AIRBUS UK Broughton have been rocked by an injury to leading marksman James McIntosh on the eve of tonight’s big Welsh Cup clash at home to Newi Cefn Druids (7.30pm) – but boss Craig Harrison is backing Phil Molyneux to carry the mantle.
McIntosh damaged ankle ligaments in Saturday’s thrilling 4-3 comeback win at Porthmadog and is facing up to a month on the sidelines. But his absence is tempered by the arrival on loan of Wrexham youngster Mark Head and the form of McIntosh’s strike partner Molyneux.
After Ashley Williams and Giovanni Feliciello reduced the deficit on Saturday, Molyneux brought the Wingmakers level with a sublime 78th-minute solo effort before sealing their first ever success at Porth’s Traeth home with a deflected winner five minutes from time.
Harrison said: “Phil’s first goal was fantastic and that’s three really good performances he’s put in for us on the run. I’ve got on his back at times this season and demanded more from him because, certainly at the start of the season, he wasn’t taking the player he is in training out on to the pitch.
“But I’ve stuck by him and now he’s coming good. When he’s on the form he showed on Saturday he’s unstoppable as he’s got power, pace and a great shot.”
With Tom Rowlands suspended and McIntosh, Paul Hallows and Jon Slater injured, Harrison has no other available forwards tonight.
Druids, managed by former Wrexham stars Lee Jones and Waynne Phillips, went down 2-0 at home to Airbus in the league last month, but Harrison reckons that result will count for little once the last-16 showdown gets underway.
Harrison, who welcomes back Newtown target Wes Kilgannon but is without the cup-tied Gareth Sudlow, said: “We gave them a good pasting the last time we played them but Lee and Waynne are proud blokes and that’s why I’m sure they will have their team up for this one.”
