Back to winning ways for Airbus FC with away win at Carmarthen

A depleted Wingmakers squad travelled to Carmarthen Town for S4C’s live TV WPL game, intent on getting back to winning ways against one of the league’s strongest sides.

Airbus got off to the best possible start when after less than two minutes, a Tom Field free-kick from the left was glanced in by the Old Gold’s Paul Fowler. The own goal gave the Wingmakers a 1-0 lead and helped to settle them down early on – Steve Cann saving from another Field free-kick shortly after the goal.

The hosts Liam McCreesh and Carl Evans were booked after 10 minutes for late challenges, with Carmarthen eager to get back on level terms. Although the home side enjoyed a spell of possession, Airbus looked solid defensively in the opening half an hour.

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Aaron Hassall has become the club’s youngest-ever WPL player at 16 years and three months old. Aaron a 6th form student at Queens Park High is one of a group of young upcoming Academy players who have been called into the first team set up during the current injury and suspension crisis.

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On 34 minutes there was another booking for Carmarthen after Kyle Bassett caught Lewis Short late following a clearance. James Coates made a great one-handed stop from Liam McCreesh’s close-range effort on 37 minutes, the first time the Airbus goalkeeper had really been called into action.

Carmarthen made the first change on 55 minutes with Corey Jenkins replacing Matty Collins. The Wingmakers worked hard to keep the game fairly even, with Carmarthen having few opportunities at goal and Airbus retaining their threat going forward.

With 20 minutes to go Carmarthen made another change with Corey Thomas replacing Kyle Bassett. Meanwhile, the Wingmakers were forced into a change themselves with an injury to Steve Jones requiring the veteran Northern Ireland international to come off.

Jones was replaced by Academy star Aaron Hassall, who became possibly the Wingmakers’ youngest-ever player in their Welsh Premier era – aged 16 years and three months old.

Christian Doidge had Carmarthen’s best chance of the game on 77 minutes when his header struck the near post and bounced to safety. The home side then introduced Jordan Follows in place of Liam Thomas.

Understandably the Old Gold applied a bit more pressure heading into the latter stages of the game but the Wingmakers were holding firm.

The home side were restricted to very few chances and Airbus saw the game out to take a great three points – taking into account the injury and suspension list of absentees. Just as importantly they had got back to winning ways – putting some distance between themselves and the chasing pack, while remaining within touching distance of TNS at the top.

U19 player & academy graduate Aaron Hassall makes his @WPL_Official debut away at Carmarthen. Delighted for the lad! #proud #youngwingmaker

— Airbus Academy (@airbusacademy) November 23, 2013

@HassallKen think Aaron might be @airbusukfc youngest-ever player in the WPL, 16 years and 3 months – worth checking the records #history

— Rory Sheehan (@RoryCountyTimes) November 23, 2013

Absolutely buzzing to make my @WPL_Official (welsh prem) debut today!! But more important a great 3 point! Come on airbus!!!!!!!!

— aaron hassall (@HassallAaron) November 23, 2013