Twice foiled in recent cup outings, twice foiled by inclement weather. That has been the recent tale of the tape for Newcastle Blue Star and after quickfire postponements before the trip to Billingham Town and the visit of Thornaby, it is fair to say that those involved are itching for a competitive duel.
One that if the weather behaves itself as expected over the next few hours, will see Blue Star make the relatively short trip to Prudhoe YC and a team that has some familiar names and faces within its coaching and playing personnel.
There may be familiarity in terms of opposition but that does not mean there will be time for nicety either. Prudhoe and Blue Star have been recent foes in the Northern Alliance, their previous skirmishes at that level have certainly not been forgotten by either fanbase.
As always, the past is the past and now it is time to look ahead to the here and now. Brian Smith’s men have not managed to contest a league fixture in nearly four weeks but not all that much has changed at the top of the table.
This time last week, it was Blyth Town who straddled the top of the Northern League Division Two table on goal difference. Just as much inactivity for them has meant the same tiebreaker splits themselves and Scotswood’s finest.
However, there is the neat plot twist of Blyth Town being in FA Vase action at the weekend. A scenario that allows Blue Star to potentially return to the top of the standings. Even a point would achieve this, three would only make such a change more emphatic.
Especially as the fixture schedule is now starting to look more congested after recent postponements and any advantage that comes from additional points rather than games in hand will be gratefully received at this stage.
Something which sets up Friday’s clash rather nicely indeed. A big thanks to Prudhoe YC for the upcoming hospitality and for those attending from an away perspective, safe travels both there and back.