FAIRFIELD Villa will be hoping to put the record straight against local rivals Droitwich Spa in the opening round of the Worcestershire FA Junior Cup this weekend, says vice-chairman Paul Oakes.
Villa have had a torrid time against Spa in recent times, winning just once out of the last five encounters in all competitions.
The Saltmen recorded a treble over Villa last season and their most recent win over their rivals came on August’s Bank Holiday Monday.
Despite Joe Brookes and Ellis Blakemore firing Villa into a 2-0 half-time lead, Spa managed to walk away with an unexpected victory thanks to a last gasp strike from James Ward.
Nick Seabourne had reduced the arrears before James Lemon levelled the score with seven minutes to go.
And with Spa beginning the defence of their Junior Cup on Saturday, Oakes hopes Villa can get one over their rivals this time around.
Ben Smith is expected to make a return while goalkeeper Chris Lowe is also available for selection after completing his cricket duties with Chaddesley Corbett.
Omar Salih and Oliver Booth are doubtful due to work commitments.
Oakes said: “Hopefully we can set the record straight this weekend. To have only beaten them once in the last five games is something which needs working on.
“Ourselves, Droitwich and Feckenham are probably the favourites for this competition so its a big ask in the first round to take on last season’s champions.
“However, if we can overcome this hurdle the players will have plenty of confidence going forward for the rest of the competition.”
Villa go into the game off the back of a 2-0 win at Earlswood Town on Saturday, the perfect response to their 4-2 defeat at Paget Rangers just the week before.
Goals from Ellis Blakemore and Connor Collins secured a comfortable win for Villa who proved they have what it takes to put a defeat quickly behind them.
Oakes added: “Wayne David came with a winning mentality as a successful Sunday league manager. Obviously it’s a step up in class moving to Saturday football but when you’re used to winning it becomes a habit.
“Individual errors at Paget cost us the game but the lads accepted the defeat and bounced back.”
