After getting the better of Redcar Town last Saturday, Newcastle Blue Star looked to take that forward momentum into midweek. Unfortunately for the then Northern League Division Two leaders the weather once again had other ideas.
A deluge of Wednesday rain scuppered manager Marc Nash’s best laid plans and with Blue Star left clicking their heels due to an enforced postponement, they have also been left behind at the top of the table.
Victory for Blyth Town the day before has returned them to the highest rung of the league ladder and at the same time, it has put a huge dent in the aspirations of fellow championship rivals Bedlington Terriers.
A title race that now looks like it is down to two genuine contenders and with the second half of the campaign set to begin at the turn of the year, supporters of the leading pair are set to be in for a grandstand finish.
Regardless of what has happened elsewhere, Blue Star’s focus simply shifts to the next game and with a new date needed to host Ryton & Crawcrook Albion, it is Easington Colliery who now play the role of upcoming opponents.
Admittedly Blue Star’s toughest opponent in recent weeks has been the conditions themselves. The winds were bordering on gale force at Mo Mowlem Memorial Park last weekend, thankfully the visitors would breeze past their Redcar-based hosts with a 4-0 away win.
A performance that shows when a game can go ahead, NE15’s finest are more than a handful for anyone who stands in their way and now they will look to get the better of an Easington Colliery side that has won their last two league outings.
Something which sets up this upcoming clash rather nicely. A warm welcome goes out to the visiting Easington Colliery team and support and for those who lend their voice to the home team, make sure to bring the noise throughout.