Alpha Airport fly to league and cup double (From Barry And District News)

Alpha Airport fly to league and cup double

ALPHA Airport, in only their first season, discovered the cost of success when they had to play five games in 11 days, including three cup finals and one important league decider.

This was surely going to test a bunch of lads whose idea of warming up is to plaster on the Ralgex.

ASRS CUP FINAL ALPHA AIRPORTS 3, FC BLAZES 0

With an inspired speech by manager Nicky Stokes ringing in their ears, Alpha took to the field determined to cause another upset against Premier opposition.

Blazes were quicker off the blocks and it took a fine display by Rob Jones in goal to deny the Blazes forwards.

As the first half wore on the Blazes became frustrated and Airport grew in confidence.

The midfield of Titch, Holland, Huw Thomas and Wesley James were winning nearly every 50-50 ball.

The defence of Steffan Palfrey, Darren Perry, Dave Organ and Lanky Nick stifled everything that came their way and the side were unlucky not to go one up before half-time when Danny Crawley hit the bar with a trademark header.

Dean came on and had an immediate impact when he produced an accurate cross for Crawley to make it 1-0.

Airport added a second when Woodward rounded the keeper, and Dean popped up to head home a near post header from a Titch corner to clinch another Premiership scalp.

BARRY CUP FINAL FC BLAZES 4, ALPHA AIRPORTS 3

The Friday night kick off not only affected the attendance but also the Alpha Airport boys and not even the A team music at full blast in the changing room could inspire them.

After two minutes Alpha suffered their first bit of bad luck when Huw Thomas had to leave the field with an ankle injury.

Then came a disputed penalty award to Blazes who made no mistake from the spot.

Crawley equalised but Blazes were in determined mood and added two more against a tired Alpha to make it 3-1.

Alpha kept fighting and Deano netted from close range to reduce the deficit. Unfortunately this was followed by a silly mistake at the back by Alpha and Blazes made it 4-2.

Crawley was not done and netted again to make the final score 4-3. However, Alpha had the joy of knowing that on aggregate they won 6-4.

SUPPORTERS CUP FINAL ALPHA AIRPORTS 3, COPPERFIELDS 4

Alpha's third game in five days at Jenner Park ended in another defeat. Against a tricky Copperfields Alpha took to the field battered, bruised and tired.

There were no excuses, however, and Copperfields spirited performance brought them a deserved victory.

Alpha's goal scorers were Danny Crawley 2 and Darren Perry.

ALPHA AIRPORTS 3, SEA VIEW 3

After beating Pro-Gas three days earlier Alpha needed only a point to win the league.

They made a shocking start and fell a goal behind, but in wet and windy conditions they took control and led 2-1 at half time through a Crawley equaliser and a Westy free kick.

In the second half Crawley struck again to make it 3-1, but Sea View fought back well to level the scores.

Despite a tense finale there was no further scoring and Alpha Airport were crowned champions of the First Division.

Alpha can look back on a long season with pride, completing a league and cup double and also claiming two other cup runners-up spots.

With Stokesy becoming the new David Moyes and well backed by Taffy and Shirley, with up and coming youngsters, the future looks good.

Special thanks to Alpha Airport for their generous support and The Colcot Arms for their hospitality.