Yesterday, Newcastle Blue Star continued their perfect start to 2024, with a dominant 5-0 win away at Billingham Town.
Goals from Nelson Ogbewe, Callum Larmouth, Dan Lanning and a brace from Connor Oliver handed Blue Star a well-earned three points on the road – a win which took them to the summit of the Northern League Division Two.
Following their well-fought 2-0 over Prudhoe YC last time out, Blue Star took the trip to County Durham looking to continue their promotion push. Billingham meanwhile entered the game eager for three points, having not tasted victory since mid-November.
Despite an early sin-bin for Oliver, Blue Star started the game on top – taking the lead in the 29th minute, with some smart build-up around the box eventually leading to Ogbewe pulling the ball back for Oliver, who calmly slotted home from six yards.
Ogbewe would then turn from provider to goalscorer, doubling Blue Star’s lead in the 33rd minute, with Stephen Forster’s long ball landing perfectly at the feet of the forward, who slotted past the on-rushing Billingham keeper.
Blue Star would then go into the half-time break with a well-deserved 2-0 lead.
Looking to right the wrongs of the first half, the home side came out of the traps quickly, they would however be the masters of their own downfall after their number two was sent off in the 50th minute for a second booking.
Following the sending-off, Blue Star looked to further extend their lead and would do exactly that in the 60th minute, with Oliver grabbing his second goal evening thanks to a superb long-range effort.
Blue Star would not stop there, however, making it 4-0 just five minutes later when Larmouth rounded off, yet another great team move with a delightful finish from the edge of the box.
Just as it seemed as if the game would peter out for a comfortable 4-0 win for Blue Star, there would be some late drama. As in the 85th minute, Oscar Hartley would be brought down in the box and ‘The Star’ would be awarded a penalty. Oliver would step up to the penalty spot for his hattrick, his effort though would be saved by the Billingham keeper.
Just a minute later though, Blue Star would be awarded yet another penalty when the Billingham keeper brought down Lanning as the striker bared down on goal. The Billingham keeper would then be sent off for his challenge, leaving the home side with nine men.
Lanning would be the one to step up to the spot this time and the young forward would calmly convert his penalty, to round off a perfect performance for Blue Star, 5-0.