Steve O’Shaughnessy explained how building fitness levels was the priority as Airbus were beaten 5-0 in their first fixture of 2021 against The New Saints at Park Hall in a pre-season friendly.
A first half hat-trick from Greg Draper, followed by a late quick-fire brace from Adrian Cieslewicz sealed victory for the JD Cymru Premier table-toppers.
Despite the result, O’Shaughnessy revealed his delight to be back on the sidelines after a long wait for the Wingmakers to return to action.
The 53-year-old also outlined how the result was not so important, instead gaining minutes in the legs was the main benefit of the encounter in Oswestry.
“It’s nice to be back playing,” the boss said.
“We knew it was going to be tough tonight and it proved to be losing 5-0, but It was more about fitness.
“They scored two early goals, the first one after two minutes. In the second period we did well but they scored two at the end when lads were tired.
“Overall, it was not about performances but more about getting fitness in the lads' legs, so it was good.”
Notwithstanding the failure to find the back of the net, a forward line consisting of academy graduate Oli Lanceley and new recruit Jake Eyre consistently caused problems for a high-quality TNS defence.
O’Shaughnessy pointed towards an increased strength in depth, not just in attacking positions, which he hopes can be utilised fully providing the Cymru North campaign can get underway in the coming weeks.
“We’ve got a lot of competition for places this year. Hopefully we get the go ahead in a couple of weeks (to start the season).
“A lot of lads are frustrated now, but on the squad, it is strong and it will be a tough time for everyone this year.”
The Wingmakers are in action once again this coming Saturday when they visit JD Cymru Premier side Cefn Druids for another pre-season friendly.
The Welshman is anticipating another tough battle against similarly impressive opponents.
“I think tonight’s game has allowed us to get some leg-work in so hopefully we’re a little bit fitter on Saturday against them (Druids).
“I know they’ll be up for it because they are playing the week after competitively, so again it will be about getting lads game time.”
Joe Sargent - Airbus Media
