AIRBUS UK BROUGHTON 1
CORWEN 1
NEIL Jones’ Corwen continued their preparations for the forthcoming season with a match against Welsh Premier League opposition.
Corwen took on a Airbus side that was a mix of first teamers and reserve team players and the Planemakers also included a few trialists who were likely to be keen to impress.
In their previous friendly, Corwen lost 2-0 away to a strong Elements Cefn Druids side, but they could take confidence from a very good performance.
The first half was very even, with both sides managing to create chances, although neither goalkeeper had to overstretch themselves before the interval.
The second half saw more attacking football, with Andrew Roberts creating a good opportunity when he was clean through and with only the keeper to beat, but the Airbus centre back did brilliantly to get back and force a corner with a fantastic last-ditch tackle.
At the other end, Gareth Roberts showed how he earned the ‘Corwen Cat’ nickname, when he pulled off some great saves, including one from a free kick which he saw late and reacted quickly to tip the ball over the bar.
The deadlock wasn’t broken until the 85th minute, when an Airbus striker shot from within the box.
Gareth Roberts seemed to have the shot covered, but he was unable to get enough of a hand to the ball, and it crept in near the post.
However, the visitors didn’t give up and, with 30 seconds to play, a good build-up allowed Dion Jones to collect the ball and run into the opposition box.
Under pressure from the home defence, he slotted the ball in past the outstretched keeper and into the bottom corner of the net.