Airbus ended Phase One of the JD Cymru Premier with a well earned point against Newtown at Latham Park.
Club Captain Stephen Tomassen had the best opportunity to claim a victory. His header was cleared off the line in the closing stages as the Wingmakers were unfortunate to leave Mid Wales without a win.
Steve O'Shaughnessy made several changes to the side that drew away at Carmarthen last weekend. Tomassen, Joe Palmer and new signing Nathan Woolfe all came into the starting XI, replacing Liam Williams, George Peers and the injured Craig Rogers.
Airbus started the more aggressive of the two sides. The game was end to end with both teams looking to race into an early lead.
The first chance of the game came through Alex Darlington in the 13th minute. The 31-year-old whipped in a thunderous free-kick from 30-yards out, and only the woodwork kept the scoreline level.
Newtown’s first opportunity came in the 20th minute. Niall Flint broke behind the Airbus defence and was able to pick out the unmarked Nicholas Rushton with an enticing cross, but his tame header was easily collected by Dave Roberts in goal.
The hosts nearly scored again soon after. Robins Captain Robert Williams fired from distance with an effort which appeared to be heading for the top corner, until Roberts tipped onto the crossbar at full stretch and behind for a corner.
The Bus were causing problems for the Robins with a number of slick passing moves, but a lack of a much-needed cutting edge meant that Chris Hughes' men held firm until the break.
The second half started in a similar vain to the first, with the Bus looking the more threatening side.
However, ten minutes into the second 45 and Newtown sprung into life. Flint’s free-kick from the edge of the box found the target, but Roberts was equal to it as he cleared to safety.
Rushton then nearly broke the deadlock again for the Robins. The dangerous midfielder sent the ball high above the crossbar from just inside the 18-yard area following a wonderful set-piece delivery.
Moments after coming on from the bench, academy graduate Peers drove a low shot at the Newtown goal after a breathtaking surging run. David Jones Palmed the powerful hit away from danger.
In the 71st minute, following some sharp footwork, Andy Owens almost netted, but his strike with his weaker right foot was once again stopped by Jones.
The Bus continued their dominance with the confidence gained from last week's comeback flowing throughout the team. Jake Phillips broke down the left flank with speed, only for his cross to narrowly evade Owens and Woolfe in the box.
Tomassen’s looping header with just under ten minutes to play was cleared off the line by Jones as the pressure piled on the Robins' goal.
opportunities in the final few minutes were few and far between as the match finished goalless. The result means Airbus move off bottom spot and are now just two points behind Penybont.
The fixtures for Phase Two will be released early next week.
Teams
Airbus: Roberts, McGilloway, Tomassen (c), Palmer (Sargent 76’), Platt, Hughes, Owens, Phillips, Payne, Woolfe (Hooper 85’), Darlington (Peers 65’)
