Birtley vs Newcastle Blue Star (09/10/2026)

After a dramatic midweek encounter with Blyth Spartans, Newcastle Blue Star return to Northern League action this evening with another opportunity to build on their recent league form as they make the trip to Birtley.

Tuesday night saw Blue Star edged out 3-2 by Spartans in the Northumberland Senior Cup, with the hosts finding a winner with virtually the last kick of the game to bring a cruel end to an entertaining cup tie.

However, even in defeat there was plenty for Blue Star to take from their midweek performance and especially with Gildo Da Silva opening his account for the club to give the visitors a deserved first-half lead.

Blue Star then came agonisingly close to doubling their advantage in the opening stages of the second half, striking the woodwork on two separate occasions before Spartans weathered the storm and fought their way back to lead 2-1.

Just when it appeared that the hosts would see out the victory, Blue Star were awarded a penalty in the 88th minute, with Jakub Zych making no mistake from the spot to set up a grandstand finish at Croft Park.

Both sides sensed an opportunity to find a winner and avoid a penalty shootout, but in the aftermath of the visitors' final attacking effort, former Blue Star player Dan Lanning struck from distance to settle the tie and break Blue Star hearts.

While the manner of the defeat will undoubtedly have been frustrating, it should not detract from the level of the performance, particularly given that the trip to Blyth came just days after Blue Star's resounding 5-1 league victory over Newcastle Benfield.

Now the aim is to put Tuesday’s cup reverse behind them and instead focus on league matters at Birtley. Should Blue Star be able to make it back-to-back wins in the competition, it will be the first time they have achieved this feat since August.

Tonight's hosts have made an encouraging start to the campaign and find themselves in early play-off contention. Victory would see Birtley move into the top five, at least temporarily, adding further significance to a contest in which both sides have plenty to play for.

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