JOINT-manager Paul Oakes has warned his in-form Fairfield Villa side they must not take Saturday’s opponents for granted.

Villa face a derby at struggling Droitwich Spa in the Midland Combination Division One.

They head into the match on the back of a six-game winning streak, which is in sharp contrast to Spa who are third from bottom and have won once in 14 league games.

But Oakes has warned there is no space for complacency.

He said: “Not to be negative but the pitch at Droitwich is not the best and we’ve got to take this game seriously because if we don’t then we will slip up.”

Spa drew 1-1 with Chelmsley Town at the weekend.

Oakes watched his side maintain their excellent run with a 3-0 victory over Shirley Town, thanks goals for Andy Nicol (2) and Stuart Hall.

Villa had made two signings before the game with the capture of former Feckenham skipper James Burke and the return David Rousell.

Oakes added: “We weren’t at our best on Saturday but never looked in danger of losing.

“I was really pleased to bring in James he was skipper at Feckenham last season and can play in a number of positions.”

The manager also believes his squad is strong enough to survive the departure of top-scorer Andy Nicol to neighbours Bromsgrove Sporting.

Nicol joined from Alvechurch in September and has scored nine goals in 10 games. Despite interest from the likes of Studley and Bartley Green, the hitman opted for the Rouslers.

“Andy has been great for us but there’s been a lot of interest in him,” continued Oakes.

“It’s not about money and he goes to Sporting with our blessing.

“Even with him leaving, we’ve got some very good strikers.”