FORLORN Fairfield Villa were on the receiving end of a crushing 6-2 beating by Worcester City under-21's as they crashed out of the Worcester Junior Cup this week.
Villa spokesman Paul Oakes was quick to admit: "It could have been a great deal worse but for goalkeeper Chris Mole who was making his first appearence for us this season.
"He pulled off some excellent saves, otherwise we would have lost by a double figure score.
"Take nothing away from Worcester, they were a very good side, well coached and well drilled."
But Oakes took a swipe at his own players by claiming: "We've got 38 players signed on for us this season, yet we could only raise 13 and I sometimes wonder whether the commitment is there.
"We've been hit hard by injuries this season and we haven't been able to fill the void".
Jack Martin and a D J Pitt penalty provided consolation goals for Villa, but by that stage, Villa were already 4-0 down.
However, Villa have been handed an unexpected boost with the return of striker Connor Collins who has been featuring for Lye Town this season.
Oakes explained: "Connor wasn't eligible to play on Saturday. He's a prolific goalscorer at this level and it's a major boost to have him back.
"Connor doesn't drive and I think he's been finding it difficult getting lifts to Lye Town."
Villa travel to Northfield Town this Saturday for a Midland League Division Two contest and Oakes is keeping his fingers crossed that some of his injured players will return.
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