Blyth Spartans vs Newcastle Blue Star (08/08/2026)

After a difficult opening to the league campaign, Newcastle Blue Star will be hoping the FA Cup can provide a welcome change of focus as they make the relatively short journey to Blyth Spartans on Saturday.

That opening to the season sees Blue Star still searching for their first league victory of the season and the search continues after suffering a 4-1 defeat at Easington Colliery on Wednesday night, leaving the Scotswood outfit with just a single point to their name.

Their third defeat in four league matches was certainly a game of two halves in midweek and with Blue Star taking a first-half lead through Jakub Zych, their only real regret would have been failing to double that advantage before the break.

The reason for that regret would have been the vicious winds they subsequently had to play into for the remaining 45 minutes and with Wednesday’s hosts being assisted by such conditions, it gave them an unmistakable edge after the interval.

Four unanswered goals for Easington Colliery led to them securing all three points and although the 4-1 scoreline may hint at a resounding defeat, the combination of conditions and lack of Blue Star experience arguably flattered the victors.

However, their can be no argument about the excitement levels going into Saturday’s clash and with cup football offering a fresh opportunity, Blue Star will be looking to build on their recent progress in this competition.

Having made strong early strides in the FA Cup over the past two seasons, the side will be aiming to produce another memorable run and in doing so, subsequently give themselves a platform to move up the Northen League standings.

While the Northern League is what Blyth Spartans managed to avoid relegation to just a few months ago and with their 2026/27 campaign only getting underway this weekend, they will be cautious of local opponents looking for a first win in theirs.

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