They say you learn more in defeat than in victory and this Saturday we will find out if this has been the case for Newcastle Blue Star and after picking up maximum points from their first three encounters, their perfect start to the campaign came to an end on Wednesday.
With a 2-1 defeat to Wallington now in the history books, those involved must consign that result to history itself and the best way to do that, is by returning to winning ways after meeting on Cramlington this Saturday.
Whether Wednesday’s reverse at home to Wallington was deserved, is one that is up for debate. On another day, chances are taken at one end and there is not a questionable penalty award given at the other.
However, that is the rub of the green at times and if you are asking questions of the officials, then you usually need to ask some questions of yourself at the same time. Now though, it is not time for soul-searching or licking of wounds, it is the time for answers.
Especially as both Blue Star and Cramlington find themselves on nine points from their first 12 made available and with Burradon & New Fordley now three clear at the top, dropped points is not going to be on either agenda at Scotswood this Saturday.
Not to forget that Cramlington picked up a rather impressive 3-2 win over defending champions Killingworth in midweek and after earning promotion at the end of last season, they are certainly not making up the numbers at the level above.
While their trip to NE15 will also be a litmus test to their own ambitions for this campaign and with only a defeat to Gateshead Rutherford acting as a blot on their copybook thus far, they will certainly offer a test to Brian Smith’s men.
Which sets up Saturday’s clash rather nicely indeed. A warm welcome goes out to the travelling Cramlington players and support and for those who lending their voice to the home team, make sure to create a festival atmosphere this weekend.