In a campaign where Airbus are based at the foot of the table, with relegation from the JD Cymru Premier looming large, it is conceivable to conclude that there isn’t much to celebrate this term, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Fantastic goals, eye-catching performances and an emergence of academy talent have all been positive features in Flintshire since August.
As Wingmakers Chat is coming to an end, and with just six games remaining of the campaign, ourselves and the fans have taken part in nominating for our end of season awards.
Here are the results:
Best Academy Graduate
With an abundance of wealth and riches in elite footballing leagues across Europe, academies are often undervalued and dismissed. However, in the Welsh top-flight, and specifically at the Wingmakers, a contrast in investment and a manager who believes in youth, has resulted in the academy system acting as a conveyer belt for the first team this season.
Read: Opinion – Has the academy worked for Airbus?
The Winner – Oli Lanceley
The towering striker has made an instant impact on Steve O’Shaughnessy’s side since his debut against Caernarfon in late August.
His ability to hold the ball up and bring others into play has been a valuable asset to the squad, as well as providing competition in the forward positions to top scoring summer recruit Andy Owens.
Lanceley’s Reaction:
“It’s been a great season on a personal note getting a few appearances under my belt as well as a few goals. Hopefully now I can carry it on and keep improving in the future.”
Best Moment
Whilst the Bus have recorded just three league victories in 26 outings, the campaign has not been short of memorable moments.
From individual brilliance to thrilling victories, the Wingmakers have experienced it all over the last seven months.
The Winner – Away victory at Carmarthen Town
After five months without triumphing in the league, a dominating 1-3 win against relegation rivals Carmarthen at Richmond Park was vital in order to keep within touching distance of safety.
An exquisite first half display saw Airbus head into the break with a three-goal lead, courtesy of Lanceley and a Niall Watson brace.
Resilience and Atletico Madrid-esque defending in the second period ensured the Wingmakers held firm to grab the spoils.
O’Shaughnessy’s Reaction:
“Overall a great team performance from front to back. To a man I thought there was a lot of heart there today. If you said before the game we were going to win 1-3, you would take it.”
Best Goal
Whether it is a 30-yard screamer which full-back Curtis Strong delivered against Bala Town in the season opener, or a team goal exhibiting slick passing and clever interplay, O’Shaughnessy’s troops have scored every type of goal this season.
The Winner – Alex Darlington Versus Carmarthen Town
In first half stoppage time and with the daunting prospect of having to overcome a two-goal deficit, up stepped the former TNS midfielder against the Old Gold.
Shifting the ball out of his feet, the number 28 unleashed a thunderbolt with his right foot 35-yards out, leaving the Carmarthen goalkeeper with no chance.
Read – Match Report: Liam Williams goal completes Airbus two-goal comeback against relegation rivals
The 31-year-old’s jaw dropping hit sparked an inspired second 45 minutes, as Liam Williams headed home from a corner to rescue a valuable point.
Darlington’s Reaction:
“When I received the ball, I didn’t see many options to pass. I Just thought, there’s only a minute left in the half so I’ll give it a hit and luckily it went into the top corner.”
Player of the Season
There have been numerous consistent performers for the Bus despite a tough return to life in Wales’ highest division.
Often there is one clear contender for the award, but it has been a much tighter decision to pick Airbus’ star man this term.
The Winner – Sam Hart
The versatile defender has been sensational for Airbus this season and his leadership skills have shone through as Vice-Captain. Chester-born Hart has even played in goal on one occasion, following an injury crisis in the goalkeeping department.
Read – Sam Hart: ‘Like Ronseal, I do what it says on the tin’
An endeavour to attack and equally willing desire to defend has culminated in Hart impressing the Bus faithful in his first campaign back at The Hollingsworth Stadium, after he departed the Bus to join Bangor City six years ago following a two-year stint at the club.
Hart’s Reaction:
“It’s great to be recognised by everyone on a personal level and it’s much appreciated. We all need to stick together now and give every player, every bit of encouragement possible to get us out of the fight we find ourselves in.”
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