Recap
HOOPS HOST BLUE STAR IN HISTORIC FIRST EVER BROOKS MILESON LEAGUE CUP SEMI-FINAL
THE HOOPS HAVE MADE IT TO THE FINAL FOUR FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER BUT FACE A STERN TEST AS IN FORM BLUE STAR HEAD DOWN TO THE ARROWMARK.
Despite missing out on play-offs due to results elsewhere on the final day, Newcastle Blue Star were in the best form of anyone as the season drew to a close. Including the last two rounds of this competition, they have won nine games in a row, with six of those games at home, where they had the fourth best record in the division. Of the 22 goals that they have scored in their 9 straight wins, 20 have been scored by either Sean Reid (9), Daniel Lanning (7) or Dan Stephenson (4). Over the course of the season, it has been Lanning who has lead Blue Star’s goalscoring efforts with 23 goals in all competitions.
These two sides have already met twice this league season in the league, with one win apiece. Back in October, Birtley came out 5-3 winners in a thrilling contest which included four goals in the 15 minutes after half time. James Proctor scored twice for the Hoops with Marley, Harrison and Thear also on the scoresheet. In the second meeting, Blue Star came out on top at home. The Hoops lead at half time with Owen Lancaster forcing it home just before the break. However after losing Proctor to a second yellow, the hosts managed to turn it around with three late goals.
As for Birtley, we ourselves come into this one seven unbeaten in all competitions. The key to that has been our strong back line, with four clean sheets in that run. Goals have come more recently with four put past Newcastle Benfield and Thornaby in the last two rounds of this competition and North Shields being hit for six in our penultimate league fixture. We closed out the league season with a home draw against third place finishers Whitley Bay with Charlie Armin scoring an injury time equaliser.
As mentioned all week we are hoping for a big crowd for this one so get down and back the boys as we hope to reach the final of the Brooks Mileson League Cup. We look forward to seeing you all down at the Arrowmark Home Improvements Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Doors open at 1pm. Cash and Card are acceptable both for entry and inside Wadgey’s Bar which is open as always.
UP THE HOOPS
