Bar just a few games either in hand or alreasy contested, we have now reached the halfway stage of this season’s Northern League Division One and with 50% of the campaign behind them, Newcastle Blue Star find themselves in the top 50% of the table.
Then again, not only do Marc Nash’s men sit in the top half of the standings at the halfway stage, but they also find themselves in lying fourth in the table – a position that would be sufficient to earn playoff football at the end of the season.
Quite the achievement considering the club were promoted just six months ago but at the same time, an achievement that is yet to be completed and although Blue Star recently got the better of a fellow promoted hopeful a fortnight ago, last Saturday highlighted how tough this league can be.
Especially when going up against recent foes and fellow promoted outfit Easington Colliery and with any clash between these two sides having plenty of needle, last weekend’s chapter in the ongoing story was no different.
While it was a chapter that was penned early on by Easington. Not only did they go into the break with a goal advantage to go alongside their home one, but their lead would soon be doubled after the interval.
Two goals behind and Blue Star’s character about to be tested in the 35 minutes of the game remaining. Thankfully for manager Nash and those who made the journey through the Tyne Tunnel, Blue Star’s character passed with distinction.
With Dan Lanning’s strike managing to half the deficit with half of the second half remaining, it meant a grandstand finish was just around the corner and those making the noise in the grandstand on behalf of the visitors would duly be rewarded.
A reward that came in the shape of an Easington player putting through his net and although his own goal will nothing in terms of artistry, it was enough for Scotswood’s finest to take back a share of the points to NE15.
Now though, the objective is to win three more on Friday night and after already getting the better of West Auckland in the league once already this season, completing a home and away double will only further boost Blue Star’s playoff bid.
August seems a long time ago in the context of this campaign and in only the third league game of their season, Blue Star completed a five star performance at West Auckland and with this weekend’s visitors only two places further back in sixth, league points will be just as important as revenge.
Something which sets up this upcoming clash rather nicely. A warm welcome goes out to the visiting West Auckland 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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