Fairfield Villa 2 Stockingford AA 1

FAIRFIELD climbed to the top of the Midland Combination First Division with a hard fought victory over Stockingford on Saturday.

Victory, sealed by goals for Dave Roussell and Joe Walsh, lifted Villa to the summit and marked the club's remarkable transformation.

Twelve months ago Fairfield was in the middle of relegation battle.

Joint manager Paul Oakes though, who has transformed the side alongside partner Lee Shaw, praised the club's board for it hard work.

He said:""I was at a board meeting and they said they couldn't be happier with the way things are going.

"When you consider the last few seasons the club have had this is a big turn around. It's no less than everyone here deserves because they work ever so hard."

Villa can take a step to cementing their top of the table place when they take on second placed Knowle away on Saturday, January 21 (2pm kick off).

Defender Martin Keight is back from suspension, while the fit again Ian Squires and striker Duncan Tie are available once more.

Villa booked their second semi-final of the season when they defeated high-flying Feckenham in the Smedley Crooke Memorial Cup on Wednesday, January 11.

Fairfield, also in the semi-finals of the Worcestershire Junior Cup, dumped Premier Division neighbours out. Stuart Hall opened the scoring with a 40-yard lob and Walsh sealed victory in the 85th minute.

Villa will meet Bartley Green in the semi-final.

Oakes said: "We scored at the right time to win the game."