Following a week break from Betfred League One action, Carl Forster’s North Wales Crusaders will make the long journey to the North East this Sunday when they face Newcastle Thunder.
Forster’s side shall be looking to continue their march towards the title, with just three wins from their remaining six matches required to secure top spot, however, a win Sunday shall also be enough to mathematically cement their place in the top four of League One, earning the opportunity to play for promotion to the Championship in the Super 8’s come the end of the season.
With a crucial month to follow and players returning from injury, Sunday’s clash on Tyneside may also offer Forster the opportunity to get vital minutes into the legs of several players.
Formbook:
It would be easy to look at the Betfred League One table and assume Sunday’s result to be a given for Forster’s league leaders as they face a Newcastle side sat bottom of the division without a win this season.
However, much to the contrary of their league standing, Thunder will prove to be difficult customers for North Wales this weekend as their young side continue to show improvement whilst remaining hungry to show just what they’re capable of.
In spite of recent heavy defeats, Newcastle have stuck true to their strengths and will refuse to back down at any point during the game.
Should Crusaders arrive at Blaydon expecting an easy afternoon, they could find themselves caught out by a spirited Thunder side looking for their first league points of the season.
Foz’s Thoughts:
North Wales Crusaders head coach Carl Forster has warned his players not to underestimate Newcastle ahead of Sunday’s encounter: “We know what Newcastle are about, they’re a young and hungry side who won’t go away at any point during the game and we need to be well aware of that.
“They go into Sunday with nothing to lose, whilst we’ve got a target on our back sat where we are in the league, that will naturally raise their game too and I’m expecting a difficult afternoon.
“Both times we’ve played them this year what’s stood out to me is their attitude to never give up, whatever the scoreline is they will keep attacking you, so our defence will need to be switched on.”
Matchday Information:
Sunday’s game shall take place at Blaydon RFC, the home of Newcastle Thunder for the 2025 season, the stadium features ample parking facilities in addition to an onsite bar and food outlets.
Tickets are priced at £15 adults and £5 for concessions / under 18’s and are available to book online by clicking HERE