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OPINION: Why Airbus UK Broughton Are Going Up and Will Stay In The JD Cymru Premier

Airbus UK Broughton look destined to gain promotion back to the JD Cymru Premier at the first time of asking, with Steve O'Shaughnessy's men sitting three points clear at the top of the North division with a game in hand over Llandudno with just six games remaining.


There have been many reasons for their strong league campaign, and the ability and belief within then squad should be enough to not only secure promotion, but keep them in the Premier division once they get there.


Steve O'Shaughnessy will be looking for his side to go up, and stay up. Photo by John Pickles.

WHY AIRBUS ARE GOING UP


The simple facts of the season are that Airbus have been by far the best team in the division; they score more goals than anyone else and concede less than most, but what are the factors at play to cause this?


Adam Davies has been instrumental in the title push this season. Signed from top division side Aberystwyth last season, Davies arrived with somewhat of a point to prove, having dropped down a division just twelve months after signing for The Seasiders.


The striker started off well for Airbus and has not looked back since, having scored 29 goals in just 22 league games this season, breaking the record for the number of goals in a single campaign in the division along the way.


If it was not for Adam Davies' large, physical presence and undeniable goal scoring ability upfront, the season would have been considerably harder for The Wingmakers and they certainly would not be sitting as pretty as they are at the top of the table.


Adam Davies has been instrumental in this season's title push. Photo by John Pickles.


Not only has Davies' records been a huge part of the attacking assault of Airbus, the form of Jake Eyre has boosted Steve O'Shaughnessy's sides chance of promotion incredibly.


When Adam Davies has an off day, which can happen, then Jake Eyre is often there to fill in the gaps and chip in with a goal or an assist.


He has eleven goals to his name so far this campaign and has been the perfect complimentary winger to assist Davies with his contribution.


The former Sheffield United youngster is another pivotal reason that Airbus are on the way up.


Walking in the Eyre. Jake has been flying this season. Photo by John Pickles

At the other end of the pitch, Airbus UK Broughton have been equally as impressive defensively as they have been going forwards.


Lewis Dutton, The Bus' first choice goalkeeper for the entire season, has lead the team to have the second best defensive record in the division, conceding just 17 goals in the 22 games so far this season.


As a former New Saints youth player, Dutton knows a thing or two about winning, and his commanding presence in his box has been a breath of fresh air at the back for Airbus.


His winning mentality and experience at such a young age has bled through the team, keeping everyone hungry for success, from front to back.



Lewis Dutton has been on form this season. Photo by John Pickles


Along with Dutton, there are a number of leaders at the back that keep the defence strong and the team in order, such as captain Stephen Tomassen and the experienced Simon Spender.


As the famous saying goes, goals win games and defenses win titles, and Airbus' defence has certainly done enough this year to win them the title.


WHY AIRBUS WENT DOWN LAST TIME


Before the reason for Airbus' survival next season are established, it would make sense to look at the reasons they failed to remain in the Premier division last time that they featured in it.


This was the 2019-20 season, a campaign that was never officially finished, as the corona-virus struck and the league was called off in March 2020.


As a result of this, a 'points per game' system was used to calculate the final league table, that eventually placed Airbus in the relegation zone, seeing them drop down to the JD Cymru North Division.


Airbus losing their status in the top flight was more of a demotion than a fair relegation so to assume they will go down again next season would be a misjudgment.


As has been seen this season, Steve O'Shaughnessy's side finish campaigns strongly and if they were given a fair chance to complete their fixtures last time out, there would have been a genuine chance of them staying up.


The ageing squad they had at the time did not help their cause either during the 2019-20 season.


WHY AIRBUS WILL STAY UP


There is a palpable atmosphere of excitement at The Airfield at the thought of Airbus being given another chance to prove themselves in the top division in Wales, and the belief around the club is that Airbus are more than good enough to stay in the Premier division once they get there.


The Wingmakers have a perfect blend of youth and experience within their ranks, with the likes of Elliot Orton and Lewis Dutton bringing their young an exciting talents to the team.


More experienced players such as Gareth Edwards, Simon Spender and captain Stephen Tomassen are helping guide the youngsters through matches, giving them vital and invaluable lessons that they will take with them for the rest of their careers.


As the players who have seen it all teach the younger ones, their experiences will only grow, and their abilities will reach new heights, helping them compete in a strong top division.


Tomassen knows what it takes to captain a side in the top tier, and will do so again excellently next season for The Bus.


Captain Tomassen will guide youngsters. Photo by John Pickles



Although they are runaway leaders at the top of the JD Cymru North, Airbus are no strangers to adversity this season.


Many times this campaign, they have found themselves being controlled by teams, but their strong resilience has meant that they have managed to stop almost all of their opposition's attacks.


They will often feel like the opposition is dominating them in terms of possession next season, but their experience in overcoming adversity and coming back from difficult situations will be crucial in the fight for survival.



Airbus UK Broughton are going up.

Airbus UK Broughton are staying up.

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