FAIRFIELD Villa defied the weather to beat Aston 3-1 in the Midlands Football League Division Two.

While the frosty conditions played havoc with many local fixtures, the club's hard work on the pitch paid off with the game going ahead.

Goals for John Pykett, Connor Collins, bagging his 24th of the season, and Dan Wilkes made sure Villa bounced back from from last week's 6-2 defeat to Coventry United.

Joint manager Paul Oakes said: "I am delighted on two fronts.

"First, the club has put a lot of time and effort into the pitch and I don't think our game was ever in danger which is a credit to everyone who worked so hard.

"I was also pleased to beat Aston. They defeated us 5-1 earlier in the season, so to turn it around the way we did was great.

"We had Sam Bostock playing as an emergency centre back with Ben Smith and they played very well."

Villa are now set to tackle Knowle away on Saturday (2pm ko).

Meanwhile, the reserves booked their place in the semi-finals of the Challenge Urn by defeating Knowle Reserves 2-1.

The team, who are also unbeaten in the Reserve Division Two under the guidance of joint bosses Jason Hancox and Steve Morgan, will now play Brocton's second string.