FAIRFIELD Villa face Chelmsley Town this Saturday in their opening friendly fixture at the Recreation Ground.

Villa will be bidding to start the season in better fashion than last term when they commenced the campaign without several key players.

Villa have boosted their ranks by bringing in Droitwich Spa's versatile Max Crisp, club spokesman Paul Oakes said: "Max brings both experience and strength to the side. It's a major capture."

Oakes confirmed that most of the players from last season are set to return, including highly rated Alex Dugmore and Connor Collins.

Villa have also promoted goalkeeper Elliott Hart from the reserves after last season's first choice shot stopper Aaron Collins proved unable to commit this term.

Oakes explained: "Aaron has family and university commitments and couldn't confirm to giving us 100 per cent, while Mark Wright is already ruled out with injury.

"Elliott was previously at Bristol Rovers Academy and will have plenty of experience around him. It shows the benefit of having a reserve side."