U8’s welcomed Connahs Quay to Broughton on Saturday morning for what always is an exciting fixture against two good sides. Airbus had a number of players missing for various reasons and first couple of minutes started slow. As the game went on the 8’s started to really click and scored some excellent goals with some very good combination play. Airbus looked to create overloads all over the pitch and this worked to our advantage with some great bits of play from 2v1 3v2 situations. By the end of the game 8’s all came off the pitch with smiles on faces with the number of goals scored and great performances on the pitch.

Player of the week:

Harry Jarvis - For scoring a hat trick on 1 pitch before a great performance in the 2nd game.

Aston Jones - For his work rate and ability to win his 1 on 1 battles on and off the ball. Well done all.

U9's

2 games in 7 days for the U9's.

Firstly the under 9s welcomed our neighbours CQ Nomads for a really encouraging and meaningful display from all. The young wingmakers displayed excellent intensity with their approach once again and it's become a non negotiable in our style of play this year, the willingness to recover the ball when it's lost is proving to be a tough challenge to all of our opponents and against nomads once again was an attribute that helped us to a successful morning. When we had the ball we though we were equally as impressive and the boys look to play forward at any given safe opportunity, ball retention when necessary was a clear pattern through the morning and the players are really putting together an understanding of each other and what we want to achieve. Well done boys

Player of the week:

Albie Dodd - In my opinion, Albie has set a level we have come to expect of him week in week out and sometimes doesn't get the recognition he deserves. His work rate was through the roof, and I noticed him making a conscious effort to apply the match objectives to the game, shooting early, tight on first touch and also communication to team mates about balance when we went forward for corners. Well done Albie.

Dylan Rowe - Match objectives were to get early shots away and with 3 or 4 goals that he scored certainly met that objective, great for his confidence and the skilful and clinical Dylan we know is rising again, well done Dylan.

So a break from the FAW programme allowed us to travel to Shrewsbury Town to play in a new format for the boys, much bigger pitch, 7v7 and obvious offsides thrown into the mix which they'd not had the chance of experiencing yet. The first period was almost a feeler period where we were finding our feet with patterns of play and how to utilise the extra space the pitch provided. From that onwards though the boys were incredible throughout. They adjusted so quickly to the demands of the game that were mostly new to them and found a way of playing effectively in different areas of the pitch. It was a nice moment when the Shrewsbury and Airbus parents applauded a pattern of play when we built out from our goalkeeper to work the ball up the pitch with 6 out of 7 of the players on the pitch touching the ball, not quite converting the chance at the end. But a moment that was reflective of the forward thinking game intelligence they all showed during the match, and after a week where our focus was combination play in training, as a coach that was extremely satisfying to see them play through the thirds like that. Game ended with 8 goals being scored by 5 different players but a team performance that they should be very pleased with moving forward, and in preparation for their transition to 7 a side next season.

Player of the week:

Arthur Irwin - Arthur did exceptionally well at breaking up play, a great understanding of standing and sliding tackles and getting a toe in, in key moments, something so simple, yet so pivotal in preventing Shrewsbury attacks late in the game.

U10

The U10’s Hosted CQ Nomads looking to continue how we’ve played over the last couple of weeks. It was a tale of two pitches really, with one pitch having a lot of success, scoring plenty of goals and putting together some great passages of play. On the other pitch it was more of a challenge with Nomads starting stronger and us finding ourselves a couple of goals down. However the lads turned it on in the 2nd half the match turning it round and scoring some great goals. Well done all lads.

Player of the week:

Mason Sutton - Mason supported his teammates by always making himself available to receive a back pass. Mason moved the ball in different directions, constantly looking to put us on the attack again. He had a busy morning and produced some great saves, which helped keep the score line down.

Kian Mills - Was asked to play in a defensive position and we thought he held the position well whilst dealing the challenge of the opposition.

U11

Connahs Quay Nomads came to Airbus to play 2x7v7 fixture. It was a very successful Saturday against one of our tougher teams in the Academy format. We won 2, drew 1 & lost 1. Always tight matches against Nomads with some excellent attacking football being played. Scoring 10 goals and only conceding 4. During one of the games, the lads played excellent football, dominated possession of the ball & scored numerous goals. Well done lads it was a pleasure to watch.

U12

The U12’s welcomed the FAW Regional U14’s girls on Sunday. The boys took the lead through Dafydd Edwards on 10 mins after dominating the early part of the game. A second soon followed from Arthur Williams after a good ball in from Harry Williams. The U14 girls replied on the half hour after a good break...2-1 at half time. The boys scored early in the second half against the wind when Harry Williams took his chance well after an excellent move and some excellent passing. Several chances went begging before Frank Jones added a 4th from another Harry Williams cross to make the final score 4-1 to the young wing makers. Well done boys.

Player of the week:

Harry Williams - Excellent work in the final third.

U14

The U14s welcomed Wrexham to the Hollingsworth Group Stadium. The first half against the wind was always going to be tough as we struggled to find a foothold in the game in the early stages. However after a good passage of play down the right, an excellent change of direction from Fish ensured a good crossing position was created. From this Harri Edwards volley back a cross from the 2nd phase and the excellent Jake Pendlebury scored an acrobatical volley into the top left corner. We had 2 further chances where Harri Edwards went close but was thwarted by the opposition keeper. 2 lapses in concentration in our box allowed Wrexham to score 2 goals before half time which frustrated us, as Wrexham hadn't played though us at any point. We must continue to play quickly and look to clear our lines when needed. We asked for a reaction in the 2nd half after a direct conversation at half time. Although we were nowhere near out best, we started to enjoy possession and looked to make forward runs in wide areas. Harri Edwards picked up the ball.on the half way line and powered his way into the box and was brought down from behind. Jake Pendlebury dispatched the penalty clinically. Following our high press, Fin Hayes then went though and scored into the bottom corner. We then took advantage of a bit of quick thinking from Fish who played a perfectly weighted pass into Fin Hayes, who went 1v1 with the keeper and scored in the bottom corner. 4-2 the match ended in our favour...much to work on, but overall it was a good result for the lads.

Jake Pendlebury - the lad is getting better and better week by week in forward areas. In possession he was clinical, out of possession he ensured our press was correct and we scored our 3rd goal because of this.

We welcomed the FAW U17 Girls Northern Development side to the Airfield for a rare fixture on grass. The wind was howling into our faces as we played uphill in the first half. We started well and had good possession. We gave away a penalty after a defensive lapse and found ourselves 0-1 down. Despite having numerous chances, the score stayed the same at half time. Downhill and with the wind, we kept possession of the ball much better, had a number of chances, hit the post and bar, had 2 chalked off for off-side and we thought it was going to be one of those days. We finally got the equaliser when Caiden Baker-Williams fired home into the bottom corner. The winner came from captain Alex Mossman who followed up well from a Rhys Ineson free-kick. Not our best performance, however in the 2nd half, we more than deserved the result...we just need to be more clinical in the final third.

Player of the week:

Caiden Baker-Williams - A constant threat to the opposition. Scored a good goal and got into many goal scoring positions. An excellent modern day fullback performance getting forward to provide opportunities for his teammates, whilst having the ability to transition into defensive shape when required.

U15

The U15s played in the final fixture of the weekend as Wrexham came for a 5pm KO at the Hollingsworth Group Stadium. It was a tough evening for the young wingmakers as Wrexham scored 3 clinical goals in the first half. This didn't tell the entire story as the lads had a couple of decent phases of possession, but just didn't have the cutting edge that was needed to break Wrexham down. The 2nd half saw more of the same as Wrexham enjoyed the majority of possession, but the lads never have up and the score ended 0-5 to the opposition.

Player of the week:

Jacob Clement - A number of fine saves were made by Jacob during the fixture. His use of the ball in possession was also intelligent and he was positive throughout.

U16

A home fixture against Wrexham after two away games previously for us this time. Airbus we’re looking to make it 3/3 against Wrexham this season. Airbus started really strong in possession, building through the thirds really strongly and getting into some good positions. Airbus broke the desd lock 15 minutes in after James Allen won possession high up and slid Vaughn in for a one on one who took the chance nicely. The next 20 minutes was a bit back and fourth with chances being created. Although Airbus scored a second after Lloyd Robinson crossed a fanastic ball across which fell down to Warren Leach to finish. Going in 2-0 at half time, we challenge to boys to have a bit more control of the game in the second half and ensure our shape out of possession was right to make it a bit harder to Wrexham to play through us and create chances. This improved slightly in the second half, although still not quite where we’d want it to be. Oliver Hughes scored our final goal of the day after James Allen pressed the Wrexham goalkeeper into a rushed clearance. Overall, a good day at the office although still room to go through some more gears. Final score finished 3-1.

Player of the week:

Lloyd Robinson - A modern day fullback performance. Excellent in 1v1s and sniffing danger. Tidy in possession and caused problems for Wrexham going forward.

The final fixture against Colwyn Bay at home. Airbus got off to a slow start with Colwyn Bay looking a lot energetic and confident. Colwyn Bay took the lead on the 12th minute and doubling this 2 minutes later. Airbus never got going in the first half and could see some frustration starting to build. At half time we asked for a much better showing in the second half. Stanley Edwards scored a well taken goal from the edge of the area to make it 2-1. Hoping this would give us the boost that was needed but unfortunately we then conceded again 2 minute later. Airbus still not clicking but Airbus grabbed another to make it 3-2 with 24 minutes to play. Unfortunately Airbus not having the quality needed in possession create the chances needed. Colwyn Bay scored a 4th really put the game to bed with a fantastic strike. Airbus did grab one before the game finished with a best play of the day with was rounded off by Josh Edwards. Overall, Colwyn Bay came away worthy winners for their performance on the day.

Player of the week:

Stanley Edwards - Came on for his debut for U16s to show his quality on the final third and grabbed two goals to give us a chance of getting back into the game.

PDP - Reserve Team

Saturday afternoon saw the Reserves play host to Mold Reserves on a windy afternoon. Airbus started the brighter of the two teams putting Mold to the sword several times early in the game, which was rewarded through a penalty on the 7’ which Rob Austin calmly slotted away. Much of the first half was the same. Airbus is complete control of the game and we were rewarded on the 19’ with Cal Hughes assisted by Rob Austin. Shortly after on 23’ Jay Hughes carved out a great individual effort to score against his former club. Rob Austin added to the scoring on 29’ and 45’ completing his hatrick in the first half, 5-0 half time. The second half saw Airbus maintain control although not able to capitalise to much due to the wind overrunning every forward pass. Still managing to maintain control of the majority of possession. We had to wait until the 62’ when Alex Sharpe added to the score assisted by Robbie Jones. Finally Danas Kulikauskas finished the scoring with a penalty on the 84’ final score Airbus 7 Mold 0.

Player of the week:

Rob Austin - Not for just scoring 3 and assisting 1 but for his performance during the week at training and his general presence around the club. Rob is a very polite and well mannered young lad who has shown in recent weeks how confident he is when he travels forward with the ball and becomes a defenders worst nightmare. A very capable athlete with lots of talent and ability. Well done Rob, keep up the good work.

PDP - U19

Sunday afternoon saw the young wingmakers play host to Colwyn Bay U19’s at the Hollingsworth Group stadium. Airbus off to a great start settled in to the game very early and controlled possession well. Opening the scoring with a very well worked bit of play on 9’ was Robbie Jones assisted by Louis Bebbington. Controlling most of the possession Airbus came close several times but just couldn’t find the back of the net until 41’ when Hugh Holland scored a lovely goal assisted by Harry Henderson, half time 2-0 Airbus. Second half started a bit frantic and Colwyn Bay capitalised on a poor mistake and got an early goal. Airbus soon took control of the possession again and on the 49’ added to the tally through Archie Floate assisted by Danas Kulikauskas. Not sitting back Airbus kept coming and putting the visitors under pressure. This paid dividends as on 64’ Harry Henderson slotted home a well worked training ground manoeuvre assisted by Hugh Holland. Proudly Airbus were able to field three U16’s in this fixture (Ben Williams, Warren Leech and Thomas Henderson) who all came on mid way through the second half and made a positive impact. In a great bit of build up play including all three of the 16’s we were able to pull another goal ahead after Warren Leach calmly with the outside of his boot from outside the 18 yd box found the top corner assisted by Ben Williams on 85’. Immediately after which Warren was able to return the compliment by assisting Ben on 86’ beating the opposition press and finish with a quality strike in to the bottom corner. Final score 6-1 Airbus and a solid performance from everyone.

Player of the week:

Harry Henderson - Harry is a tenacious fullback who like a modern day fullback finds himself in the opposition half more than his own. Harry is a leader in training and always looks to improve himself. Today Harry had the pleasure of playing along side his brother for the first time in a competitive game at Airbus which is a lovely moment for the club and family to enjoy. Well done Harry, keep it up mate.