Clean sheet but Airbus held by lowly Rhyl

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Published: Friday, 11 December 2015 22:54

ANDY Preece got the clean sheet he craved, but his frontmen failed to fire as Airbus were forced to settle for a draw against Rhyl.

The Wingmakers had nothing to show from a lack-lustre first half performance in which Chris Budrys volleyed over the bar in the first minute.

Matty McGinn's shot was well palmed away by keeper Terry McCormick, who also parried a good effort from Tony Gray.

James Coates was forced to make a double save at the other end from Connor Bell, before Ryan Wade curled a shot over the angle following a good spell of pressure from the Lilywhites.

Ryan Wignall side-footed wide from Tom Field's pass when he found himself with only McCormick to beat but Jordan Barrow was well over the target with a 15-yarder after the visitors had only partially cleared a corner.

Field found the side netting with a 25-yarder and Rhyl's defence somehow managed to block and clear a fierce close range drive from Gray just before the interval.

Airbus showed more intensity after the break and Gray saw his excellent curling shot hit the far post and rebound to safety.

Gray then set-up the best chance of the night for Budrys, who spooned his close range shot over the target.

Wade fired just wide of the far post but Rhyl also went close with a shot from Rob Hughes.

Gray then headed just wide of the far post from two yards out from a Field flag kick and, in a final but vain search for a goal, Wade was well wide with another effort and Field sent a 20-yard free kick over the bar.

Photos (top) Tony Gray is challenged by Rhyl's former Liverpool defender Stephen Wright and (below) heads narrowly wide from two yards out.