FOOTBALL: FAIRFIELD Villa manager Paul Oakes has declared the club’s recent campaign as ‘very much a season of two halves’ as they finished second in the Midland Combination Division One two places above their target.
The first half of the season saw Villa winning five, losing five and drawing four and in the second part of the season, following a 3-2 home loss to Shirley Town on December 7, they won 12, lost one and drawn one.
“At the beginning there was inconsistency, and problems with availability and desire.” said Oakes.
“There is a much better atmosphere and feel to the club now and more desire from the players to play for the club and these factors have made all the difference.
“The fact we lost players was a good thing and we brought in Dan Wilkes and Ryan Molesworth from Pilkington XXX.
The club has also integrated players from the reserves, who finished the season fifth in the Midland Combination Reserve League, with Chris Pratt and Elis Blakemore moving up.
“We lacked a recognised goalscorer but the whole team have taken it upon themselves and contributed to the goal tally.” said Oakes.
“We were fortunate to sign them – we had several strikers who have scored but lost them through injury. Ryan Sproston scored seven in five and was out with a knee ligament problem – but we should have him back soon maybe for the Club Presentation Match on May 17 where firsts play reserves at Fairfield at 3pm.”
As a result of Fairfield’s terrific run in the back half of the season they set themselves up with a showdown with Sutton United for second place in the league.
Sutton were attempting to hold on to the runners up place with a draw and Villa weer looking for a win to leapfrog them and Phoenix United and move from fourth to second.
Fairfield went a goal down after 8 minutes and then managed to get a goal back on 13 minutes when Molesworth was brought down and Pratt fired home.
Then Elis Blakemore made it 2-1 on 34 minutes and Fairfield went in ahead at the break.
In the second half Jak Albut hit a 30-yarder to make it 3-1 but Sutton scored a penalty in the 80th minute which set up a nervy finish with Andy Cook making a goal-line clearance to ensure a win.
“This just summed up the second half of the season perfectly.” said Oakes. “I am really looking forward to next season and we want to hold on to the players we have got.
“I have been here nine years and with joint managers Lee Shaw and Mark Cosgrove we are really pleased with second place.
“We are talking to new players as well because if you stand still on this front then you move backwards”
