AIRBUS underlined their title-winning credentials with a battling 3-2 home victory over a spirited Buckley Town side.

Goals from Steve Tomassen and Sam Hart handed the hosts a two-goal lead before stunning second half strikes from Chris Roberts and Jake Roberts drew Buckley level.

Cymru Alliance player of the month Ryan Edwards had the final say, however, netting an 82nd minute winner to preserve his side’s nine-point lead at the summit with games running out.

Airmen assistant boss Andy Thomas felt his side’s performance bore the hallmarks of champions.

He said: “We weren’t at our best by a long way, but we showed good character after being pegged back to find a winner. Even when they scored their second, I felt we had the quality to find a way back into the game.

“We showed why we’re in the position we are this season and why we’ve been so successful so far.”

Airbus held a 1-0 lead at the interval after Tomassen headed home unopposed from a 35th minute corner.

The advantage was doubled 10 minutes after the restart when Nathan Wolfe’s ball found Hart, who fired beyond Buckley keeper Joe Makaruk from inside the box.

But the hosts were stunned two minutes later when home keeper Dave Roberts cleared into the Buckley half only for visiting defender Chris Roberts to return the ball with interest with a volley that caught the wind and sailed into the net.

Parity was restored on 65 minutes when the visitors won a free-kick on the right hand edge of the box, with Jake Roberts stepping up and rifling an effort into the top corner.

But the hosts rallied late on and took all three points when experienced midfielder Edwards side-footed home after some neat build-up play.

Buckley boss Dan Moore said: “I felt the result was harsh on us in a game we didn’t deserve to lose on the balance of play. I’m disappointed with our defending, particularly for their first where we’ve allowed Tomassen a free header.

“We were caught ball-watching for their second too, which is disappointing after how well we’ve defended lately.

"I thought we had the momentum after the equaliser and there were a couple of strange offside decisions against us when we were going for a third.

"But Airbus are going to win the league this year and found that bit of quality late on when it mattered.”

Flint Town United remain second in the table after ending Gresford Athletic’s 13-game unbeaten run with a 1-0 win at Clappers Lane.

The visitors carried the greater attacking threat and edged the contest courtesy of Richie Foulkes 71st minute winner.

Deployed up front rather than his customary midfield role, Foulkes slotted home the winner after a mazy run from Kyle Smyth culminated in a neat ball from his clubmate.

Niall McGuinness, who earned the manager of the month award for February, felt his Flint side were worthy victors.

He said: “I thought we deserved it on the number of chances we created.We changed shape a little bit and went there with a game plan that paid off. It wasn’t just a case of pumping long balls into the box and hoping to win the aerial battle.

“We expected a tough test from a very decent Gresford side and played to our strengths to get the result.”

Gresford’s poor goalscoring record has stymied their progress this term and chances were at a premium for the hosts again.

Jordan MacCarter’s wayward first half header from Nathan Williams’ cross was as close as they came to finding the net.

The hosts’ woes were compounded early in the second half when Tom Freeman was shown the red card for dissent after being substituted following a booking.

Gresford assistant manager Rich Capper said: “It was a tight game. “Defensively I thought we were excellent, but it’s another game where we really haven’t tested the opposition’s keeper. It’s been 15 weeks since we were last beaten and the lads have all worked really hard in that period.

“We’re disappointed, but we know that a top six finish is still achievable and that’s what we’re focused on in the run-in now.”

Holywell Town’s clash with Guilsfield was one of three games to fall victim to the weather.

Elsewhere, Ruthin Town beat Porthmadog 2-0, basement side Holyhead Hotspur enjoyed an impressive 3-2 victory over Rhyl, while Prestatyn Town drew 1-1 against hosts Conwy Borough.