Across all three games, the team produced excellent football both in attack and defence. Their build-up play was particularly impressive, with great passing, movement, and combination play that led to some outstanding goals.

Standout performances over the weekend came from:

Austin Wardle
Benji Evans
George Gray
Jude Hett

Well done to all the boys for adapting brilliantly to the bigger goals and performing across all formats – 5v5, 6v6, and 7v7.

Under 10

The Under 10’s welcomed Connah's Quay to Airbus in which turned out to be some of the worst weather conditions I’ve seen the group of players play in.

With the wind in full flow it was difficult for either team to play the football they wanted and it ended up being whoever had the wind became the dominant team.

Even with the poor conditions the lads still managed some good bits of play, including a great goal from Eddie with a 1st time strike past the connahs quay keeper.

Overall it was a good learning experience for the lads who had to really adjust their game to cope with the conditions. Well done all.

Players of the week
Eddie Ephraim
Ronnie Cieslewicz

Under 11

A blustery day set the tone for a challenging encounter, with strong winds making it difficult for both sides to settle into their usual rhythm.

Despite the conditions, we started brightly and showed good intent going forward. We went into the break 2–1 up after a positive first-half display, using the wind well and creating several good chances. Our attacking play was sharp, and we looked in control for large periods.

However, the second half proved more difficult as the wind continued to play a major role. A recurring issue this season resurfaced, with us struggling to deal with set pieces. Connah’s Quay capitalised, scoring three goals from corners, ultimately turning the game around.

While the result was disappointing, there were still strong individual performances.

Players of the match

Toby Kitchen and Ellis Hollins were deservedly named joint award winners, both showing great quality on the ball and working hard throughout in tough conditions.

Under 12

Cardiff Met Under 12s 4 – 2 Airbus Under 12s

We made the long trip to South Wales to face a strong Cardiff Met side in what proved to be another valuable learning experience for the group. Although this marks our third consecutive defeat — something we haven’t experienced before — it’s important to recognise the bigger picture. In all three games, we have performed at a very high level and, at times, looked the better team. That’s football, and this is part of our development journey.

First Half
We started the game brilliantly, playing some of our best and most entertaining football. Our intensity, movement, and combination play caused Cardiff Met real problems, and we limited them to very few opportunities.

Our dominance was rewarded with two excellent goals. Tyler opened the scoring, finishing well from an assist by Will, before Grayson added a second with great composure after being set up by Kai. We continued to create chances, hitting the woodwork and forcing their goalkeeper into a number of strong saves.

Despite controlling the half, Cardiff Met managed to pull one back right before the break with their first shot on goal — a deflected effort, helped by the wind, looping into the top corner. The half ended 2–1, which didn’t fully reflect our dominance.

Second Half
We began the second half positively, again creating a couple of good chances, only to be denied by their goalkeeper. However, as the game went on, we saw a different version of ourselves.

We struggled to maintain possession, our passing dropped off, and we didn’t compete as strongly for second balls. This allowed Cardiff Met back into the game, although it’s important to note that most of their chances came from our own mistakes rather than their build-up play.

We unfortunately gifted two goals through errors, and the game slipped away from us, with Cardiff Met scoring twice in the final five minutes to make it 4–2.

Overall
This was a game of two very different performances. The first version of our team showed how strong we can be — confident, composed, and capable of playing outstanding football against any opponent. The second version is something we need to learn from and improve.

What’s clear is that we can compete with anyone. If we can maintain the level we showed in the first half for longer periods, we will become a very difficult team to play against. That consistency is now our focus, and both players and coaches are confident we will get there soon.

Player of the Match

Grayson Stead

An outstanding first appearance for the team. Grayson showed great composure throughout, capped with a well-taken goal. Playing as a CDM, he was excellent both defensively and going forward, controlling the game and contributing in all areas of the pitch.

Very well done, Grayson

Under 13

Cardiff Met Under 13s - 0-6 Airbus Under 13s

After a disappointing performance last week our Airbus Under 13s travelled to Cardiff Met for a 2pm ko.

In very windy conditions we won the toss and decided to play against the wind in first period. As thought Cardiff pressed shooting at every opportunity with the wind behind them. After 25 mins of strong defensive play Airbus started to create chances. We eventually took the lead in the 32nd minute when a powerful strike from Peter was saved only for Zach to follow up and head home HT 1-0

In the 2nd period Cardiff increased their intensity levels of which we matched. Our pressure created a corner in the 40th minute and once again our practiced corner gave us a 2-0 lead with Mynor heading home far post from Teds accurate corner. Cardiff attacked back and we needed a worldly save from Elliot to keep our clean sheet intact.

Airbus looked powerful and took control of the game in the 65th minute when Zach struck home his 2nd after great work and assist from Lucas 3-0.

Straight from their ko our press forced an error which lead to a strong forward Lucas run to finish with power 4-0.

In the 68th minute after a combination play broke their lines Peter struck a 20yd shot with power into there top corner 5-0.

Airbus didn’t stop in the last minute an overload down the left found Lucas once again on goal slotting calmly into the lower corner.
Full time 6-0.

Overall - a fantastic squad performance from all who travelled. Difficult to pick a mom with so many great performances on the day.

Player of the match

Zac Dean

Zac played 3 different positions during the match and played a part in majority phases of play. Great communication throughout and took his two goals with ease. Zac was booked in the 40th minute but only for his constant desire to win back possession for the team.

Under 15

Airbus Under 15s 1 -2 Cardiff Met Under 15s

The young wingmakers hosted Cardiff Met on a wet and windy day at Hollingsworth Stadium.

With both teams down to the bare bones the young wingmakers took the game to the visitors creating a number of chances and playing the principles of Airbus looking to play forward and switching play. However the achilies heel kicked in and we were unable to convert any of the crafted chances created.

The 2nd half the young wingmakers found themselves under the cosh but played their way back into the game. As fatigue started to tell on the two moments of tired decisions Airbus were 2 down. Airbus with the last kick of the game pulled back a goal to finish 2 - 1. A hard game with poor conditions bit a fantastic effort by the lads who did what they could and battled to the end. Well done.

Player of the week

Jarod Harris

For continuous battling and bravery against player and injuries. Well done.

Under 16

U16 v Cardiff Met

Horrendous weather yet again greeted the U16 as we welcomed Cardiff Met U16 to the Hollingsworth Group Stadium. Cardiff have had an excellent season losing only a couple of matches so we knew this would be a tough match.

Both teams had early chances in the first 10 minutes as the game resembled a basketball match with little control from either side.

However from the 15 minute mark onwards the young wingmakers were excellent and created 4 chances which we have to score at least 2, but the opposition keeper was inspired and our finishing wasn't ruthless enough. The game was disappointingly 0-0 @ half time and we looked to regroup and try to get the momentum going again in the 2nd half.

The 2nd half was a tighter affair and a howling wind blew up in our faces to make it even harder. The weather made it very difficult for both teams to play their football. The game became scrappy and the foul counter will have been in double figures.

We conceded a goal on 77 minutes when the Cardiff Met player received the ball when coming back from an offside position - an error from the official which cost us the first goal of the game. Such a shame as we had been solid - and this looked like being the difference between the 2 teams.

Great resilience was shown by the lads as in the last minute of injury time, a ball was played forward by Alfie Campbell, this found its way to Callum Reynolds who battled through and struck the ball into the bottom left hand corner. A fine finish from Cal.

The game ended 1-1...the story of our season - just not ruthless enough in the opposition box to take the 3 points.

Player of the week

Alfie Campbell

Ginge has had a great weekend, playing for U16, U19 & U21's. In all 3 games he has been controlled and has done his job well. Nothing seems to faze the kid - he is a great lad around the squad and is improving week by week. Well done mate

Under 19

Airbus v Flint

Sunday evening saw Airbus travel up over to the Essity Stadium for a 5:30 ko on another windy evening

After a bit of a slow start Airbus seemed to gain control early in to the game and played some lovely stuff in the middle of third. Sadly a bit against the run of play we conceded in the 11th minute and then again in the 20th minute from a freak long ball carried by the wind.

Not settling for second best the lads really shown some grit and determination and on the 32’ Paris Gray made the most of some chaos in the opposition box assisted by Kacper Bury. Just before the break Ben Williams scored a fantastic free kick with the last kick of the half. Airbus created chance after chance but HT 2-2

Second half started the same as the first ended, although Harry Davies was called in to action early in the second half to make a great save. With so much possession of the ball and creating so many chances it was turning out to be one of those evenings. After a few chaotic moments in the opposition box could not be converted you knew we were still walking a fine line and it of course that chance fell to Flint on the 61’ on the counterattack they punished us

Throwing caution to the wind we threw everything forward in the last minutes of the game but could not fine the equaliser. Final score 3-2 Flint

Player of the week

Paris Gray

Paris has had a bit of bad luck with injuries since joining Airbus late last year and it’s probably taken him a bit longer to settle in than he would like. He is no doubt a quality player with bags of potential and that has been shining through in recent weeks. Playing well in both games this weekend’s fixtures Paris fully deserves player of the week. Well done Pazza

Reserves

Airbus v Ruthin Reserves

Saturday the reserves travelled to Ruthin for a blustery 2:30 KO at Memorial Playing Fields

Airbus started against the wind but it did not stop the young wingmakers from controlling the game from early on.

Dealing with long balls extremely well and resetting our attack whenever the ball found its way in to the Airbus half we bopped the ball around quite comfortably. Creating several chances in the first half from wide areas but lacking box entries to finish the move. HT 0-0

Second half after a few tweaks and now with the wind on our back we created 3 chances in the first five minutes with one of our signature moves. It didn’t take long before we opened the scoring through Ben Williams 64’ assisted by Liam Taggart in a great phase of play. Soon after Liam Taggart hit the back of the net himself taking advantage of the opposition GK’s high position assisted by Alfie Campbell on 67’

A flurry of chances came soon after with Harvey Greig hitting the bar and Alfie Campbell going close near the end of the game.

Dealing with the gritty bits of the game the young squad put a really mature performance in and managed to see the game over the line. FT 2-1 Airbus.

Special well done to Sam Ibbitson, Alfie Campbell and Joseph Pridding who stepped up from our U16’s to support the reserves today

Player of the week

Kacper Bury

The award could have gone to a number of players this week but Kacper takes the accolade. Kacper played well mid week and has trained well. Causing the opposition no end of problems down the left hand side we looked dangerous every time he went 1v1 with his man. Great team and individual performance. Well done Kacper