As we finally enter the final week of this Northern League Division Two season it is a quick turnaround for Newcastle Blue Star as they not only prepare to play one of three games in six days, but tonight they also play their second game in just over 48 hours.
Chester-le-Street Town make the visit to Scotswood this evening and it was Blue Star who played the role of visitors on Saturday when they took a trip to champions Blyth Town. A visit that although saw the winning run ended, the unbeaten streak is still very much ongoing.
A winning run that was three in a row before the short trip to Blyth and was almost four at the end of this hardfought clash. 2-1 ahead going into the dying seconds of the encounter, 2-2 at the very end and although the feeling was despondence in the immeadicey, there were plenty of positives to take.
Positives that come in once again matching the team that has recently lifted league silverware and positives that come with making it five matches without defeat – a run that has seen 11 points collected from the last 15 on offer.
Not only that, but the additional point on the board keeps second place in Blue Star’s hands and with Bedlington Terriers also managing a draw at the weekend, they have failed to bite into the gap between the two teams.
With that being said, the race for the playoff places does not just include the pair mentioned above, there are still a handful of outfits that are looking to pick up what is left of the remaining four end of season invites.
One of those outfits is Chester-le-Street Town and with them starting the week lying seventh in the table with two league fixtures left to play, only victory in both would guarantee progress to the playoffs. Not only that, but defeat in just a few hours and their hopes will go up in smoke.
At the same time, Blue Star are not in a position to take their foot off the pedal just yet and because Bedlington Terriers have five games left to play, they still have their eyes set on a late push up the table and finishing the best of the rest.
The same designs that Marc Nash and his players have and the best way to edge closer to a guaranteed second-place finish is with a win this evening. The last time these two teams met it was a 2-2 draw at Moor Park. A draw this time around would do neither side any real favours.
Something which sets up this upcoming clash rather nicely. A warm welcome goes out to the visiting Chester-le-Street Town team and support and for those who lend their voice to the home team, make sure to bring the noise throughout.