Under 10

Our young wingmakers travelled to Liverpool to play Merseyside PDI for the first time.
Merseyside proved early on to be a high level opposition and airbus struggled to get out of our own half to create chances and lacked creativity at times.

However defensively our young wingmakers showed great resilience defending throughout the game playing offside very well and kept shape excellently.

Overall our u10s showed we were dominant in 1v1 battles throughout the pitch but just lacked clear cut chances and experience at 9v9 on the bigger pitch

Player of the match

Charlie Cleverley

Charlie played exceptionally as a solo centre back reading the game very well and won every dual on the floor or in the air, as well as distributing the ball positively from the back.

Under 12

Pontypridd U12s 2 – 1 Airbus U12s

Airbus Under 12s made the long trip to South Wales to face Pontypridd at the impressive facilities of University of South Wales Sport Park. While the venue suggested the potential for a high-quality football match, the reality proved very different.

The pitch was the smallest Airbus have encountered this season, which had a major impact on the game. The tight dimensions meant there was little opportunity to build play, with the ball frequently in the air or out for throw-ins and goal kicks. As a result, the match never developed any real rhythm or quality.

This game summed up much of the season. Airbus were once again the better footballing side—the team trying to play, showing intent and composure—yet ended up on the wrong side of the result. Key refereeing decisions also went against them, adding to the frustration.

The match was further disrupted by repeated stoppages, including a lengthy injury delay of over five minutes, with no time added on. Overall, there was very little actual football played.

Normally, this section of the report would include analysis of tactical, technical, and physical aspects of the performance. However, in this case, it is difficult to provide any meaningful analysis, as the nature of the game simply did not allow for it.

Despite all of this, Airbus showed great character. Even after going down to ten men following a red card, they continued to control the game as much as possible and remained committed to playing the right way. On another day, with different conditions and decisions, the outcome could have been very different.

There are still positives to take. The team continues to develop, learn, and stick to their identity, which will benefit them in the long term.

Player of the Match

Archie Davies

A composed and calm performance. Unlucky to hit the crossbar, Archie stood out throughout and delivered a very strong display.

Under 13

Pontypridd Under 13s - 1 Airbus Under 13s - 2

Airbus 13s travelled down to Pontypridd this weekend on a beautiful day at their impressive facilities.

This 9v9 format was made difficult with the pitch layout our biggest ever playing 6yd box to 6yd box probably to suit their play.

In the first half it was a tight encounter with few chances created. Both defensive units were in control and went in to the break at a deadlock.

H-T 0-0

In the 2nd period both teams lifted their intensity levels and in the 40th min Airbus conceded after a low strike from the edge of area.

In this physical encounter Airbus fitness started to make an impact on this large pitch creating many chances but being denied by their keeper.

In the 58th minute we created an overload down the right with the following cross headed on by Zach saw Freddie Rawson finish back post

1-1

There was only one team now dominating possession and wanted to win this match and in the 63rd minute we were awarded a free kick. A quality delivery from Ioan saw Oscar (left back) timing his run perfectly eventually heading home.

2-1

Airbus managed the game out and deserved their 2-1 win. Great squad effort from all .

Player of the match

Oscar Dean

Oscar controlled his left back position always looking for the overlap and scored our winner. His communication skills were exceptional leading the team on in this tough fixture.

Under 14’s

Under 14s v Pontypridd

Our Under 14s continued their National League fixtures with another long trip down South Wales to play Pontypridd academy.

The Wingmakers started the game brightly on the front foot and had the first shot on target within the first minute when Mauro Afonso and Arthur Williams pressed well in midfield to win the ball, which eventually led to Leo Killick getting his shot off from outside the area, but the Ponty GK saved comfortably. Shortly after, the opening goal nearly came from a Pontypridd corner, but Fletcher Jones was alert to clear off the line.

As the game settled down, it was Airbus that were looking the most threatening as they created numerous chances, with Arthur, Mauro and Ted Bull all coming close. However, itwas the hosts who took the lead on the ten minutes mark, when a quickly taken free-kick caught Airbus off guard and the Pontypridd winger finished well across goal. Airbus reacted well to the set back and soon came close to levelling the game after some good build up play from the back, Henry Carter worked the ball up the left-hand side to a good forward run from Mauro, who cut inside and found Ted Bull, who was unlucky to see his shot hit the post. As the first half came into the closing stages, Airbus were again unlucky not to level when Adam Alsaadi delivered a great cross into the box, finding Jacob Mountain, who did well to feed Arthur Williams, whose shot just went narrowly wide.

Unfortunately, Airbus were punished for not being able to put away one of their numerous chances right at the end of the half, when we failed to clear the ball away effectively and the ball fell to a Pontypridd player at the edge of the box, and his shot found its way into the far corner, and this gave the hosts a 2-0 lead into the second half.

The second half started much the same as the first half with both teams creating chances, but again once again Airbus were unable to finish their chances and Pontypridd were able to find the net five minutes in, when Airbus Goalkeeper was unfortunate to see his save from a shot outside the box, come off the post into the path of the Ponty striker, who couldn’t miss from close range, to make it three nil. The physicality of the Pontypridd striker was now giving the Airbus defence issues, and he soon added another goal to his tally when he finished another from close range after Airbus failed to stop a cross from the right-hand side. 4-0.

Despite the score-line, Airbus continued to try play the right way, and they did get some reward after some good play from back to front, saw Airbus left-back break into the area and shoot powerfully passed the opposition goalkeeper. 4-1.

Scoring gave the Wingmakers a lift and they were yet again unlucky in front off goal , when some great work by Jacob Mountain, led to Adam Alsaadi breaking through and have a fierce shot, with Mauro nearly managing to poke home from close range. The game was now in the final stages, and it was the hosts who finished the game on a high with a fifth goal, as the tricky Pontypridd winger danced his way through the Airbus defence to finish well. 5-1

Summary – The result could have been a lot different if the squad had managed to put some of their many chances away, especially in the early stages, but it was pleasing to see such chances created. A bit of work to do on the training ground, especially on decision making when on the ball, but overall, some positive phases of play.

Player of the match

Henry Carter

Henry did well with his defensive responsibilities whilst also looking to support attacking phases, which led to a deserved goal.

Under 15

U15 v Pontypridd

Sunshine was finally seen at the Airfield as we welcomed Pontypridd to the Hollingsworth Group Stadium with 'The Greatest Hits of the 2020's'playing on the tannoy whilst both teams warmed up.

The match was a scrappy affair in the early stages with neither team seemingly having a plan. However Airbus opened the scoring when a nice pass from Harry Delap played in the returning Jack Owen who finished well into the bottom corner.

We gifted Pontypridd an equaliser when we were careless in our own half - however it was a good finish from the opposition player.

The game lacked quality and it needed a fine deadball strike from Charlie Smith to put the young wingmakers back in front.

What brings 1 brings 2 as soon after, we scored a fine team goal whereby we switched play from right to left, good work from Harry Bloomfield on the left put the ball on a plate for Harry Atherton to slot home.

3-1 @ half time to Airbus

We spoke about our principles at half time and what was expected of the lads both in and out of possession.

The 2nd half was a completely different half - the lads had full control for 40 minutes, played some excellent football and made numerous chances.

Jack Owen grabbed his 2nd of the match from another Harry Delap assist.

The excellent Ethan Jones struck in a thunderbolt of a free kick from 30 yards out to make it 5-1.

Jack Owen then secured his hat-trick from the penalty spot to make it 6-1.

It was pleasing to see the lads take on the detail that was given at half time which reminded them to carry out their non negotiable principles and importantly bring intensity to their game.

Well done to all the players involved

Player of the week

Ethan Jones

Excellent performance from Ethan in his secondary position as cenre half. He missed nothing defensively, used the ball well in possession, great attitude throughout and scored an excellent goal. Well done Ethan

Under 16

The Under 16 welcomed the Phase 1 National Winners Pontypridd to the Hollingsworth Group Stadium.

The match was a cagey affair for the first 15 minutes with both teams having chances.

Bailey Davies made 2 excellent saves whilst Joseph Pridding went close for the young wingmakers.

Pontypridd took the lead on 25 mins when the lads failed to clear their lines and gifted the visitors the opening goal. It stayed 0-1 @ half time.

2nd half - we asked for more intensity as the pace of the game seemed like an end of season friendly.

Bailey Davies made an excellent save to keep us in the game before a great move where Jake Pendlebury played a fine reverse pass to Will Hewitt who got to the by line - he cut the ball back brilliantly and we have unfortunately missed an excellent chance from 6 yards out.

This proved to be massive moment as from the next set piece the opposition scored an unopposed header to make it 0-2.

We yet again had a goal incorrectly ruled out for offside by the official before Callum Reynolds scored from 8 yards out after fine work from Alex Mossman. 1-2...we were back in it.

However we never showed the appetite or cutting edge to score any further goals - we had a decent opportunity where triallist Lucas Bellingham went close - however it wasn't to be.

A frustrating day - a few lads seemed a bit lethargic on the day at times and we hope that we bounce back away at Haverfordwest next weekend.

Player of the week

Bailey Davies GK

An excellent performance from Bailey. 3 excellent saves and his distribution was consistently good on the day. Well done mate

Under 19

Airbus v Newtown

Sunday saw Airbus 19’s travel to Newtown for the final league fixture of the 25/26 season

Airbus were on top pretty much from minute one. Dominating the ball. Moving it well and controlling the lions share of possession. Dylan Cusato nearly opened the scoring with a well worked early move which found the youngster with a shooting chance forcing a good save from the Newtown goalkeeper early on. Ieuan Jones Wellstead punished Newtown a number of times and made several dangerous box entries. Finally on 35’ Leighton Brewer opened the scoring assisted by Franek Sadczuk in a very well worked team goal. It could of been out of sight but half times 1-0 Airbus

Second half started the same with Airbus in control knocking on the door of the Newtown defence. Pinned in to their own half for the majority of the second half Airbus created chance after chance but could not find a way through. After a little substitution and change of shape we eventually ground Newtown down and scored on the 68’ from Franek Sadczuk assisted by Ieuan Jones Wellstead hard work paying off down the right hand side. Kacper bury almost found himself in space to add to the score line but it was not to be. FT Airbus 2-0 convincingly finishing the 19’s development league on a high. As a group they have won the last 5 games is succession

Player of the week

Alex Jones

Alex has been a little unbalanced in recent weeks as he has been recovering from an injury however he trains hard and that paid off today. Great performance and attitude Alex has finished the season really well and he has overall had a fantastic season. Well done Alex

Reserves

​Airbus came out of the blocks sharp, looking to dictate play early. The pressure paid off quickly as James Allen and Jack Griffiths both found the net to give the visitors a commanding 2-0 lead.

​However, Llandudno didn’t fold. They fought their way back into the contest, finding two goals to level the score at 2-2. Just as it looked like the sides would go into the break even, Cam Meredith produced a moment of absolute quality. His strike put Airbus back in front at 3-2 right before the whistle, giving the Wingmakers all the momentum heading into the sheds.

​Second Half: The Momentum Shift

​The second half proved how clinical you have to be at this level. Airbus will be rueing a string of missed opportunities to put the game to bed, and they paid the price. In a frantic spell, Llandudno turned the game on its head with three quick-fire goals, surging into a 5-3 lead.

​To the lads' credit, they showed massive resilience. They kept their heads, stuck to the task, and pulled one back with just three minutes on the clock to make it 4-5.

​The Final Blow

​With the clock ticking down, Airbus threw everything forward in search of a dramatic equalizer. It was high-risk football, and while the pressure was relentless, Llandudno managed to break. With the very last kick of the game, they caught Airbus on the counter to make it 4-6, sealing the points in what was a clinical display of finishing.

​Player of the Week

Alex Jones

​Alex Jones takes the honors this week. He was absolutely relentless up top, leading the line with a work rate that didn't drop for 90 minutes. Beyond the physical output, his attitude remains top-class—a massive asset to the squad and definitely one to watch for next season.