After a comfortable win over Washington in midweek, it is now seven wins from as many matches. However, Newcastle Blue Star’s next outing is not focusing on Northern League matters, instead it is focusing on making club history.
History that comes in the shape of a first ever FA Vase tie for this iteration of the club and with the draw being made a month or so ago, it is a date that has been firmly etched in many a supporters own personal diaries.
Because Saturday will not only see Blue Star begin their Road to Wembley but it will also see a legion of support take to the road, as they set up the Sat Nav systems to West Yorkshire and the town of Silsden.
Lying in wait will be opponents Silsden AFC – a side that currently operate within the confines of the Northen Counties East League and a league that is positioned a further step higher within the English football pyramid.
Last season saw The Cobbydalers finish 11th of 20 teams and coincidentally they find themselves in the same position at the start of their new league campaign. Then again, it is not points that are up for grabs this weekend but knockout tournament progress instead.
Progress that Brian Smith and his management team will still be confident of making, even if they are going up against Step 9 opposition. For the simple reason that whatever the level, you cannot underestimate a team that has a seven-match winning streak in their possession.
A streak that has certainly become more impressive in the past seven days or so. The last 180 minutes have seen 10 goals scored at one end and perhaps more importantly, none conceded at the other end.
A pair of performances that suggests that Blue Star are now moving up through the gears before they reach September and beyond. A pair of performances that suggest that they are definitely up for the cup in just a few hours.
Something which sets up Saturday’s clash rather nicely indeed. A big thanks to Silsden for the upcoming hospitality and for those attending from an away perspective, safe travels both there and back.