Foresters crowned champions – but Airbus almost spoil the party!
CENTRAL WALES NORTH LADIES LEAGUE – MAY 12, 2026
Wrexham Foresters 2 (Wilson 65, Tobin 67)
Airbus UK Broughton 2 (Sands 34, F Jones 56)
Wrexham Foresters received their Central Wales North Ladies League championship trophy on Tuesday night – but the champagne occasion also saw the title winners face their toughest test of the season.
Kirstie Kural’s side, with 16 straight wins, 157 goals scored and just four conceded, dropped their first points of the campaign when second-place Airbus UK Broughton held them 2-2 at Brymbo Sports and Social Complex.
And the champions had to fight back from 2-0 down to earn a draw.
Foresters have been boosted this week by the news they have secured a Tier 2 licence essential to compete in Adran North next season.
Depending on how existing Tier 2 club Berriew fare in their appeal against a licence refusal, Foresters could earn straight promotion or have to take on North Wales Coast League champions Llangefni Town in a play-off for the right to go up.
Report: Airbus UK Broughton
On an evening of celebration for newly-crowned champions Foresters, Airbus played their part in a thrilling occasion, earning a well‑deserved 2–2 draw in an entertaining encounter.
Foresters had won the reverse fixture 11–0, but the Wingmakers – clearly unfazed by the past result – showed tremendous grit, organisation and belief throughout.
Clear‑cut chances were limited early on, though Wrexham looked to test the visitors with a series of direct through balls. Any danger was expertly dealt with by Airbus goalkeeper Sian Smith, who swept up confidently and ensured her defence remained composed.
The breakthrough came just after the half‑hour mark following excellent work down the left flank from Grace Kehoe and Ffion Jones. Their interplay carved open the Foresters defence, allowing a low ball across the six‑yard box that Tiffany Sands drilled home to give Airbus a deserved lead.
Jones continued to cause problems minutes later, this time switching to the right wing. Her threat was such that a robust challenge from the Foresters centre‑back resulted in Jones receiving a booking after a physical tussle.
Airbus could not have asked for a better start to the second half. Smith initiated a lightning‑quick attack with a superb direct kick, releasing Jones once again. Showing strength and composure, Jones outmuscled the Wrexham defence before coolly slotting home to double Airbus’ advantage.
The two‑goal lead, however, lasted only five minutes. Strong play down the Foresters’ left wing saw the hosts pull one back through Louise Wilson and shift the momentum. Just two minutes later they were level, a stunning volley from Laura Tobin almost bursting the net as Wrexham roared back into contention.
Both teams pushed hard in search of a winner during an open and exciting final phase. Smith produced several outstanding saves to keep Airbus level, while defenders Jessica Rishworth, Kimberley Altmann and captain Catrin Ellis made a series of crucial blocks under sustained pressure.
At the other end, the pace of Kehoe and Jones continued to trouble the Foresters back line, ensuring the hosts could never fully relax.
In the end, the points were shared in a compelling contest – a fitting spectacle on a night of celebration, and a statement performance from Airbus against the league champions.