Football
Oakes thrilled by victory

FAIRFIELD Villa joint manager Paul Oakes is hoping his side produce a repeat performance of Saturday’s 6-0 Midland Combination Division One home success against Northfield when they entertain leaders Blackwood tomorrow.

Villa were beaten 3-1 at Blackwood just two weeks ago but Oakes is hopeful his side will give a better account of themselves this time around.

“We didn’t play very well that day but we were without four or five key players who will be available to us tomorrow,” he said.

“They are a good side, no doubt about that, but if we play as well as we did on Saturday and are just as clinical in front of goal then I’m hopeful.”

Oakes handed debuts to goalkeeper Owen Hancocks and Chris Pratt against Northfield and was delighted with how both of them performed.

“Owen did not have a great deal to do from a making saves point of view but his handling, positioning and communication was first class.

“Chris was a surprise signing really on the morning of the game but he came in at centre half and did an excellent job for us.

“That is the thing about being in the transitional phase that we are in, it allows us to look at other players in the area and there are some very good ones out there.”

Steve Frost (2), Ryan Sproston, Scott Gaffney, Nick O’Connell and new Spanish arrival Alex Villagag got the goals against Northfield to leave Oakes in buoyant mood.

“It was nice to see us play so well after a tough few weeks,” he said.

“What it highlighted was how important it is to score when on top because once we got the first goal we were flying.

“Too often in recent weeks we haven’t made our chances count when on top and we’ve ended up being punished for it.”

Oakes added that he hopes the comprehensive nature of the victory will fill his players with confidence heading into the second half of the season.

“It was good to win by such a margin because it got our goal difference back into positive numbers and helped lift us up the table a couple of places.

“We have got plenty to play for with some big games over Christmas and three cup competitions to look forward to in the new year.

“Hopefully the lads will be boosted by Saturday and carry on that good form for the remainder of the season.”