Airbus UK Broughton will be approaching Saturday’s Welsh Blood Service League Cup final against Trefelin at Park Avenue (KO 17:15) firmly focused on finishing their season on a high.
The Wingmakers were forced to dust themselves down after an enthralling title race in the JD Cymru North saw them finish as runners up, just three points behind champions Colwyn Bay.
Airbus lost just twice all season but Colwyn Bay held their nerve as a memorable battle at the top of the table went to the wire.
Welsh Blood Service League Cup final
Mark Allen’s side had little time to dwell on what might’ve been and fought back from a goal down to see off Bangor 1876 in last weekend’s Northern final.
Having “dampened down” the squad’s initial disappointment, Allen insists his team are raring to go and finish the season on a high note.
“We knew it was a bit of a longshot on the last day for Colwyn Bay to lose and obviously we had to do our job, which was to win. There was initial disappointment but the determination and drive is there to finish with some silverware,” he said.
“They’re a really positive group and it was just a question of dampening down the initial disappointment.
“Like I’ve said all season, we set ourselves certain targets at the start of the year and one of them was silverware. It’s really important for us to finish on a high, we’ve got the regional one but the national one is significantly better so we’re looking forward to the game on Saturday and we want to win.”
Remarkably, 11 players of the matchday squad that faced Bangor 1876 have progressed through the Wingmakers’ thriving academy system.
Allen says this is the hallmark of the club’s progress and development in recent years.
“They’re all various ages, the youngest being 17 (Josh Stevenson) and upwards. For a club like us to have seven academy-developed players in the starting line-up is exceptional really, and is a testament to the coaches and the lads who’ve worked so hard in the academy for many years and the hard work that’s been put in by the club.
“It bodes well for the future with the club continuing to produce young players, which is what the whole academy system is about- there’s an obvious pathway for players and parents to see.”
Gallery: Airbus 2-1 Bangor 1876 – Welsh Blood Service League Cup Norther final
With the end of an emotionally exhausting season within sight, the Airbus boss will immediately begin plotting for next season’s campaign after this Saturday’s final.
“We’re disappointed not to go up, I’m not going to lie, but on reflection it’s been a positive season”, he said. “I think we’re leading into next season with a positive mindset, we’re speaking to players at the moment and we’re looking to bring in new faces, which is important as well.
“It’s going to be a strong Cymru North next year and we want to be competing again. To be third last year, second this year, we knew it was going to be a project when we took the job and it’s something we want to see through.
“We’re really looking forward to the game and hopefully it highlights just how strong the Cymru North and Cymru South are.”
