Wingmakers secure Europa League place with win over Rhyl.
AIRBUS FC 2 – 1 RHYL
The Wingmakers went into this game knowing that a win would seal a Europa League spot, and keep the pressure on TNS at the top of the table.
The opening 10 minutes were played at a high tempo as both sides looked to take an early lead.
On eight minutes Steve Jones struck the inside of the near post for Airbus after he found himself through on goal.
Airbus went in front on 12 minutes when Ryan Wade crossed from the byline into the area, and the ball was turned home from a few yards by Rhyl defender Ryan Astles for an unfortunate own goal.
Five minutes later the Wingmakers captain Ian Kearney charged forward and drove a shot narrowly wide, but seconds later they were 2-0 up. From a corner, a thumping Chris Budrys header doubled the Airbus advantage on 20 minutes.
The scoreline was harsh on the visitors who had pushed forward at every opportunity through Steve Lewis, and former Wingmakers Paul McManus and Mark Cadwallader.
On 34 minutes Budrys picked up a yellow card for a late challenge on Rhyl goalkeeper Alex Ramsey.
Shortly before the break Rhyl were forced into a change when a knock to Dave Forbes saw him replaced by former Airbus forward Jon Bathurst.
On the stroke of half-time the away side pulled a goal back with Steve Lewis accurately firing home a low shot from a cross into the area to make it 2-1.
Similar to the first, the second-half began with both teams going close as the action went from end to end.
On 62 minutes Steve Jones attempted a low long-range drive which went narrowly wide for Airbus before Rhyl replaced Paul McManus with Tom Donegan.
On 65 minutes Ryan Wade fired wide as the Wingmakers tried to take advantage of their increasing possession to extend their lead.
With just under quarter of an hour to go, Steve Lewis went close to grabbing a second for Rhyl with a snap-shot just off target.
With 10 minutes to go the Wingmakers replaced Ryan Wade with Steve Abbott before Rhyl introduced Josh Williams in place of Mark Cadwallader.
There were fewer clear-cut opportunities in the second-half but neither team were sitting back.
Ultimately the Wingmakers held on to clinch the points and another European adventure this summer, with one eye still on the title.
