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.