VICE-CHAIRMAN Paul Oakes admits Fairfield Villa have a game on their hands when they travel to Coton Green in the semi-finals of the Presidents Cup this weekend.
Villa make the journey to New Mill Lane tomorrow (Saturday) with a full compliment of players hoping to return to winning ways following their 1-0 defeat to local rivals Feckenham in Midland League Division Two last Saturday.
The winners of tomorrow’s tie will face either Barnt Green Spartak or Alvis Sporting Club – who also play this weekend – in the final.
But Oakes understands it will take a monumental effort to beat Rob Masefield’s Green outfit.
“All of the players said without a shadow of doubt that Coton Green were one of the best sides they have faced this season,” he said.
“Coton pressurise the ball and use it very well so it’s going to be a really tough game.
“I have kept my eye on them the last few months and their results have been superb up until Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat to Redditch Borough.”
Umit Eminoglu’s second half penalty was enough to secure the points for Feckenham on Saturday over fourth placed Villa.
Ryan Molesworth, Scott Smith, Stuart Hall, Ben Smith and Jordan Hartley all dropped out at the last minute, leaving manager Wayne Davis with a bare bones squad of 12.
And Oakes told the Standard the Millers’ pace proved too much to handle.
“It was one of the worst performances I can remember for a long time,” he added.
“Without making excuses we were missing a number of key players but credit to Feckenham as they had much more pace and intensity to their game.
“We could not keep up with them.”
