After a two week wait to play in the final, there was a few changes to the starting line-up that started against Penyfford Lions in the semi-final. There were returns for Keighan Jones, Tyler McManus, Kieran Evans, Jordan Evans, Kaiden Cooke, Danny Warren and Mason Blackwell-Jones.

Before the game there was an impeccable minute silence in memory of Airbus FC Lifelong Member Terry Melia who sadly recently passed away.

Danny Warren got us underway on a very overcast but mild evening, with Airbus kicking right to left.

It was Airbus that were starting to move the ball round in the early exchanges and on 9’ Jordan Evans collected the ball in his own half and his first touch inside took him away into space as he travelled towards goal, his shot brought a good save from John Danby.

Two minutes later, Holywell had their first form of pressure on the Airbus goal. A corner from Jack Sconce was met by Ieuan Hewitt and is header was just wide of the target.

With 15 minutes on the clock, Kaiden Cooke was fouled and his quick thinking with a quickly taken free kick allowed him to deliver a cross into the box for Warren but his was just wide.

17’ and Airbus had the opening goal. A free kick was awarded for a foul on Mason Blackwell-Jones near the left corner flag. The free kick was delivered into the box by Jordan Evans and his set piece was met by Josh Stevenson, whose header was initially saved by Danby and Joe Palmer was the quickest to react to the second ball and he bundled the ball into the back of the net.

Airbus were starting to have control of the game and Danny Warren was found in space. His first effort was saved by Danby and the Airbus striker had another chance but there was an excellent reaction save from Danby once again.

Half an hour gone and Danby was called into action once again. Warren brought the ball down well at the far post from a cross from Mason Blackwell-Jones and he set Sam Rickett whose shot was denied by the Holywell ‘keeper.

A minute later had the first chance on the Airbus goal. Ryan Edwards received the ball outside the area and his effort was collected by Keighan Jones.

34’ and Airbus had their second. A free kick was awarded for a foul on Cooke, the set piece was taken again by Jordan Evans and his effort was target as it was parried out by Danby and the second ball fell to Danny Warren on the penalty spot as he volleyed the ball into the back of the net. This goal was Warren’s 50th goal for Airbus!

Danby was the busiest of goalkeepers in the first half as this time he pulled off a great save to deny Kaiden Cooke and then the Holywell ‘keeper punched the ball away to safety from a Jordan Evans delivery.

A good first half for Airbus as they went in 2 goals to the good.

Holywell got us back underway for the second half looking to get back into the game, but it was Airbus who started the second half as they finished. A great timed pass from Sam Rickett found Jordan Evans in behind the Holywell defence and once again Danby was there to smother the ball.

55’ An inside pass from Cooke found Warren and he was unable to get the full connection to divert the ball goal wards.

A penalty was awarded to Airbus just after the hour as Mason Blackwell-Jones was brought down in the area by Jake Cooke. Danny Warren stepped up to take the spot kick and he sent Danby the wrong way to make it 3-0 to Airbus and score his second of the game.

Joe Palmer had a great chance for his second two minutes later but his header was just over the bar.

Mark Winslade did well to fend off Stevenson and his pull back found Craig Lindfield but he dragged his shot wide of the target.

With 20 minutes remaining, Warren could have had his hat-trick. Cooke found Warren with a dangerous cross into the box, which the striker connected really well with and he was his effort come crashing off the post, but the officials flag was up for offside.

With Airbus having control of the game, they made a double substation with Dan Collins and Ieuan Jones-Wellstead replacing Mason Blackwell-Jones and Tyler McManus.

75’ Holywell had a goal, which gave them a bit of hope. They worked the ball well down the left and the ball ended up at the feet of Winslade, who finished with a great effort past Jones.

The goal gave Holywell a bit of purpose but Airbus put the game beyond them with 5 minutes of the 90 left. Kieran Evans picked the ball up on the left and he cut inside and his shot was in the back of the net to make it 4-1.

89’ a double substitution for Airbus as James Allen and Fin Hayes replaced Kaiden Cooke and Danny Warren.

After five minutes of injury time, referee Aled Williams blew the final whistle and Airbus were crowned North East Wales Challenge Cup winners for the second consecutive season.