Recap
10-MAN HOOPS FALL TO DEFEAT IN CHAOTIC CLASH
Newcastle Blue Star came out on top against Birtley after a highly controversial second half which involved two red cards and many more yellows.
Much like the reverse fixture, the game started in frantic fashion in front of a boisterous 343-strong crowd. Despite the energetic start neither team came particularly close to creating a propor shot on goal in the early stages. About halfway through the first period Daniel Lanning leathered a free kick when well placed but it was blocked by Lewis Exley. By this stage Ryan Hammer was receiving all sorts from those behind the goal even when he was nowhere near involved in the play. There’s football banter and then there’s abuse and it was the latter being hurled at the Birtley number one.
Anyway moving on, and a Blue Star forward beat the offside trap and appeared to be about to get a shot off but Kyle Wharton – fresh from his 100th start in the week – swooped in with a brilliant defensive intervention. The hosts began to up the pressure and Wharton had to be there again to force a corner under pressure from Unuareokpa.
Birtley then began to grow and hold possession for longer higher up the pitch. As the clock ticked into injury time, the Hoops forced a corner. The ball was whipped in and the keeper could only fingertip it under pressure and Owen Lancaster was there to bundle home. The Hoops had the lead and shortly after the half time whistle was blown.
HALF TIME | NEWCASTLE BLUE STAR 0-1 BIRTLEY TOWN
Blue Star began the second half strong as they hunted for a quick equaliser. Stephenson’s header was headed goalwards but Hammer made an excellent acrobatic save. The hosts then had a man put in the book as James Proctor was brought down on halfway.
Shortly after and the ref was back in his pockets drawing a different colour. Proctor – already on a yellow – fouled the Blue Star defender on the edge of the hosts’ penalty area. At least six Blue Star players pelted it towards the referee who in the moment had seemed happy to move on. He then returned towards the incident and gave Proctor his marching orders.
Despite holding almost all the possession against 10 men, it took the hosts 20 minutes further to fashion a reasonable chance against some resolute Hoops defending. Dan Lanning once again thumping a free kick this time finding the back of the net to equalise on 80 minutes. Hammer then made another good stop to deny another effort on goal.
However the Hoops defences were breached again as more controversy followed. A ball was played in behind and sent across the face where Sean Reid struck home to give Blue Star the lead. Hoops captain Sam Hedley was then sin-binned for his protests which were no worse than anything the hosts had hurled at the referee. A Birtley coach was also sent off in the process.
Lanning added a third on the counter as the now nine men of Birtley searched for an equaliser, rounding Hammer and firing home. Still the Hoops fought and had more attacking play but 3-1 is how it finished.
A good competitive game on the pitch which was ruined by a few behind the goal and some incredibly inconsistent refereeing.
FULL TIME | NEWCASTLE BLUE STAR 3-1 BIRTLEY TOWN
On a happier note, we have two home games to look forward to this week, with Newcastle Benfield visiting in the Third Round of the Brooks Mileson Memorial League Cup on Tuesday night. We are then at home to Easington Colliery on Saturday. We would love to see as many of you down for both as possible. Thank you for your support as always.
