Newcastle Blue Star vs North Shields (07/10/25)

Although the Road to Wembley has been closed off for another season, the signage to St James’ has now appeared for Newcastle Blue Star and with NFA Senior Cup action on the horizon, manager Marc Nash and his players will be keen to add this piece of silverware to the trophy cabinet.

A horizon that comes into focus in just a few hours and with North Shields making the short journey over to the KD Stadium this evening, it once again pits the two local rivals together in cup competition.

Not only do they both have Northern League Division One promotion on their minds but they have also been paired together in the FA Cup both these season and last – both times victory has been claimed by Scotswood’s finest.

While the weather was far from its finest on Friday night, with strong winds serving as an additionally tough opponent for Blue Star. Already tasked with having to get the better of Horden Community Welfare, they also had to get the better of appalling matchday conditions.

Of course, both teams had to weather the weather last weekend and both teams had to make do with a share of the point after 90 minutes. The visitors going ahead after a long range strike sailed past Dan Lister four minutes in. Four minutes later, Dan Wilson had found parity at the other end.

From that point onwards, Blue Star huffed and puffed in the figurative sense but could not blow Horden’s house down. A litany of chances created either side of the interval but no decisive finish to return the side to winning ways.

A point here added to the blank at Kendal makes for a slightly bruising week and especially when considering Blue Star’s recent momentum up the league table. However, cup football can offer a positive distraction and a positive result this evening may serve as a springboard further on.

Then again, a distraction does not mean the opportunity to take it easy and with North Shields also in the promotion playoff mix, they will be just as keen when it comes to using this clash as the launchpad to progress in the league.

Something which sets up this upcoming clash rather nicely. A warm welcome goes out to the visiting North Shields team and support and for those who lend their voice to the home team, make sure to bring the noise throughout.