The Third round of the Nathaniel MG Cup saw Airbus Host Welsh Premier League champions TNS. With TNS achieving Europa Conference League football this season the WingMakers knew it was going to be a tough match.

A late kick-off of 7:45pm was complimented by clear skies and a crisp yellow and orange sunset surrounded the stadium for what was going to be a gruelling and intense 90 minutes.

The first half commenced with a TNS kick-off where Airbus showed early pressure, forcing TNS to play it around the back due to excellent pressure.

Airbus had their first chance of the game in the first 5 minutes, when McManus found space in between the TNS full-back. McManus sent a great ball across the 6-yard box, but it was just ahead of Peers.

TNS responded with their first chance in the 7th minute, where Clark had a great chance, but his effort was way over the bar.

McManus was involved again when he collected the ball from a blocked Peers’ shot and he executed a great pass into the path for Cooke but on a rare occasion our No.12’s touch let him down.

Cooke had a brilliant game, utilising his quick feet and pace to challenge the defenders on the left side, making excellent runs and threatening the defence and in the 16th Minute Cooke made an excellent run on the left, sprinting past defenders making his way towards the goal and won a free-kick on the left side just outside the box.

The free kick was swung into the box through a low driven cross, it was deflected towards the edge of the box where Airbus crossed but Roberts was able to collect comfortably.

In the 20th minute TNS chipped a ball into Bradley, however he was unable to get his foot to the ball and it was an Airbus goal kick.

Jones was called into action once again shortly after when he made a great save from a point blank range from Clark and the following shot was blocked by the resilient Airbus defence.

TNS started to gain more control of the game, and they were starting to cause more pressure on the WingMakers defence, and on 31 minutes Jones pulled off a fantastic save to push Clark’s shot away from the danger.

In the 41st minute after an arguably fair challenge, the referee did not agree and showed George Peers a yellow card.

TNS worked the ball brilliantly through and the oncoming Canavan was ready to pounce but he dragged his shot wide.
Airbus did have their last chance of the first half, when a great header from Stevenson found Lanceley and the big centre forward was able to hold the ball up and play Peers in, but his shot was blocked.

However, just on the stroke of half time, TNS had their goal. The original shot looked to have been saved by Jones, but it bounced of the post and back into the 6 yard box, where Adrian Cieslewicz had an easy tap in.

Making it 1-0 to TNS on the Brink of half time.

After a well-deserved half time break for the lads, it was a good chance to regroup, assess the positives and the negatives and go again for another 45 Minutes.

TNS half time substitution Leo Smith had the first effort of the second half, but his shot from the edge of the box was wide of the far post.

Airbus started the second half like the first with great pressure on the TNS defence and Warren had the opportunity to cross the ball into the box but on this occasion the cross didn’t have the pace to find Lanceley running in.

Warren and Peers were having joy down the left with some great link up play, Peers ball into the path of Warren allowed him to attack the box and send a cross to the near post, but Hudson defended the cross well by getting there just before Lanceley.

Airbus had a great chance in the 55th minute where Cooke burst down the wing with excellent pace, he then played the ball back, but it was just behind Peers.

On the hour, Warren had a brilliant chance to get himself on the scoresheet, but his shot sailed over the cross bar.

In the 64th minute Airbus made their first substitution of the match with Vickery replacing Edwards.

Airbus continued their positive attacks, with a good shot attempt by Peers just brushing over the net for a TNS goal kick.

Airbus kept the intensity, with Peers making a great run, the TNS defender came in with a tackle, the referee called a foul, then showed George Peers a second yellow and a red card, he was off. Shouts from the Airbus dugout and confusion all around the stadium.

Jones then showed excellent goalkeeping, making an excellent diving save from Daniels outside the box, where the TNS No.7’s shot look destined for the top corner.

With just over 15 minutes left, Airbus then made a double substitution; with Jake Eyre and Sam Baker replacing the brilliant Warren and Cooke.

In the 85th minute, Sam Baker broke on a run, showing great pace and footwork beating 3 men, he was just outside the box when Blayney tackled from behind, stopping the Airbus attack and receiving a straight red from the referee.
For the final 5 minutes it was now even with both teams having 10 men. Airbus had a freekick from the edge of the box, the ball was rolled to Eyre and his shot was blocked.

Airbus introduced Dougherty for Lanceley and allowed the youngster to have a free role to cause TNS problems.

The referee indicated that there were 4 minutes of added time, 4 more minutes for Airbus to keep the intensity and look for a late equaliser to take it to penalties.

However, the full-time whistle blew and TNS had got their victory. It was a bitter defeat for Airbus who thoroughly deserved something from that game. Airbus had managed to go end to end with the Welsh champions and Europa Conference League debutants for 90 minutes.