THE Wingmakers maintained their momentum going into the Christmas period with a 2-0 home game against strugglers Afan Lido.
Despite a strong swirling wind working against them, the Wingmakers made a brilliant start as Sam Hart gave them a 1-0 lead with a header at the back-post after only a couple of minutes. The wind made conditions difficult for both teams early on, and even simple short passes became difficult.
On 20 minutes Glenn Rule curled a free-kick narrowly wide with the Wingmakers fairly in control of the game. Minutes later Chris Budrys took advantage of a lapse in the Lido defence on the edge of the six-yard box, placing his shot to put the Wingmakers 2-0 up and cruising.
The visitors offered little going forward with chances at a premium overall. Half-time arrived with Airbus 2-0 up, and looking comfortable against the league’s bottom club. The second-half picked up where the first one left of with both teams battling the conditions but the Wingmakers having the better of it.
Afan Lido were the first side to make a change on 54 minutes with Garyn Preen replacing Alex Gammond. Just past the hour-mark Lido’s task got even tougher after Gareth Phillips was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Phil Bolland.
As the game wore on the Wingmakers increased the pressure on Lido. Ryan Wade caused problems as did set-pieces with the visitors struggling to clear their lines. With just over quarter of an hour to go the Wingmakers introduced Tom Williams in place of Richie Partridge.
Mike Roddy blazed over from the edge of the area with 13 minutes as Airbus looked to increase their lead. Lido then made their next change with Owen Williams replacing Scott McCoubrey. With 10 minutes to go, Chris Budrys fired in another effort on goal which just missed the target.
With seven minutes to go a turn and shot from Casey Thomas was held by James Coates at the near-post, the move representing Lido’s best effort of the afternoon. The Wingmakers’ Sam Hart was then booked for a late challenge a minute later.
A well-struck long-range effort from James Owen was parried by Lido goalkeeper Craig Richards with five minutes to go, but after putting away the rebound Chris Budrys saw his strike ruled out for offside.
Lido’s Ian Hillier was booked for a foul on Glenn Rule with just a few minutes to go before Budrys saw an attempt deflected wide. That proved to be the last action of the game as it petered out scrappily.
The game was far from a classic largely due to the conditions, but the Wingmakers were rarely troubled throughout the game. At this stage of the season the points are all that matter and the Wingmakers did a professional job to secure them.
by Rory Sheehan
Below: Chris Budrys volleys home the second goal.
