Newly promoted Newcastle Blue Star traveled down to the Northern Metal Recycling Stadium looking to build on two previous victories.

A line-up change was required for West before kick-off, as Lee Hume replaced Charlie Wood in the starting line-up due to injury, with Adam Cocks coming on to the bench.

It took 11 minutes for Blue Star to take the lead with a goal from Sean Reid, in what was a deserved goal after dominating possession from the start. West were given a great opportunity to get back in the game on 18 minutes, when Liam Hegarty was brought down in the box by Blue Star’s goalkeeper Dan Lister. Josh Scott stepped up and coolly slotted it in for the equalizer, Scott’s third league goal of the season. It didn’t take long for the away team to get back in front, with Blue Star retaking the lead after a scramble inside the box on 26 minutes, Liam Henderson the scorer. Half-time came, and Blue Star had a deserved lead.

The start to the second half was dominated by Newcastle, and they increased their lead on 58 minutes. Connor Oliver was given too much space, and he unleashed a sweet strike from outside the 18 yard box. West made a couple changes on the hour mark, Adam Mitchell replacing Lee Hume, and Nathan Greenwood coming on for Liam Hegarty. Two further goals in a space of 6 minutes (Henderson on 66’ & Oliver on 72’) saw Newcastle Blue Star take a 5-1 lead. West were reduced to 10 men, Liam Potter dismissed for two yellow cards. In the 87th minute, Blue Star were also down to 10, Owen Mitchell sent off after an elbow on Gary Brown. West had their best spell in the last 10 minutes with James Harrison and Nathan Greenwood both looking to create chances.

West Midfielder Adam Mitchell reflects on the start to the season, and offered some hope going forward.

“It’s not the start that we wanted for the season. We’ve had some tough games, but we have a fantastic squad, and we are working hard in training to get back to winning ways on Friday night and to really kick-start our season.”

Full-Time: West Auckland Town 1-5 Newcastle Blue Star

Competition: Northern League Division One

Attendance: 170

Photos by Phil Sage.