FAIRFIELD Villa vice-chairman Paul Oakes has been left infuriated after finding out the club will not get the chance to play at Walsall’s Bescot Stadium in the final of the Les James Challenge Cup.
The Recreation Ground side booked their place in the final for the first time in their history on March 7 with a 3-0 victory over Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons.
However, this success has left a bittersweet taste in the mouths of Fairfield chiefs and their players after discovering the final this year will not be held at the Bescot.
Instead it will take place at Sutton Coldfield’s Coles Lane on May 19.
And Oakes told the Standard not playing at the Bescot ‘devalued’ the competition.
“We are absolutely gutted,” he said.
“These kind of opportunities are once in a lifetime and to lose that opportunity is very disappointing.
“Now it’s just another cup final but I don’t mean that blase, it’s just very disappointing.”
It is understood an international tournament is taking place at the Bescot hence the move to Coles Lane.
Fairfield now turn their attentions to a run of four Midland League Division Two fixtures in the space of seven days, starting on Saturday with a home clash against Montpellier.
They then travel to Moors Academy on Tuesday night, make the trip to Redditch Borough on Thursday night before playing away to Coton Green next Saturday.
“It’s going to be a busy week but everybody is in the same boat,” said Oakes.
“Luckily once we get these next games out the way it becomes quite manageable.”
