Newcastle Benfield vs Newcastle Blue Star (17/03/2026)

With West Allotment’s reported withdrawal from the Northern League, there is set to be disruption to the current standings. Records expunged. Points deleted up and down the league ladder – something that does not actually alter Blue Star’s existing tally.

Depending on what comes out in the wash, it could boost their standing in the table and maybe give them a late leg up in the bid for a top five finish. There are still seven scheduled fixtures remaining, the first of those in just a few hours.

A short trip to Newcastle Benfield awaits – a venue that Blue Star boss Paul Brayson obviously knows very well and it was a longer trip to title challengers Guisborough on Saturday. A trip that saw the Scotswood outfit having to come home empty handed.

Guisborough taking the lead just before the interval through Elliott Beddow, Blue Star restoring parity midway through the second half. Dan Lanning’s run timed to perfection and although the forward had every right to attempt a finish, he turned provider instead.

His inch-perfect pass being met expertly by the onrushing Collins Unareokpa, he’ll never get a simpler opportunity to open his Blue Star account. Scores level with plenty of time remaining, who if anyone would find a winner?

Guisborough given not one but two opportunities to restore their lead from 12 yards. The first one spurned, the second – awarded after former Blue Star favourite Tolu Oseyemi tumbled in the box, netted past Dan Lister with 10 minutes left on the clock.

A slightly controversial end to the game, Paul Brayson’s men not quite getting the rub of the green but still with positives to take from defeat. Another positive sign for next season but they themselves need to be converted into positive results.

Tonight’s hosts Newcastle Benfield also falling short against title chasing opposition at the weekend. A narrow 1-0 loss to Shildon helping the leaders’ automatic promotion cause. That defeat also coming on their own soil, they will be keen to redress that in just a few hours.

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