Airbus UK Broughton 1-1 Guilsfield (Airbus UK win 6-5 on penalties): Rhys Williams the hero as Airbus beat Guilsfield on spot kicks
Airbus UK scraped past Guilsfield in the Nathaniel MG Cup first round after Adam Jenkins had taken the tie to penalties with a last-minute strike.
Airbus captain Steve Tomassen claimed the first goal of the game when his header looped over Michael Jones just before halftime.
Airbus then dominated most of the proceedings before substitute Jenkins curled in a fine effort in the dying embers of the game to take the match to spot-kicks.
Rhys Williams proved to be the hero for the Wingmakers saving from three Guilsfield players, including new signing Greg Draper before Ryan Edwards slammed home the winning kick.
There was a tremendous sense of satisfaction as fans returned to the Airfield after a long absence and both sides played their first matches since March 2020. Much anticipation was made of Greg Draper’s first start for his new side after his arrival from TNS.
Airbus started the game on the front foot and set the pace for much of the match. Young left-back Elliot Orton looked lively on his senior debut and was combining well with new signing Nathan Brown.
Brown would create the first opportunity for the hosts when his chipped cross towards the back post met Adam Davies. The attackers could not power his header past Michael Jones, nor could George Peers who followed in with a fierce drive.
Both sides however were showing a lot of rustiness in the early part of the game. Airbus to their credit were improving with every minute of this game. Meanwhile, Guilsfield had created very little and Draper was struggling for touches.
Midway through the first half, Airbus had the first real chance. Adam Davies forced himself free down the right and side-footed a volley into the box. Lanceley met the cross with a header, but it lacked power. Michael Jones reacted well to get a hand on the downward effort.
Adam Davies was now causing Guilsfield all sorts of problems and fired a thunderbolt from 30 yards just wide. The visitors did not heed this warning and allowed him to get in behind the defence. Michael Jones was out quickly but brought down the onrushing Davies as he went through and lobbed the ball wide. Jones was given a yellow card and Nathan Brown wasted the free-kick.
Airbus finally took the lead with a few minutes of the first half remaining. Joe Palmer hit into the box an inviting ball.A melee of bodies went up to meet it and the ball looped into the back of the net. Steve Tomassen was the one to claim it and the goal stood despite strong protests from Andrew Ford and the Guilsfield bench.
The home side again took the initiative in the second half and created the majority of the chances. The most notable effort is when after a tense back and forth in the Guilsfield half, Ryan Edwards took control, entered the box, and lobbed the ball just over the bar.
There remained only one goal in the contest however and Guilsfield were creating some half chances. Former Caersws forward Jamie Hyne was posing the most problems and getting into dangerous areas without reward. Christ Cathrall’s long throws were a threat but dealt with well by the Airbus backline.
Airbus’ best moment of the half came with twenty minutes left when with a piece of exquisite skill. Nathan Brown took the ball down whilst facing away from goal, turned on a sixpence, and volleyed just wide of the goal to huge applause from the home supporters. It appeared Airbus would be progressing with some ease.
However, Guilsfield had not read the script and went forward with one final attack. Patient buildup down the right started with Cathrall moving the ball forward towards James. James laid the ball to substitute Jenkins on the edge of the box who duly curled a delicious drive past Williams from 20 yards and into the back of the net.
After 90 minutes penalties, it was. Guilsfield kicked first and took the advantage, going two up in succession. Yet Rhys Williams would prove to be Airbus’ hero, saving from Jenkins and Draper to set up sudden death. Spencer Parrish was the unfortunate Guilsfield player, seeing his spot-kick well saved by Williams, before Ryan Edwards was left to smash home the winner.
Airbus UK: Rhys Williams (GK), Steve Tomassen, Callum Humphries, Gaz Edwards, Elliot Orton, Ryan Edwards, Joe Palmer (Iwan Jones 74’), George Peers (Owen Payne 74’), Nathan Brown, Adam Davies (Finley Savage 76’), Oli Lanceley
Goal: Steve Tomassen 41’
Guilsfield: Michael Jones (GK), Spencer Parrish, Jack Richards (Gareth Mansell 90’), Aaron Lloyd, Andrew Ford, Robert James, George Clifton (Adam Jenkins 74’), Iwan Lewis, Jamie Hyne, Chris Cathrall, Greg Draper
Yellow cards: Michael Jones 37’ Robert James 46’
Goal: Adam Jenkins 90’
