Although a deluge of rain did not stop Newcastle Blue Star taking to the field last Saturday. The conditions that hammered down on the Scotswood pitch made sure that Tuesday’s scheduled hosting of Ryton & Crawcrook would be postponed once again.
The visit of Thornaby last weekend was played out in conditions resembling a mud bath and with such a surface not being conducive to football of a free flowing nature, the spectacle was certainly one for the purists.
Purists who would have been absolutely soaked by the time Dan Turner headed home a late winner with just seven minutes remaining and after slipping up at home to Newcastle University in their previous outing, the maximum points went someway to offering an ideal response.
Admittedly the overall performance was a little rough around the edges but the softness of the pitch can be offered in terms of mitigating circumstance and with a win being needed before kick-off, it was one of those occasions where simply getting the job done was most important.
A job that sees Blue Star wrestle back second place in the Northern League Division Two table and with both they and Bedlington Terriers being separated by just two points before the weekend activities, they are not simply aiming to be the best of the rest before the playoffs begin.
With conditions not showing any signs of improving, the final quarter of this season is going to be closer to a war of attrition and with the likelihood of teams playing twice a week at least from here on in, things are about to get rather interesting.
Interest that will increase by the time we get to this Saturday and with upcoming opponents Horden Community Welfare currently within the playoff paying positions, they also have one eye on extending their campaign by a few more weeks.
When these two teams met before Christmas, the league picture was slightly different. Both outfits at the sharpest end of the table and Blue Star earning maximum points by the barest of margins. Not only will Horden’s finest want to close the gap on their hosts, but they will also look to exact revenge.
Something which sets up this upcoming clash rather nicely. A warm welcome goes out to the visiting Horden Community Welfare team and support and for those who lend their voice to the home team, make sure to bring the noise throughout.