Under 7's

Airbus pre academy Under 7's hosted Holyhead and Mold Under 8's this weekend.

Some very well contested well matched games on display. My boys had a tough challenge with no subs for the most part but battled right until the end with it paying off as Leighton Walker bagged a deserved last ditch winner. Oakley Roberts was sharp and fighting for every ball. Henry Creer and Benni Pennington were strong as always and moving the ball out of defence quickly finding gaps and switching play exactly as they were asked to. Leo Hayward worked his socks off and was a threat every time he got on the ball.

Players of the match

Charlie Gardiner
Thomas Roberts

Both lads played with passion and effort from the first minute to the last, brilliant technically and showed real qualities. A pleasure to coach.

Under 8's

Team 1
A brilliant morning of football from the Airbus Under 8s, starting with a fantastic performance against Caernarfon. It was arguably the best we’ve seen an Airbus side play this season. From the first whistle the boys moved the ball with real confidence and composure, and at times Caernarfon were left chasing shadows.

The team showed some outstanding footballing habits — pass, move, and create triangles all over the pitch. The confidence of the players to receive the ball in tight areas and trust each other with the ball was fantastic to see.

A big part of that came from Albert McComb and Jack Payne, who were both superb in building the play from deeper areas. They constantly looked to get on the ball, link passes together and keep the team moving forward.

Out of possession, Elliot Waters was brilliant. His work rate and determination to win the ball back for the team really stood out and helped keep the pressure on Caernarfon throughout the game.

Going forward, Oscar Williams was a real threat with the ball at his feet. His 1v1 ability and skill caused all sorts of problems for the opposition, while Alfie Halley’s off-the-ball movement and work rate helped create space and options for teammates all over the pitch.

The only thing that kept the score line down was Caernarfon’s goalkeeper, who produced a number of wonderful saves to keep his side in the game.

The second game mirrored the first in many ways. The lads continued to play with real confidence, moving the ball quickly and supporting each other all over the pitch. It was fantastic to see the principles we work on in training coming to life during the matches.

A superb team performance and a really enjoyable watch. Plenty to be proud of — and plenty to keep building on.

Team 2
A really positive set of games for the Airbus Under 8 Makers, starting with a brilliant 5–3 win in the opening match.

Charlie Bletcher was the standout in front of goal, scoring an excellent hat-trick and showing great composure with his finishing. Behind him, Harrison M was pulling the strings in midfield, helping the team link play together and keeping the game moving with some intelligent passing. In goal, Dewi also played a key role, producing some excellent distribution that helped get the team on the front foot and build attacks from the back.

The second game started a little more slowly. A few mistakes early on allowed the opposition to take the lead and the boys found themselves playing catch-up. However, the response in the second half was excellent. The team showed great character to improve their intensity and quality on the ball.

Giorgio and Lyle both produced two great finishes to bring the team right back into the game, while Oakley was excellent driving the team forward and carrying the ball with real purpose.

There were lots of positives across both games, with the team showing resilience, quality in possession and a real willingness to keep working for each other.

Players of the Match

Oakley Joinson
Alfie Halley

For their excellent performances and contributions to the team.

Under 9's

Airbus Under 9's welcomed Caernarfon on Saturday morning and the boys put in a fantastic set of performances.

Across the four matches played, Airbus won three and drew one, showing great teamwork and determination throughout.

There were strong displays right across both teams, with standout performances from George Gray, Jude Hett and Elliott Fawcett.

A brilliant effort from all the boys – well done!

Under 10's

Under 10’s looked to continue their fantastic form after winning the FAW Festival last week.

We welcomed Caernarfon knowing it would be a tough game. The lads started well and contested some close matches with Caernarfon also playing well. As the games went on the lads really kicked on and got their rewards with some fantastic goals and results. The lads pressing from the front caused Caernarfon issues throughout and created plenty of chances.

Well done all, keep up the good form shown since Christmas.

Players of the match

Charlie Cleverley
Henry O'Hare-Sweetman

Under 11's

The Under 11s put in a strong performance this weekend, showing great effort and teamwork against a very good Caernarfon team. From the start it was clear we were facing a strong attacking side, but the team responded brilliantly, working hard for each other and staying positive throughout the match.

Early on we had to adjust our tactics to deal with the pressure. The players did an excellent job of becoming more organised and structured in defence, communicating well and supporting each other to limit the opposition’s chances. Their discipline and determination helped the team stay competitive against a side that moved the ball well and attacked with pace.

Despite the challenge, the team continued to battle, showing great work rate across the pitch. There were some good moments going forward too, with players looking to pass and support each other whenever opportunities came.

Overall, it was a very encouraging performance. The players worked extremely hard, adapted well to the challenge, and showed great character against a strong team. Well done to everyone for their effort and attitude.

Player of the match

Max Whittle from the Under 10s in goal.

Under 12's

Airbus Academy Under 12 3 – 1 Caernarfon Under 12

Airbus Under 12 hosted a strong Caernarfon side today at the Hollingsworth Group Stadium. With both teams finalizing their preparations for the start of the National FAW League next Sunday, this friendly served as a high-quality test.

**First Half: **

Airbus began the match with intent, moving the ball with fluidity and maintaining a solid structural base. The early dominance was rewarded when Archie threaded a superb through-ball to Mason Rimmer, who remained composed one-on-one with the goalkeeper to slot home the opener.

Caernarfon responded with high pressure, forcing our GK Shay into a series of brilliant saves to maintain the lead. However, the visitors eventually found an equalizer, capitalising on an uncharacteristic misplaced pass from the back. Despite further opportunities for Airbus to reclaim the lead, the sides went into the break deadlocked at 1-1.

*Second Half:*

The second half evolved into a physical and tactical battle. While Caernarfon enjoyed more of the possession, Airbus remained the more clinical side on the break. A turning point nearly arrived via a Blake free-kick, which was tipped away by an inspired save from the Caernarfon keeper.

From the resulting corner, Max delivered a pinpoint cross to Lucas on the edge of the area, who caught the ball with a stunning first-time strike to make it 2-1. As Caernarfon pushed bodies forward in search of another equalizer, the Airbus defense held firm. In the dying minutes, Mason Davey delivered a great pass to George who put the game to bed, showcasing extraordinary individual effort to drive forward and slot home the third goal.

Standout Performers

A special mention was reserved for Mason Davey, who displayed immense versatility by effectively covering four different positions throughout the match, providing the tactical flexibility the team needed. And topped off with a great assist.

Player of the Match

Tyler Jones

Tyler was instrumental in the heart of the pitch. A "complete" footballer, he controlled the tempo of the game with his vision and passing range. Equally impressive was his defensive work rate, showing a constant positive attitude and a hunger to win the ball back whenever possession was lost.

A tough, competitive encounter that provided exactly the kind of challenge required before league action commences. Airbus showed great teamwork, defensive resilience, and clinical finishing to overcome a strong opponent. The boys head into next Sunday’s league opener with significant momentum.

Under 13's

Airbus Academy Under 13s 4-1 Buckley Town Under 14s

Saturday morning our Under 13s hosted Buckley Town Under 14s playing 11v11 format once again on our grass pitch.

From the start 3-4-3 we quickly realised we couldn’t match their physicality as they were on top first 20 mins creating chances of which our defensive unit dealt with.

As our opposition seemed to tire Airbus eventually started playing with pace. In the 31st minute an overload playing out on the right side saw Lucas drive to the byline crossing for Zach to header home. 1-0

Four minutes later a break of lines through their midfield of which Freddie Rawson ran on too with his pace firing into the low corner.

HT 2-0

In the 2nd period we changed formation 4 -2-3-1 whilst in possession and Airbus increased the intensity level and attached at every opportunity. In the 48th minute again great combination play down the right ended up with Zach 6 yards out to strike home. 3-0.
Airbus were soon 4-0 up when Peter struck a powerful shot which their keeper had no chance to save.

The match became scrappy and Buckley lost their discipline many times leading to us having to bring off players with knocks after some ridiculous late challengers!

It was good to see Airbus still play and not react & fair play to the Buckley coaches taking their ill disciplined players off to help calm down the situations.

Overall a great performance vs a quality physical side and once again good development for our 13s with the 11v11 format they will be playing next season.

Player of the match

Zac Dean

Zac took his two goals with composure. Always seemed to find his space and was our link playing forward throughout the match.

Well done Zac and the Under 13’s squad.

Under 14’s

Airbus Academy Under 14’s v Vauxhall Motors Under 15’s

It was another friendly fixture this weekend as our Under 14s took on Vauxhall Motors Under 15s at the Airfield Saturday afternoon.

The early stages saw both teams playing some good possession, weighing each other up and adjusting to each other’s systems. It became obvious in these opening phases that both teams had very pacey attacking units, which would mean the defending units would have to be focused throughout.

It was the Airbus attack that created the first chance, when Daffydd Edwards played a good pass into the path of Airbus centre Forward, Ted Bull, who was direct with his running at the Vauxhall defence. Ted managed to return the ball back to Daffydd on the edge of the area, but the Vauxhall defence managed to snuff the chance out, just as Mauro Afonso looked to get his shot off. The first goal of the game came to the visitors on the ten minutes mark with a fortunate bit of luck for them.

A thunderous shot from outside the area came back off the crossbar and hit the unfortunate Airbus GK , Alfie Gibson, on the back of the head and into the back of the goal. Airbus were again showing their progression and confidence in build-up phases, as they managed to play through the thirds on numerous occasions even against a disciplined and intensive press, which was pleasing for the coaches to see.

Both teams continued to play some attractive football, but the second goal of the game came from a more direct route, when a long ball over the top from the Motor’s centre half bounced through to the very pacey striker who finished cooly with a lob over Alfie. Shortly after, Airbus should have reduced the lead, when great work from Leo Killick down the right hand, led to him producing a great cross into the box, with Henry Jones just failing to convert, right inside the six yard box.

Airbus were finishing the half very strongly now, with chances being created for Leo Killick after good work down the right from Fletcher Jones and another good chance for Arthur Williams who nearly converted from a corner, but a goal failed to come.

The second half saw both teams cancel each other out with no real chances being created, however Airbus came close after a well worked corner nearly saw Mauro head home. The only goal of the half once again came to the visitors, when pass from midfield split our defence for their winger to run through on goal and get a shot off that came back off the post , but the Motor’s Centre Forward was on hand to tap in the rebound.

Overall, another pleasing performance from the squad against a good older side, where we saw further progression, especially in the opposition’s half.

Player of the match

Leo Killick

Leo was always a threat when on the ball, whilst also performing his defensive responsibilities well.

Under 15’s

Airbus Academy Under 15’s 1-1 Flint Town Academy Under 15’s

Foggy morning at the Marsh lane the young Wingmakers travelled to Flint. The squad depleted with injuries, some players suffering with common growth pains and players called up to play with Under 16's.

This gave opportunity to play players in different positions and expose them to different challenges. Notably Ethan who dropped into CB and took on the challenge extremely well. The first half was a good challenge and tactical battle knowing Flint are strong on set plays and an aerial threat the wingmakers emptied the box and gave Shay more opportunity to come and collect the ball and start the counter attack which you could see him grow in confidence and dominant in his area, pulling off some excellent saves.

Going in nil nil at half time knowing the press hadn't quiet worked and the playing out was too slow the players were given some information to make the decisions. Almost immediately the press improved and Flint were being pinned back but the final execution evaded the team. Until the weeks of training showed with a ball out from the back breaking lines to the 10, set to 6 and punched wide for the WB Jack beyond the back line which was delivered to the forward runs to be tap home. Excellent team goal. The confidence grew and other opportunities from switch's of play and through balls continued but again final execution didn't arrived.

The team defending well and worked hard for each other, but the win was not to be when a pen and last kick of the game came after several missed opportunities to clear the lines allowed the Flint player the opportunity to go to ground in the penalty area.

Although the players were deflated on not winning they showed determination and a sound base of principles and some quality decisions at times. More ruthless decisions and execution in the final third will ensure results will come.

Player of the week

Ethan Jones

Ethan who was asked to become a CB and understood and executed his role superb, well done to him and all the players.

Under 16

The Under 16s enjoyed a successful afternoon at Flint as they put in a good performance and scored 5 good goals.

We had already had a Will Hewitt opener incorrectly ruled out for offside when from an excellent switch of play we played forward with purpose and from Jake Pendlebury inside pass, Jack Davies struck a 18 yard thunderbolt into the top left hand corner.

It was soon 2-0 when Fish played an exquisite through ball for Callum Reynolds to fire home at the near post.

The lads made in 3 in 10 minutes when Caiden Baker-Williams supplied an excellent cross for Callum Reynolds, only to be foiled by the opposition keeper, where Will Hewitt then followed up and scored.

We then had 2 excellent chances to make it 4 and 5 nil but again 2 excellent saves thwarted our efforts.

It was disappointing that another mistake from the official denied us a 4th goal in the first half for offside when we cut the ball back for a 6 yard tap in.

3-0 @ half time

The 2nd half was more of the same. We enjoyed a lot of possession and scored an excellent 4th goal whereby 14 passes were completed before Callum Reynolds slotted home an excellent ball from Fish.

The final goal was scored by Jake Pendlebury as he put pressure on Flint defender and slotted the ball home calmly.

We did have 3 further chances but unfortunately couldn't convert.

Flint did grab a consolation goal and to their credit never gave up all match.

Player of the week

Bailey Davies

Always a difficult task for an away GK at Flint due to their style of play. He dealt with numerous long balls confidently and his decision making was excellent. What was also impressive was his contribution to our build up when playing out - as his decision making totally reflected the moment of the game.

Under 19's

The lads knew this was going to be a tough task against an excellent TNS outfit that started with first team squad players in their line up.

The lads to their credit kept their shape well and looked to frustrate TNS, who despite all their possession just couldn’t break us down.

We did have moments of control ourselves but a slight lack in concentration saw TNS go 0-1 up at the break.

The 2nd half was different as Airbus looked to play and have a good go at our opponents.

We scored an equaliser when Cameron Meredith played the direct ball into the half space for Jayden McConnell who in turn did well and won the 2nd ball. He then played an excellent pass into James Allen - who slotted the ball home nicely past the opposition keeper.

Airbus then went 2-1 up when Harri Phythian switched play to James Allen who played an excellent first time pass through to Louis Bebbington Rogers who continued his run, came inside and finished well into the bottom corner.

Airbus were having some good moments but in our opinion, an unfortunate mistake by the official gave TNS a free kick to which from the resulting corner saw them equalise.

This was a massive moment in the game which not only aided the opposition to get back into the tie...but goals give experienced teams the overriding momentum that they need and thus, TNS then went on to win the game 4-2 in the latter stages as the lads just couldnt hold on.

An excellent effort from everyone involved and we wish our opponents well for the remainder of the season.

Player of the week

Dylan Cusato

One of our current Under 16 players who completed 90 minutes the previous day for the Reserves team and was an extremely late call up for this fixture against a very experienced TNS midfield. He never faltered in his position and did his jobs both in and out of possession to an excellent standard. A great effort from the lad.