A Greg Draper inspired second half comeback for 10-men Guilsfield saw the spoils shared to prevent the Bus from extending their lead at the top of the JD Cymru North table to seven points.

We take a look at three things we learnt from the action-packed clash between two title rivals in Broughton.

Aaran Edwards relishes first team step up

After Joe Palmer received a red card in the previous league match against Llandudno, a void in the line-up was needed to be filled for the visit of Nathan Leonard’s side as Palmer served a one match suspension.

Academy graduate Aaran Edwards was called upon to take the place of the joint leading assist-maker for Airbus this season. On his maiden start for the senior side, he took to the challenge like a duck to water producing a performance beyond his tender years.

The 17-year-old had already experienced a brief taste of first team football as a late substitute in September when the Wingmakers brushed aside Colwyn Bay at home, but in his latest extended outing, Edwards impressed with his breathtaking passing range and ability to break up play.

Much of the Bus’ good work was orchestrated by the youngster who complimented fellow teammates, Ryan Edwards and Beau Cornish, wonderfully in the middle of the park.

It appears the club’s academy have unearthed yet another gem. Edwards will no doubt be in the mix for more minutes in Steve O’Shaughnessy’s outfit for the rest of the season.

50 up as goals keep on flowing

Goals have not been in short supply for the Wingmakers so far this term. The hot form of the Cymru North’s top scorer Adam Davies has been supplemented by numerous contributions from other players in the squad.

Before Friday night’s battle under the lights, Airbus had comfortably netted the most goals in the division, averaging upwards of three strikes per game.

Oli Lanceley’s cool finish which temporarily earned the Bus a two-goal cushion against the Guils, made it 50 league goals in just 14 games in the 2021/22 campaign.

This outstanding milestone has been matched with a solid base aided by the summer additions of Simon Spender and Gaz Edwards. The Wingmakers currently boast the second-best defensive record in the Welsh second tier as we approach the midway mark of the season.

An attacking flair and goalscoring threat O’Shaughnessy has helped instil into his table-topping side is reaping its rewards on matchdays. Airbus have found the net at least once in each league game since the season opener in late July.

Wingmakers maintain advantage over title rivals

An overriding feeling of disappointment initially lingered throughout management staff and players following the full-time whistle at the weekend. The fact that three points had been squandered despite competing with a man advantage was a difficult result to accept.

However, the Wingmakers remain in pole position in the table. Draper’s late brace didn’t see Guilsfield reduce the gap on the Bus. Instead, it simply prevented Airbus from racing further ahead at the summit.

As it stands, the Bus are four points clear of Guilsfield, albeit Leonard's troops do have the luxury of a game in hand to come. Llandudno are only two points behind the Wingmakers but have played one match more than Airbus.

Four points in the last two fixtures against Guilsfield and Llandudno represents a fine return. The next three assignments will see the Bus face teams lodged at the bottom end of the table, so there is a great chance for Airbus to start another winning streak akin to the 10-game run that was ended three days ago.