Billingham Synthonia v Newcastle Blue Star (09/08/2023)

It may be the first week of August but unfortunately rain stopped play for Newcastle Blue Star at the weekend. A deluge of unseasonal summer rain means that the visit of Chester-le-Street has been put back until the end of September.

Thankfully the weather conditions look better at the start of this week and with the Northern League fixtures coming thick and fast, preparations now pivot to the first of two trips to Billingham between now and next May.

This time around it is Billingham’s Synthonia who play the role of hosts on Wednesday and their Stokesley Sports Clubwill be keen to welcome last season’s Northern Alliance champions – especially as both sides go into the midweek clash unbeaten.

After their comeback win over Yarm & Eaglescliffe a week or so ago, it is six points from six for Brian Smith’s men. While their hosts having played a game more have picked up seven from the first nine made available.

League places do not mean a great deal in the first few rounds of the season but for those who are interested, it is Billingham Synthonia who find themselves the higher of the two before kickoff. The hosts lie third in the table, the visitors lie two places below in fifth.

Not only that, but the home team have not been shy in front of goal thus far. Three games played, nine goals scored – an average of three per game and this is something that the travelling defence will have to be wary of.

Then again, any kinks in Blue Star’s defence can usually be ironed out by its steamrolling attack and although they were foiled by increased waterfall just days ago, they will look to turn the heat up on their upcoming opponents.

Something which sets up Wednesday’s clash rather nicely indeed. A big thanks to Billingham Synthonia for the upcoming hospitality and for those attending from an away perspective, safe travels both there and back.