Football
Oakes pleased despite defeat

FAIRFIELD Villa joint manager Paul Oakes expressed his delight at his side's performance on Saturday despite seeing them beaten 2-1 at Bromsgrove Sporting in the Smedley Crooke Charity Trophy.

Villa went into the game having won one and lost one of their two previous visits to Sporting this season but it was the 4-1 Boxing Day reverse that disappointed Oakes and he said he was glad his players produced a significantly improved display.

"It is obviously disappointing to go out of a competition but I was delighted with the response of the players," he said.

"I felt we were the better team in the first half and with better finishing could have been a couple of goals ahead at half time but it wasn't to be.

"Martin Slevin and Steve McGlen were superb in midfield and if Dean (Beagan) or Ryan (Sproston) take either of the very good chances that came their way it could have been a different story."

Villa now turn their attentions to tomorrow's President's Cup quarter-final clash at Division One rivals Feckenham (2.30pm) where they will bid to secure a last four clash with Littleton or Alvis.

The Recreation Ground side have beaten Feckenham twice already this season but Oakes does not believe that will have too much of an impact on tomorrow's game.

"Our team has changed a lot from the previous twice we have played them so I don't think it will make too much difference," he said.

"They have both been tight encounters and I expect tomorrow to be no different."

Villa will be without Slevin for the Feckenham clash but have brought in a host of new players in the past week with James Cund, Jak Albutt, Ben Albutt and Joe Naughton all joining the club.

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