A fantastic day for the boys today as we came up against a well-organised, strong opposition who played with great shape and discipline. Despite that, we showed some excellent football both in and out of possession, building from the back, breaking lines, and switching play very effectively.

First Half
We started a little slow but gradually increased the tempo as the half went on. Our patience was rewarded when Mason Rimmer found the net with a well-taken goal. Unfortunately, after a fine save from Shay, the rebound fell kindly for Juventus and they levelled the score, making it 1–1 at the break.

Second Half
The boys came out firing and I felt we dominated large spells of the half. Our high press caused the opposition real problems, forcing them into mistakes. Archie capitalised on one of these moments, finishing well to put us 2–1 up. We had opportunities to seal the game but were wasteful in front of goal, and Juventus punished us with an equaliser. Credit to the team, though—the response was instant. Straight from the restart, George struck to restore our lead and we saw the game out strongly, finishing 3–2 winners.

Under 13's

Airbus Under 13s travelled to the Leasing.com stadium this morning to play Macclesfield 13s elite side 11v11 playing with the full size goals for the first time. Due to numbers we also included 2 x u12s players Tyler Jones & Mason Rimmer within our squad of 13 players.

The first 20mins we struggled for possession as lacked detail and composure on the ball. Macclesfield took advantage of a defensive lapse and we went into the break 0-1.

Within half time the lads were not happy with there performance stating themselves greater passing detail and intensity was needed in the 2nd period.

We took control of the game passing with greater ball speed which lead to the creation of chances but we struggled to beat there quality keeper.

On the 58 min a through ball found young Mason Rimmer who comfortably took it around the keeper to make it 1-1. This seemed to lift the intensity levels further as Airbus battled for the winner. We changed formation and pushed forward for the potential winner and on the 68th min a 7 pass move again found Mason to slot home for the 2-1 well deserved result.
A great experience playing the full size pitch/goals for the lads ?⚽️✈️

Airbus 13s hosted Vauxhall Cavaliers Monday night 11v11 on grass pitch.

In a very physical match which started at such a high pace each side struggled to make any clear chances in front of goal. Vauxhalls didn’t give us space/time to play (and we were not quick enough) and enjoy the possession we usually have. However from a thrown in from right side own half we actually switched play at pace to enable Ted to strike home from edge of the box.

HT 1-0

In the 2nd period Airbus intensity levels increased and a through ball broke their strong defensive line of which Freddie Rawson added our 2nd.
Some poor concentration and defending let Vauxhalls back in and they pushed us for the equaliser. On 61st min from a short corner Freddie Edwards hit the roof of net with power to make it 3-1. Vauxhalls kept pressing and got there 2nd in 90th min and Airbus held on for a fought 3-2 result.

Not much possession play as we liked, but a great positive was the way the lads showed the physical side of the game matching them 50/50 in every dept.

Under 14's

Airbus U14s vs Rakers
Pre-season Friendly | Final Score: 4-2

The first pre-season game, with a full squad. We decided to play 4 2 3 1, focusing on a more solid shape and better structure both in and out of possession.
Rakers probably toughest test so far the boys were up against a well organised side.

From the start, Airbus looked sharp, especially down the right side, where they found repeated success. Around the 25-minute mark, trialist Adam delivered a cross into the box, which Toby calmly finished to put Airbus 1-0 ahead.

At half-time, the coaching team addressed the shape during goal kicks and the need for more discipline when out of possession — particularly in tracking runners. A few enforced changes followed due to minor injuries.

The second half began with Rakers pressing hard, but Airbus responded well. A quick attack down the right saw the ball worked into Leo, who finished with composure to double the lead. Confidence was growing, and soon after, another well-constructed move down the right ended with a squared ball for Louie to tap home and make it 3-0.

With no fit substitutes available, the boys began to tire. Rakers capitalised and pulled one back to make it 3-1. However, the boys showed great resilience. Louie shifted over to the left, allowing Daf to take up the No.10 role. He used his strength and control to put a solo opportunity away 4-1.

Rakers managed a late goal to make it 4-2, but Airbus dug deep and saw the game out, showing great determination to the final whistle.

Final Score: Airbus U14s 4 – 2 Rakers

A much needed win and plenty of positives to build on.

Well done, boys!

Under 15's
Airbus Academy U15 v Vauxhall Motors U15

A couple of early errors saw the Young Wingmakers make the match difficult for themselves against a howling wind. They struggled with their intensity out of possession and needed to apply better detail to their play when on the ball. They were disappointed with themselves at half time but looked to be better in the 2nd half.

The 2nd half performance was far better and 2 fine finishes from Jack Owen and a good strike from Lucas Braisdell saw us get back into the game. The intensity both in and out of possession was excellent and the lads were unlucky not to win the game as we peppered the opposition goal and made numerous good chances.

Certainly a game of 2 halves and we need to ensure that we take our 2nd half performance into the opening Academi League fixture next Sunday.

Player of the week:

Jack Owen - Back on the goal trail with 3 this week. He is taking up good positions and will always get chances due to his movement. Well done Jack

Under 16's

Airbus Academy U16 v Newtown Academy U16

A very windy morning at the Airfield saw the U16's play Newtown Academy in our final pre season fixture of the season.

The lads started brightly but both teams cancelled each other out during the 1st half where we were up against the strong wind. 0-0 @ half time - we were comfortable but lacked a bit of cutting edge in the final third.

The 2nd half saw the Young Wingmakers make numerous chances and we kept Newtown in their own half for much of the 40 minutes. We had numerous chances but just couldn’t convert. The opposition keeper was in fine form making 2 fine saves to keep us from opening the scoring.

Finally our pressure got the rewards that it deserved as Alex Mossman slotted the home after an assist from Sam Ibbitson from a quickly taken corner.

The game ended 1-0 as Airbus managed the game well and looked comfortable throughout.

Player of the week:

Alex Mossman - A good all round performance from Alex who looked to get forward and support from midfield areas. Nice to see him on the score sheet as well.

Under 19's

Airbus 19 v Newtown 19

Airbus hosted Newtown 19’s at the Hollingsworth Group Stadium this Sunday Afternoon

This being the last preseason game before the league starts was the last chance for players to rehearse and polish the key moments of the game

First half Airbus were in complete control. Forcing an error early on from our visitors from our press giving Airbus a corner early on which was converted by Cam Meredith for the early lead. 20’ after a moment of individual brilliance and Liam Taggart made it 2-0. Airbus continued to control the game. HT 2-0 Airbus

Second half was a different story as the opposition came out to chase the game. Airbus were unable to clear their box and let the opposition get a foot hold back in the game moments after missing a 1v1 at the other end. The U19’s dug in and saw the game out. Final score 2-1 Airbus

POW goes to Liam Taggart. Liam is an exceptional young man always looking to improve. Scoring an incredible goal and doing his bit for the team, Liam will be a handful this season. Well done mate