INJURY ravaged Fairfield Villa pulled out all stops and pushed top of the table NKF Burbage every inch of the way before losing out 3-2 in this season's President's Cup.

Villa spokesman Paul Oakes was full of praise for his players.

He said: "They were absolutely magnificent. They were brilliant - every single one of them.

"We were only able to raise 13 players - but both Brad Smith and player-coach Lewis Smith were only able to go on the bench just to make the numbers up.

"We got to Burbage's ground in Leicestershire and then got a phone call from Rueban Wilson, asking where everyone was? He thought it was a home game and had gone to Fairfield instead.

"It meant Brad Smith had to start, even though he wasn't fit and I feared we would be in for a right drubbing. But despite everything, the lads played really well and we could have taken the lead twice through DJ Pitt and Ollie Booth.

"Burbage took the lead and then scored a second goal right on the stroke of half time and at 2-0 down, I thought that was it.

"But we took the game to Burbage in the second half and Connor Collins hit the crossbar before pulling a goal back on 82 minutes.

"Then Lewis Smith smashes home an absolute screamer on 88 minutes and it looks as though the game is going to penalties.

"But football can be very cruel and Burbage go and get the winner in the 93rd minute.

"Burbage certainly knew they'd been in a game and admitted themselves they were lucky to go through.

"The spirit and togetherness that the players showed against Burbage will stand us in good stead. Everyone is buzzing at the moment and can't wait for Saturday's home game against Bloxwich Town.

"I couldn't have been more proud of them."