Yesterday, Newcastle Blue Star produced their best performance of the season so far - to beat Horden CW, in a 1-0 win.
Nelson Ogbewe’s third goal in three games was enough for the victory as Newcastle Blue Star made it four wins on the bounce – to remain at the top of the Northern League Division Two.
It was 1st vs 2nd heading into the game, with three points for either side set to have a huge impact come May. Blue Star visited Welfare Park in fine form having won their last three while Horden were unbeaten in their last eleven league games.
With so much on the line, it was no surprise that the game was very tense and scrappy early on.
Following a number of questionable decisions from the referee, the Blue Star players started to grow more and more frustrated – so much so that in the 16th minute, Michael Richardson got himself sinbinned for protesting to the referee.
Despite the first half not being short of drama, neither side could really create any significant chances in the final third, with the score level at half time – 0-0.
Blue Star started the second half with the wind in their sails and soon took the lead in the 54th minute. Ogbewe would be the player to break the deadlock, rounding the keeper and calmly slotting home – sending the travelling Blue Star supporters into a frenzy.
Horden however nearly replied with a goal of their own just two minutes later – with substitute keeper Ryan Johnson producing a fantastic save, to keep his side in front.
After going ahead, Blue Star went in search of a second goal, nearly doing exactly that in the 58th minute – with Ryan Carr’s bullet header being denied by an outrageous save from the Horden keeper.
Having not been able to score a second, ‘The Star’ could have lived to regret those missed chances, but Horden ultimately failed to create any significant opportunities – failing to break down Blue Star’s stubborn backline.
The pressure would build though in the final ten minutes with a swarm of Horden attacks pinning Blue Star back - 'The Star' though would hold firm and hang on to their slender lead, to come away with a huge victory, 1-0.