FAIRFIELD Villa go into their Christmas and New Year fixtures in the knowledge they are closing in on a top six place in Midland Football Combination division one.

Cliff Hughes' side is currently eighth in the table on 19 points but, in some cases, have played four fewer games than their rivals due to cup competitions.

The Recreation Ground team reached the third round of the Willie Knibbs Challenge Cup before losing to premier division Highgate United 3-1. But en route they saw off holders Coventry Sphinx 2-0 on their own patch.

Villa are still in the Smedley Crooke Cup and are due to face either Northfield or Barnt Green Spartak in the second round. Fairfield also lost to Thimblemill in the first round of the President's Cup.

Fairfield Villa host Knowle this Saturday and go to Old Hill Town on New Year's Day.