When Airbus UK Broughton Football Club arrived at The Hollingsworth Group Stadium on Friday night, the 333‑person crowd could barely guess the carnage that was about to unfold. The JD Cymru North clash against CPD Y Rhyl 1879 ended 6‑0 in favour of the visitors, stretching Airbus’ unbeaten league run to 20 matches and delivering what the club’s supporters are calling a "record loss" for Rhyl.
- Result: Airbus UK Broughton 6 – 0 CPD Y Rhyl 1879
- Date & Time: 24 Oct 2025, 20:00 local (19:00 UTC)
- Venue: The Hollingsworth Group Stadium, Broughton, Wales
- Attendance: 333 spectators
- Goal scorers: James Rhys Davies (1), others (5)
Background to the JD Cymru North 2025‑26 season
The JD Cymru North, the second tier of Welsh football, launched its 2025‑26 campaign in early August. Airbus, promoted to the division in 2023, have been the surprise package, sitting atop the table since the opening round. Their manager, James Davies, has stressed a clear objective: win the league and secure a place in the Cymru Premier.
Rhyl, on the other hand, earned promotion after a dominant 2024‑25 season in the Ardal North West, finishing ten points clear of Holyhead Town. Their early league form was respectable – a goalless draw with Brickfield Rangers followed by victories over Guilsfield, Caersws and Holyhead Town – before a dip of three defeats in five games left them ninth in the standings.
The match day: Airbus UK Broughton’s dominant performance
Before kickoff, Airbus UK Broughton vs CPD Y Rhyl 1879The Hollingsworth Group Stadium was billed as a "tough game Friday night" by the Airbus boss. The referee for the evening, Conor Charlton‑Fleming, let the match flow without controversy.
Airbus opened the scoring in the 12th minute, with a crisp finish from James Rhys Davies, who would later add a second‑half brace. By half‑time the scoreline read 3‑0 – a testament to their high‑pressing style and lethal finishing. In the second half, Rhyl managed a solitary shot on target, which was comfortably saved, while Airbus added three more goals, the last coming in the 85th minute. The final whistle confirmed a six‑goal hammering, the biggest margin of defeat Rhyl have suffered in a competitive fixture since the club’s formation in 1879.
Reactions from managers and fans
Post‑match, James Davies praised his squad’s focus: "We knew it would be a tough game, but the boys executed the plan perfectly. Extending our unbeaten run to 20 matches shows the consistency we’re building. This win puts us in a great position to chase the title."
Rhyl’s manager, Paul Moore, was visibly frustrated. While the Rhyl FC website only quoted a brief statement, he told reporters that the team will “analyse the performance, learn from the mistakes, and bounce back.”
Supporters on social media expressed a mix of awe and disappointment. Airbus fans celebrated with chants of "Twenty on the road," while Rhyl’s faithful lamented what many called a "nightmare" that could jeopardise their survival hopes.
Implications for the league race
With the victory, Airbus remain unbeaten and sit top of the JD Cymru North with 27 points from ten games, three points clear of second‑placed Guilsfield. Their goal difference now stands at +22, a figure that could become decisive should the title race tighten later in the season.
Rhyl’s slip to ninth place is worrying. They now sit five points behind the safety‑zone line, having conceded 15 goals in the last five matches – a stark contrast to the four they kept clean in the first three fixtures. If they cannot turn the tide quickly, a relegation battle looms.
Looking ahead: What’s next for both clubs
Airbus have a busy week ahead, with a Welsh Cup tie against a Division One side on Tuesday. Manager Davies hinted that squad rotation will be key, but stressed that the primary goal remains the league.
Rhyl, meanwhile, travel to Holywell Town for their next league fixture. Manager Moore has promised a more pragmatic approach, focusing on defensive solidity to halt the goal‑leakage that plagued Friday’s game.
Both clubs also remain active in cup competitions. Airbus secured progression in the JD Welsh Cup earlier this month, while Rhyl are still alive in both the WBS League Cup and the JD Welsh Cup, offering a potential distraction from the league woes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect Rhyl’s chances of staying up?
The 6‑0 loss drops Rhyl to ninth place, three points off the safety zone with only eight games left. They must pick up points quickly, especially against fellow bottom‑half teams, or risk slipping into the relegation playoff.
What does the win mean for Airbus UK Broughton’s title ambitions?
Extending their unbeaten streak to 20 matches puts Airbus in a strong position to challenge for the JD Cymru North crown. Their superior goal difference and three‑point lead give them a buffer, but they’ll need to maintain consistency as the season progresses.
Who scored for Airbus and how significant was the performance?
James Rhys Davies opened the scoring and later added a second goal. His brace, combined with contributions from five other attackers, showcases the depth of Airbus’s offensive options, a key factor in their unbeaten run.
What was the attendance like and how does it compare to typical JD Cymru North crowds?
The match attracted 333 spectators, a modest figure but typical for JD Cymru North fixtures, which often see crowds between 200 and 500. The intimate setting amplified the atmosphere for both sets of fans.
When is the next match for each club?
Airbus play a Welsh Cup tie on Tuesday, 28 Oct 2025, while Rhyl travel to Holywell Town for a league encounter on Saturday, 1 Nov 2025.
