunderland West End 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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