Shildon vs Newcastle Blue Star (22/11/2025)

Last Saturday afternoon saw Newcastle Blue Star’s new managerial era begin and with Paul Brayson’s men taking an early lead at Whitley Bay thanks to another poacher’s finish from Dan Lanning, the Scotswood outfit could not have got off to a better start.

Unfortunately, a bright start could not be converted into a positive finish and with title hopefuls Whitley Bay finding parity in the first half before going on to find a winner in the second, manager Brayson and his players were halted in their bid to earn further league points.

The 2-1 defeat by the seaside perhaps not reflecting Blue Star’s performance on the day and although the loss would have been frustrating for those involved, there were still plenty of reasons to be optimistic.

Football being played on the front foot was well cheered by those who made the short journey from NE15, the away fans at Hillheads Park in good voice throughout the 90 minutes – a task they will need to replicate this weekend.

A task they were not able to complete in midweek as the weather got the better of the planned trip to North Shields. That league fixture rescheduled for later on in the season. Next up though, is another visit to County Durham.

Shildon playing the role of hosts and this will be the first time that Blue Star have played on the home team’s new surface. Last season in what is likely to be similarly bitter conditions, the two outfits played out a 2-2 draw thanks to a late comeback from the visitors.

Late drama that afternoon, not so much when Shildon visited the KD Stadium earlier this season. The promotion hopefuls heating up their bid with a 3-1 win last July. They will be keen to add another three points in their bid to hunt down Guisborough at the top of the table.

Then again, Blue Star will be keen to exact revenge for their midsummer night’s defeat to Shildon. Not only to redress the loss of four months prior but to also deliver a first league win for their new management.

Something which sets up Saturday’s clash rather nicely indeed. A big thanks to Shildon for the upcoming hospitality and for those attending from an away perspective, safe travels both there and back.