Double fixtures for the under 9's this week. First on the agenda was a trip to finch farm to play Everton, an amazing facility and a first time there for most of the boys. The intensity and quality of Everton almost shocked the players at first but they were quick to identify how Everton were getting a lot of success and found a solution which was cutting off the space in the centre of the big pitch, that then allowed us to be more competitive in the game. In the second match we were dominant and created several excellent chances with 6 of them being converted. The highlight reel goal starting from GK and 4 players being involved with angled forward passes through the thirds eventually being slotted away - a goal very easy on the eye and one for the parents to appreciate. 2 very close games with each team getting a win each and the spoils shared. On Saturday we welcomed Caernarfon to the Hollingsworth stadium, arguably the standard setters within our age demographic and a very big physical side. The game went as we'd expected, with high intensity physical football. Some amazing goals and there was an excellent atmosphere from all the parents players and coaches in 4 very close games with both Caernarfon and Airbus getting 2 wins and 2 losses each.

Players of the week:

Arthur Irwin - Covered so much ground and again Arthur showed his desire to break up play out of possession, a very effective attribute he possesses that really contributes to his teams success on the pitch.

Henry Duffy - Over two games Henry showed us how reliable he really is between the sticks, a job that can sometimes be under valued, but certainly not by us. He goes about his business consistently and effectively and Friday and Saturdays games were another fine example of shot stopping and communication from our number 1.

Bobby Dean - Bobby has the nack of making his and his teams football creative, and especially when faced with adversity like he was on Saturday against Caernarfon, scoring a goal from the half way line that started an unbelievable comeback when Caernarfon were finding a lot of success in the game.

U10

The under 10’s welcomed Caernarfon on Saturday. We started well with some good link up play in wide areas, and with an excellent work rate out of possession we were able to put pressure on our opponents to win the ball back and create chances from the turnover. The boys worked hard from the first minute to the last to effect the game positively with some great goals being scored throughout the morning. Also great seeing Alan today after a long term layoff

Player of the week:

Tyler Jones - The concentration and decision making was exceptional today from Tyler, solid defending, always looking up when on the ball. Tyler’s fast footwork which helped him create his own space to score a thunderbolt.

U12

TNS 1 - 5 AIRBUS

The U12’s travelled to TNS on Sunday looking to continue their unbeaten run. The boys kept their shape in the early stages while TNS had good possession before an excellent break down the left and cross from Harry Williams for Fynley Wardle to head in the opener at the far post. The lads grew in confidence and pressed all over the pitch which led to a second goal from Frank Jones after a left footed cross from right wing by Dafydd Edwards. A defensive mix up and a goalmouth scramble resulted in a goal for TNS...2-1 to Airbus at half time. The boys continued to press collectively in transition to win the ball back and a third goal came early in the second half from Thomas Wright. The boys were now playing with confidence and playing some excellent football with some good quality passes. They were breaking lines at will and scored a fourth goal from Harry Williams after an assist from Frank Jones. Late in the game Arthur Williams scored an excellent goal with a great strike across the keeper to complete the scoring...5-1 to Airbus U12’s.

Player of the week:

Thomas Wright - Good work rate and excellent passing into forward areas. Well done Thomas and well done boys.

U13

AIRBUS 1 - 5 TNS

After conceding 10 goals last time they faced TNS, the U13s have worked hard become more defensively capable. In far from perfect conditions, we started brightly, with the first two chances falling to us. However, it was the visitors who struck first. A momentary lapse in concentration, created a 2v1 on our right back. TNS worked the opportunity well before firing the ball into the top corner. Overall, we played well in the first half of the game. We created some good opportunities and, on another day, may have scored 4 or 5 goals. However, the visitors were far more clinical than ourselves and went into the break with a 4 goal lead. In the second half, Airbus more than competed, with a single individual error leading to the only difference between the two sides. Reflecting on the performance, we were really happy with what was produced. We competed well with the table topping team, even outplaying them at times.

Player of the week:

Jack Mitchell - Mitch was outstanding today. His understanding of his role is improving week by week. His situation understanding, work-rate and willingness to support his team was second to none. Well done Mitch.

U14

TNS 1 - 4 AIRBUS FC

A busy weekend for the U14 as we had festival at Crewe Alexandra on the Friday...followed by a FAW Academy Cup fixture away at TNS on the Sunday. Friday saw us bring back some silverware as the 18 lads that played did us proud. We scored a number of good goals in the group stages as Fin Hayes, Jake Pendlebury (2), Rhys Ineson & Joseph Pridding ensured we qualified for the latter stages. We excelled with excellent goals from Caiden Baker-Williams, Harri Edwards & Max Murray. It was an interesting experience at times with our hosts praising us both on and off the pitch. Sunday saw a trip to TNS. We had our game plan and the lads executed it to the best of their ability in the 1st half. We had 2 excellent chances to score in the first 10 minutes - as the opposition keeper made 2 good saves from Max Murray & Joseph Pridding. We took the lead on 13' when Caiden Baker-Williams pressed correctly from outside to in and dispatched the ball clinically into the bottom corner. The lads continued to play the brand of football that they have been coached this season with the balance across the team being correct and all curriculum topics being performed to a high standard. Our 2nd goal came from a set-piece as Jack Davies headed home another tempting corner from Caiden Baker-Williams at the back post. In total control of the match, Max Murray danced through on the right hand side and played a perfectly weighted pass to Jake Pendlebury who curled the ball well into the bottom left hand corner. Our defensive trio of Sam Ibbitson, Alfie Neal & Evan Roberts were excellent both in and out of possession, with Dylan Cusato and Alex Mossman screening well in midfield areas ensuring we didn't get played through once in 35 minutes. We did have a minor scare before half time as we tried to overplay, but Bailey Davies made himself big and our defenders thwarted the danger. 3-0 to the young wingmakers at half time and our work-rate had been phenomenal. We knew TNS would try to change shape and come out at us with a high tempo. We struggled to clear our lines in a defensive position and conceded after just 3 minutes - this gave our hosts hope and they peppered our left flank on numerous occasions for the next 12/15 minutes. We did well, dug in and found a way to re-gain control of the match. It took a good save from Bailey Davies to keep the score 3-1, however we had 2 excellent chances of our own to extend the lead, as although we werent in control, we still looked dangerous on the counter attack. A slight tactical tweak gave us a bit more solidity behind the ball with our 4 defenders (Alfie, Evan, Sam & Shay) looking more comfortable as the half went on - as we started to enjoy possession. On 68' a great switch in play by Fin Hayes & excellent work by both Fin Geary & Samuel Ibbitson on the right hand side found Harri Edwards in space on the penalty spot - who struck the ball sweetly into the roof of the net to ensure the points were secured for the young wingmakers. The lads managed the game well until the final whistle was blown by our referee Mr Rondell. There have been a number of excellent performances over the 2 events with players really stepping up to the plate and showing how they are developing. Well done lads - very proud of you.

Player of the week:

Alex Mossman - An excellent performance from Alex in the centre of midfield. He used the ball well in possession and provided good options to link up play when playing out from the back. Out of possession, he played a vital role in ensuring our opponents didn't play through us whilst showing good leadership & maturity throughout.

U15

TNS 3 - 1 AIRBUS FC

The U15s travelled to Park Hall for the last fixture of the weekend. It was a cagey start by both teams, but TNS took the lead after 7 minutes. The game was mostly played in the midfield areas with neither side able to find that cutting edge and it remained that way at half time. The 2nd half was more of the same, however TNS scored an early goal that made it comfortable for them and they were also awarded a penalty on 48 minutes which they dispatched to make it 0-3. The Young Wingmakers never gave up and continued to try to break down the opposition defence. We were awarded a penalty on 71 minutes which Cai Price scored - however that was the last action of the match as the game ended 1-3 to our opponents.

Player of the week:

Cai Price - Led the line well throughout the game, worked hard in and out of possession. It was nice that he got his rewards from the penalty spot.

U16

AIRBUS 3 - TNS 6

Our final fixture against TNS, 2nd Vs 3rd so it had all the potential to be a brilliant game and that it was. Airbus started strong making it really hard for TNS in possession who really didn’t have much joy. After 27 minutes Airbus broke the dead lock when Vaughn headed home from a Ben Williams corner. This was quite the relief after we had a goal disallowed 5 minutes earlier after the referee had seen a foul in the box. With 3 minutes to go before half time TNS equalised just as we got caught in possession playing out. Into two minutes added time TNS broke on us and took the lead. Airbus were really disappointed to be going in behind after the first half performance. We had to brush ourselves down and go again. Fair play to the lads - that’s exactly what they did, 8 minutes into the second half Ritchie Beck equalised after Harry Jones nodded the ball down from the second phase of a corner. Again, 11 minutes later TNS scored two goals within 3 minutes to make it 4-2. Once again the boys bounced back, more or less straight from kick off Airbus grabbed one back after Deacon latched onto a through ball and squared it to Harry Jones. Airbus then chasing the game with 13 minutes to go conceded 2 more goals for TNS to see off the game. Most disappointing for us was the manner of goals we conceded, it gave us a big hill to climb. Credit to the boys for their attitudes throughout. Final score 6-3.

Player of the week:

Harry Jones - His attitude was absolutely spot on. Grabbed a goal and assists but also his overall play in possession was excellent. As well as a brilliant work rate out of possession.

U19

AIRBUS 0 - 3 TNS

Sunday saw Airbus host TNS 19’s who have been crowned champions of the Welsh Prem Development League, not dropping a point all season. We knew we would have to adapt in this fixture to give up possession of the ball as we usually dominate but not today. We started very well and managed to control where to opposition played, keeping it obvious and predictable for us to defend. TNS did find a few balls in behind in the wide areas playing direct however we were able to cope. Sadly on 20’ TNS with a big switch of play to their wide forward player in an offside position that was not picked up by the officials and they went through scoring the opening goal of the game. Feeling hard done by Airbus got back to work and kept to the game plan frustrating TNS to play direct. Half time 1-0 TNS. Second half we kept the game plan the same and tried to make defending obvious and predictable forcing the opposition to play directly. This worked for the first phase of the half and we then started to play our own brand of football the more frustrated me made the opposition. Coming close several times and hitting the inside of the post we came close to drawing the game level. Minutes later a mistake in build up gifting TNS their second of the game. Then chasing the game a little TNS score the final goal of the game on 84’. Feeling like the score line doesn’t reflect the game I couldn’t be happier with the character of all the players today playing against very good opposition. No doubt TNS did enough to win the game overall, final score 3-0 TNS.

Player of the week:

Josh Stevenson - Josh and the defending unit were under lots of pressure today and all of them did an excellent job. Josh is a good leader and leads by example in training and games. Very mature performance from him today. Calm when needed and sees clever spaces and steps in like a pro. Well done mate.

Reserves:

AIRBUS FC 3 v 1 BUCKLEY TOWN FC

Friday night under the lights saw Airbus play Buckley in the reserve league. The game started a little off plan as our visitors earned themselves a penalty in the first minute of the game taking an early lead. Picking themselves up the young wingmakers got a foothold in the game and dominated the majority of the ball. Creating chance after chance eventually we drew level on 12’ with Dan Semple assisted by Alex Sharpe. Airbus dominated the ball well but couldn’t open the visitors up again in the first half, ending 1-1. Airbus started the second half in firm control continuing to dictate the game. Getting in to good areas and showing the ability to overcome difficult moments. Taking the lead through Harvey Greig on 55’ assisted by Jay Hughes. Maintaining control Airbus creating chance after chance hitting the post and forcing the keeper to make a few good saves. Eventually Harvey Greig through on goal was fouled winning and dispatching a penalty for his second of the night and securing all three points for the reserves. Final score 3-1

Player of the week:

Archie Floate - Been going from strength to strength and put on a very mature performance on Friday night. Archie is a bright young man with a great attitude and is developing in to a real asset to the group. Quiet but courageous, he dominated midfield with relative ease but remained professional to the final whistle. Well done Arch

U17 Girls

North Wales Coast Cup Final U17 v Henllan.

It was a blustery day and was a strong start by our opponents. We chose to play with the wind in the first half as in previous matches we chose to play against it in first half and when we switched at half time the wind had died down. Henllan had a corner and it went to the near post but dropped over the defender straight onto an onrushing unmarked players foot. 0-1 to Henllan. Airbus created numerous chances throughout the half, hitting the crossbar but as we didn't take our chances - you could see the players becoming frustrated. A challenge involving 3 players was a turning point in the game just before half time. Keira came off the worst with an injured foot which she strapped up at halftime, but it wasn’t right and with Henllan making it 2-0 just after the break and the wind getting stronger we had to take Keira off. Every defensive mistake was pounced upon by Henllan as the girls struggled to play against the wind. We pulled one back through Guinnie and even had a spell where we started creating - but it turns out it was nothing more than a consolation as the final score ended up 1-6. A much deserved victory for Henllan but we are very proud of the girls for getting to the final. We were unfortunate that events didn’t go our way but we must pick ourselves up as we have another semi final next week and we will need to win that for Keira as she is out for 2 weeks with a badly bruised and sprained ankle, fortunately not broken.

Player of the week:

Abbey - Played in two different positions well yesterday. A very offensive left back and very dominating midfielder.