Football: Airbus UK on the up after Presatyn win

Oct 26 2011 by Mark Dowling, Chester Chronicle

Airbus UK 2 Prestatyn Town 1

HEAD coach Gareth Owen believes his Airbus players are finally starting to turn the corner following their sluggish start to the season.

The Wingmakers went 10 games without a win at the start of the campaign, but Friday’s victory was their second consecutive home win and moves them up to eighth in the Welsh Premier League.

Owen, for whom the win was a perfect 40th birthday present, said: “It was a fantastic result. It is nice to see all the hard work the lads have put in is beginning to pay off.

“It has taken time for the new faces to gel, but Friday’s result showed we are beginning to work together and players are beginning to make themselves available on the pitch and take accountability for themselves.”

The Wingmakers face a tough trip to Llanelli on Sunday (2.30pm), but Owen added: “There is an expectation to go and get a result as picking up away points are vital to be successful.”

A lively start from the Wingmakers saw them take the lead after just five minutes, Mike Hayes’ strong run setting up skipper Glenn Rule to score his first goal of the season at close range.

Despite their positive start, Airbus were pegged back 10 minutes later as Prestatyn forward Steve Rogers netted following an error by home keeper Andy Mulliner.

The home side kept the pressure up and on 68 minutes they deservedly recaptured the lead, as Gavin Cadwallader powerfully headed home an Adam Worton corner.

The Wingmakers were awarded a penalty in injury time after Hayes was brought down by left-back Martin Beattie, who received a red card.

Craig Whitfield’s penalty flew harmlessly wide, much to Airbus’ despair, but they held on.