If there was any doubt that the Northern League Division One schedule is being played at breakneck speed, you only have to look at where we are within the context of the season - already a third into the campaign and September has not yet finished.
In theory, there is a fair amount of logic in getting as many fixtures in the history books as early possible and if last season’s deluge of rain is to be repeated, any spare dates that are available will need to be called upon.
However, there is also no doubt that the schedule is starting to take its toll on those teams involved and with the fixtures coming every Saturday and Tuesday with no respite in between, squad depth is already being tested to its maximum.
Squad depth that was tested when Newcastle Blue Star travelled to Whitley Bay on Tuesday and although their current league unbeaten run was extended to six consecutive matches, it did come at the sacrifice of two more points.
Going behind is always going to make life difficult for any side that has a deficit to claw back and with Whitley Bay’s Jake Forster heading home after just six minutes, Blue Star’s character was also going to be tested alongside its squad depth.
Especially after another enforced centre back switch in the first half saw Anth Myers go off injured and with a further rejig of the defensive line, Blue Star then had to make sure they did not concede a second before the interval.
Not only did they ride that storm, but they also found parity within the game. Tolu Osiyemi’s forceful run would be rewarded with a penalty and although Sean Reid fluffed his lines from 12 yards, he was quickest to the rebound before slamming the ball home.
The first half ending all square, the same status in the second and with the next 45 minutes leaving little to write home about, a draw on the night seemed about right. Slight disappointment not to earn all three points for Marc Nash and his players, more so with it being the use of a game in hand.
However, the main positive to take from the game is that the unbeaten run is still intact and it will be placed under further jeopardy this weekend when Tow Law visit Scotswood. The visitors may be bottom of the table but have found a slight uptick in form and will be keen to make more progress.
Something which sets up this upcoming clash rather nicely. A warm welcome goes out to the visiting Tow Law 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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