Welsh Premier Under-19 League

Despite the wet and windy conditions the teams produced an entertaining encounter with the outcome in doubt until the final whistle.  Airbus shaded the opening 20 minutes Chris Thomas going closest after five minutes when heading a corner narrowly over.  Bala manufactured the first clear chance in the 22nd minute when their centre forward broke through the home defence, but keeper Dan Cooper stood firm and produced an excellent stop to prevent the goal.  The game centred on midfield for a period, neither side creating much until the 34th minute when Bala striker Josh Davies chased down a home back pass and deflected keeper Dan Coopers’ clearance into an empty net to give the visitors the lead.  Bala finished the half on top and almost increased their lead on the stroke of half-time.
HT  0  -  1

Airbus emerged for the second half with two changes, Ben Evans at full back and a welcome return in midfield for Rhys Nash making his first appearance of an injury hit season.  The Wingmen increased the tempo and began to play more controlled football, bringing them a deserved equaliser on the hour mark.  Rhys Nash played a crisp pass into Jordan O’Brien who slid the ball behind the visiting defence for Tom Littler to run onto and curl a measured shot just inside the post.  Airbus sensed victory and drove forward Ben Evans raiding down the right with purpose.  Rhys Nash was within a whisker of scoring smashing a Tom Littler cross just over on 65 minutes.  Bala weathered the storm and began to test the home defence.  Shaun McCartney, Chris Thomas and Joe Trueman ensured there was no breach.  The game swung again in favour of Airbus and in the 84th minute, with a slice of luck, they grabbed the lead.  Lee Jones outpaced the fullback who managed to partially block the cross which looped over the keeper into the net.  Again Bala did not give up and a swift break in the dying moments almost produced an equaliser.  Airbus survived and on balance just shaded the game.  The result leaves Airbus with a maximum haul of 15 points from five games.
FT  2  -  1

Team – Dan Cooper – Wes Bennett (Ben Evans 45) – Joe Trueman – Shaun McCartney – Chris Thomas (Josh Atkin 82) – Jamie Meacock – Jordan O’Brien – Leigh Owens (Rhys Nash 45) – Lee Jones – Tom Littler – Connor Boyle