FAIRFIELD Villa finished up on the wrong end of a 2-1 reverse against Midland League Division Two title favourites NKF Burbage this week - but players and officials were far from downhearted.

Spokesman Paul Oakes said: "It was a really good game and we pushed Burbage all the way.

"It didn't help when Burbage scored from their very first attack and we found ourselves 1-0 down within three minutes.

"We should have got back to level as Dan Wilkes had a couple of great chances but Burbage then went and scored a second goal with the last kick of the first half.

"I thought Villa were the better side in the second half and we managed to pull a goal back in the 87th minute through Lewis Phillips.

"But there was still time to get something out of the game and Clayton Homer could have levelled with the very last kick - only to be denied by a brilliant save from the Burbage goalkeeper.

"Although it was a defeat, we were only beaten by two pieces of clinical finishing as both Burbage goals were extremely well taken.

"But there is a growing confidence within the Villa squad and this performance against a good side like Burbage shows how far we've come since the start of the season."

Villa look to build on this performance when they entertain Birmingham Tigers this Saturday in the Les James Cup.