Newcastle Blue Star vs North Shields (17/04/2026)

It all boils down to this, 35 league games played before Friday night, just one more of the regular season remaining. A win for Newcastle Blue Star would put them in the playoff positions for at least a few hours, then all eyes will be fixed on what happens a day later.

The reason it all boils down to the last 90 minutes of the league season is due to the phenomenal run that Blue Star have generated over the past few weeks. Six league games played, a half dozen of successive wins.

Add a League Cup win in that run for good measure and there is absolutely no stopping Paul Brayson’s men at present. Their last outing took them to Crook last Saturday, a disciplined performance on the road made sure of another three points.

An early diving header from Craig Scott in the seventh minute and then a composed finish from Dan Lanning with seven first half minutes remaining made sure the race for the playoffs goes down to the wire. Now it all comes down to who can hold their nerve the most.

Especially with Blue Star playing first when compared to their playoff rivals. All the Scotswood outfit have done these past few weeks is do their bit and hope things land their way, there is one more hurdle left to clear – not to mention calling in a few favours elsewhere.

Just to add to the drama of the league’s final weekend of the season, Blue Star have to welcome North Shields to the KD Stadium in just a few hours and although the visitors could technically make the top five, it would need a monumental swing in goal difference for that to happen.

However, our local foes will be in absolutely no mood to willingly help Blue Star’s playoff bid. Truth be told, they would love nothing more than to block it once for all and will no doubt be keen to bounce back after suffering defeat to Birtley last weekend.

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.