Encouraging start for under-strength Airbus

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Published: Saturday 09 July 2016

AIRBUS made an encouraging start to pre-season with a 1-1 home draw against Conference National visitors Barrow.

And the result was even more creditable in view of several notable absentees, plus a missed penalty in the second half.

With James Coates, Matty McGinn, Bailey Jackson, Johnny Spittle, Andy Jones, Jake Cook and Tony Gray all unavailable, the Wingmakers fielded five trilalists in the starting line-up alongside new signing Paul Connolly and found themselves dominated by the Cumbrians for much of the first half.

Airbus had the first real shot but a triallist's effort flew wide of the Barrow goal.

Ross Hannah found himself through on goal but and attempted to round the keeper but fired his end product over the bar.

However, the former Chester striker made amends a minute later after being played in by Richie Bennett and scored with an angled drive.

The trialist Airbus stopper made a good save from Bennett before Barrow had the ball in the net again only for Danny Livesey to be flagged offside

Airbus keeper Rory Neald again did well to make a great save from Andy Haworth, sending the ball over the bar for a corner.

Airbus were awarded a penalty when Nick Anderton brought down James Murphy, but the Welsh Premier's young player of the season saw his penalty saved by sub keeper Andy Coughlan.

Two more excellent saves kept Barrow at bay before triallist Jean-Charles Coly fired a superb 30-yard effort into the top corner to level the scores.

Photos (top) Airbus celebrate the Cody's equaliser and (below) Kevin Monteiro is denied by Barrow keeper Joel Dixon.