ANDY Preece could not hide his delight after Airbus UK Broughton went top of the Corbett Sports Welsh Premier League for the first time in their history.
The Wingmakers spent an overnight stay at the summit as reward for their stunning 2-1 success at home to defending champions The New Saints on Friday.
Airbus ultimately finished the weekend in second after Prestatyn Town won on Saturday to take over pole position.
But that could not take the shine off what Preece believes was a significant night in the Broughton club’s development.
“TNS are the benchmark and for us to beat them is a massive achievement,” said Airbus boss Preece, whose side’s victory over the Saints was watched by a club record crowd for a league game (452).
“It’s given us a lot of belief and now we have to kick on.”
The Saints – managed by former Wingmakers boss Craig Harrison – dominated possession and a wasted a string of excellent first-half chances. But take nothing away from Airbus. They worked tirelessly to close down their full-time opponents while always carrying a threat on the break and at set-pieces.
It was from a Tom Field corner that Chris Budrys headed their 65th-minute winner.
Striker Budrys had opened the scoring in the 27th minute when he finished off a flowing move.
The Wingmakers will play the Saints in the League Cup semi-finals next Thursday after they continued their superb form with a 3-1 last-eight victory at neighbours Gap Connah’s Quay on Tuesday.
Ian Kearney, Steve Abbott and Mike Hayes got the goals for Airbus, who return to league action at struggling Carmarthen Town on Saturday (2.30pm).
Vauxhall Motors have no time to feel sorry for themselves after their Blue Square Bet North defeat to Chester FC.
Carl Macualey’s men welcome second-placed Brackley Town to Rivacre Park on Saturday (3pm) before making their way to pre-season title favourites FC Halifax Town on Tuesday (7.45pm).
Motors had gone into Tuesday’s derby against Chester on the back of a heartbreaking 2-1 loss at third-placed Guiseley on Saturday.
Tom Rutter drew the visitors level in the 80th minute. But in the final minute of normal time, Guiseley skipper Mark Bower scored his second goal of the game.
