HONOURS ended even between two of the best footballing teams in the Huws Gray Cymru Alliance as both Airbus Broughton and visitors Porthmadog committed to attack in a 1-1 draw at the Airfield.The only surprise, in such an open game, is that the only goals came from set-pieces. Steve Tomasson scored for Airbus on 20 minutes, but that lead lasted for just seven minutes as a superb Shaun Cavanagh free kick levelled the scores."It was a very enjoyable game today, with two competitive sides going toe to toe," said Porthmadog boss Craig Papirnyk.

"There was some real quality football on show, and full credit to both sides.

"I’m proud of the boys, who come from behind and showed everything a manager would want to see from his players. Overall it was a fair point.”

Following a tentative start from both teams, Port got into their stride and, on 11 minutes, a quality crossfield ball from Julian Williams created a shooting chance for Cavanagh, but his well struck shot went straight at keeper Dave Roberts.

The first real Airbus effort on goal found the net as keeper Paul Pritchard was given scant protection when Steve Tommasson rose unchallenged in the box to meet a Leo Riley free kick, directing his header wide of the goalkeeper.

Port quickly got back on level terms when they were awarded a free kick 22 yards out on the left of the box. Cavanagh stepped up and, although Roberts got a hand to it, he was unable keep it out.

Port powered forward and Cavanagh was brought down as he broke towards the box, but this time the wall kept strong and the free kick was cleared to safety.

For the hosts, a Curtis Strong cross broke across the face of goal, but minutes later he was carried off with a foot injury, and was replaced by James Hooper.

Rob Evans met a Tomos Emlyn cross at the back post with a header, but it was collected by Roberts at the second attempt, and before the break another good Port build up saw Evans fire over the bar.

The second half proved even more entertaining, and Sam Hart went close with a header, before Tomos Emlyn’s excellent cross for Port found Iwan Lewis, but, with the goal gaping, the ball went over.

Cavanagh fired a low shot past the post, but back at the Port end Ryan Edwards took advantage of a misplaced pass, and cut in, but his shot was deflected wide.

Wave after wave of attack put the home defence under pressure as the two front men, Julian Williams and Shaun Cavanagh, ran the channels at pace.

Cavanagh fired over the bar, and Gruff John burst forward, finding Julian Williams in the box but a well judged piece of defending averted a serious situation.

Port began to scent a goal as Ifan Emlyn and Iwan Lewis made threatening runs from midfield, and the introduction of Sion Edwards only increased the threat.

When Julian Williams’ neat touch put Iwan Lewis in, it needed a full length save from Roberts to touch for a corner, before Sharples came close with a header.

Airbus used the width of the pitch to push forward, and brought on Hamilton and Chaplin, their former Port strikers.

Hamilton was soon in the action driving into the side-netting, and Nathan Woolfe, the on-loan signing from Connah’s Quay, crossed dangerously, but Pritchard collected well at his near post

In the final moments Shaun Cavanagh fired over and Chaplin, for Airbus, broke dangerously, but a perfectly timed tackle from Sharples halted that threat.

Michael Gray’s whistle brought a highly entertaining game to an end - and the good news is that they will be doing it all over again at the Traeth on Saturday in a Huws Gray Cymru Alliance Cup semi-final showdown. Make sure you’re there.

PORTHMADOG: P Pritchard, G J Williams, C James, M Sharples, J Banks, T Emlyn, I Emlyn, I Lewis, S Cavanagh J Williams, R Evans (S Edwards 64’). Subs: I ap Gareth, K Hilditch.

AIRBUS: D Roberts, D Taylor, C Strong, (J Hooper 43’), S Tommasson, S Hart, K Platt, R Edwards, L Riley (A Hamilton 72’), N Woolfe, L Buckley (J Chaplin 78’), P Clarke, Unused subs: N Quirk, M McGinn. Attendance: 245.