And on it goes. Leaving aside the blip when we played Thornaby, which resembled the Whitley Bay game in as much as we never got going in a real way, we continue to grind out wins, no matter the circumstances. Following the Thornaby game the performance against Tow Law, with largely the same lads and against a side in good form, was top class from the word go. Great to see Tow Law back in the top flight by the way, a top club and great people.
The obvious difference, and this is no criticism by the way, is that the manager was unavailable for the Thornaby game. Long arranged, Covid carry over postponement, etc, etc, and everybody is entitled to miss a game, but, but, but, in my experience from both sides of the grave, is that if the the manager is missing you get beat. An iron rule of football.
It is probably psychology rather than anything else, but there you go.
Still, six wins from our last seven league games, and up to fourth in the table is not to be sniffed at. Ashington, given their FA Cup exploits, still ongoing, are clearly in a false position and will come on strong when they get back to league action, and Whitley Bay look competent and capable and well-organised.
Which brings us back to our friends Bishop Auckland. They have made no secret of their desire to move back up the pyramid, and have had to suffer, in their view, too many years in the Northern League, many of them homeless. But they have made good members and hospitable colleagues, Heritage Park is a fine new home, and if they do make it this season, they will go with everyone’s good wishes. But not today.
The Vase game a few weeks ago was notable for all five goals coming from set pieces, and Bishops were certainly worth their win overall, despite the late chances we had to take it to penalties. It was the only game recently when I thought our lack of height, in the absence of a couple of players, was a factor in our defeat. Hopefully it will be different today.
Enough of local league stuff, what of the wider sporting world? Our friends in the North continue to try and disguise the failings and misdemeanours of their owners with good performances and now results. How far can Newcastle go? Quite a way I would think, much as it grieves me to say it. Although you can usually rely on the eventual blow up, all seems well at the minute. We can only hope.
Sunderland are doing fine, playing well in a tough league, what more can anyone ask? There is a slight downside to this, in the fact that our last couple of home games here at Sunderland LGV Park, have seen abysmal attendances, while all and sundry head to the SoL, or the nearest pub with a dodgy satellite feed. It's the same today I’m afraid to say, let's hope the Bishops faithful turn out en masse.
And finally, women's football. All seems well, and booming. Which is fine and dandy by me, and good luck to the lasses and everything they do. Just don’t compare it to men's football, it's not the same and facile comparisons do nobody any favours.