Football
Leaders fall to Fairfield

DELIGHTED Fairfield Villa boss Paul Oakes has declared his side’s 3-1 home victory against Midland Combination Division leaders Blackwood as his side’s best result of the season so far.

Just two weeks after losing the reverse fixture 3-1, Villa produced a superb display to inflict a third defeat of the season on Blackwood who remain two points clear at the top despite the defeat.

“I would definitely say that was our best performance and best result of the season,” Oakes said.

“Everybody worked brilliantly as a team and when required we defended superbly.

“After some low times this season it is days like Saturday that make it all worth while.”

Villa were a dealt shortly before the start when Nick O’Connell was forced to withdraw but they did not let it affect them as Dean Beagan got away from his man and crossed for Ryan Sproston to score at the back post in the opening stages.

Blackwood got themselves back on terms but Martin Keight and Scott Gaffney combined well to provide Dave Rousell with the chance to make it 2-1 in the second half.

The victory was sealed as full time approached when Adam Pillenger crossed for Gaffney to gleefully head home.

“We scored three excellent goals and all of them came at crucial times in the contest,” Oakes said.

“Owen Hancocks made an excellent save at 1-1 though which I felt was the turning point in the game. He looks to be an excellent signing for us, as does Chris Pratt who came with him.”

With the victory coming on the back of last week’s 6-0 victory against Northfield, Villa will head into their Boxing Day clash at local rivals Bromsgrove Sporting in confident mood.

“Hopefully the last couple of weeks will have lifted the spirit of the players and put them in confident mood for the trip to Sporting,” Oakes said.

“It will be a difficult game but we have won there already in the cup this season so hopefully we can do the same again.

“We’ve got a good spine to the side now with a useful mix of experience and youngsters and I’m hoping we’ve turned a bit of a corner.

“There have been times when I’ve been down about results and player availability this season so I’m conscious not to go over the top on the back of a couple of wins, but it would be nice if we can get a run going,” he added.

Oakes revealed he is hoping to complete the signature of midfielder James Turk before Monday but expects to be without Scott Gaffney for the Sporting clash.