Carlisle City vs Newcastle Blue Star (26/12/25)

If you were late through the Teesdale Park turnstiles last Saturday, chances are you would have missed two goals being scored. Hosts Thornaby opening the scoring in the second minute of the game, visitors Newcastle Blue Star equalising just three later.

All the goalscoring action concluded within the first 300 seconds of the encounter and even though there was a floodlight failure with roughly 300 left, it did not halt an eventual draw between the two sides.

A first point for Paul Brayson since taking possession of Blue Star’s managerial baton, the search for a first win continues on Boxing Day. Not only does that search continue but the festive tour is extended to a third successive league away day.

The first of the three saw Blue Star foiled at Whickham 10 days before their upcoming Boxing Day activity. Bailey Adamson’s early strike earning a morale boosting win for a side struggling at the foot of the table.

Maybe taking advantage of a Scotswood outfit that finds itself in transition, maybe taking advantage of Blue Star’s missed opportunities on the night. Advantage or not, the history books still log Whickham as three points better off.

A feeling that Blue Star have not felt since the start of November as they would beat Crook Town 3-0 at the KD Stadium and although the period of time is lengthy, the caveat of multiple postponements must also be considered.

Only five league games played from the start of November to date, not enough for any team looking to generate any momentum regardless of their position in the Northern League Division One table – a position that manager Brayson and his players will look to improve on Boxing Day.

Standing in their way are hosts Carlisle City who got the better of Marske United last Saturday. A 3-0 win on the road placing them just outside the playoff places and they will be keen to make further inroads on the handful of teams ahead.

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