Airbus Girls U15 produced an impressive attacking display to secure a comprehensive 2–6 victory over Brickfield Rangers FC U15, booking their place in the second round of the NEWFA U15 Girls Cup.

Despite the scoreline, Airbus certainly did not have everything their own way, with Brickfield starting brightly and forcing Laila into an early save in the opening minutes.

Airbus responded well, and in the 5th minute Emily played a delightful pass up the right flank for Macey to run onto. Macey showed excellent pace and power to drive into the box before displaying great composure to calmly finish and give Airbus an early lead.

The girls continued to threaten down the right and came close to doubling their advantage when Macey unleashed a thunderous effort that rattled the crossbar.

Airbus were playing in spells during the opening half and were occasionally guilty of forcing passes and giving possession away cheaply. This allowed Brickfield to threaten on the counter, particularly with direct balls over the top.

The hosts were certainly making their presence felt, and there was no doubt this was developing into a proper cup tie.

Airbus weathered the pressure, and in the 20th minute they doubled their advantage. Isabelle picked up the ball around halfway following a goal kick, turned, drove towards the Brickfield goal and unleashed a superb strike into the back of the net.

The half-time message was simple: stay focused, show more composure and keep possession of the football. To their credit, the girls responded magnificently.

Within two minutes of the restart, Seren produced a wicked low cross into the box which Maisie E coolly converted to make it 0–3.

Just five minutes into the second half, Amelia capitalised on a Brickfield error to extend the lead further and put Airbus firmly in control at 0–4.

Brickfield refused to give up, however, and their powerful striker, who had caused the Airbus defence problems throughout the game, pulled one back to make it 1–4.

Airbus quickly restored their four-goal advantage when Ellie-May reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the box to make it 1–5.

With Airbus seemingly cruising, a defensive error allowed Brickfield back into the game at 2–5. With their tails up, the hosts pushed hard in search of another goal and were perhaps unfortunate not to be awarded a penalty with 13 minutes remaining, which could have made for an interesting finish.

Airbus remained composed, though, and finished the game strongly.

In the closing moments, Megan broke free down the left wing and delivered a pinpoint cross to the back post, where Lauren was on hand to calmly tap home and complete the scoring.

A convincing cup victory for Airbus, who showed both their attacking quality and their ability to respond when Brickfield threatened to make the game uncomfortable.

Player of the Match – Isabelle
Isabelle was outstanding in the centre of midfield, matching Brickfield’s physicality throughout and providing an excellent platform for Airbus to control the game. Her wonderful solo goal was the highlight of an excellent individual performance.
Photos to follow