ELLIS Blakemore bagged a brace as Fairfield Villa got back on track to defeat Sutton United 3-1 on Saturday.

The young hitman was only drafted into the team after Romulus had told him on Friday night that he would not be playing.

But he broke the deadlock with goals in the 70th and 72nd minute, before John Pykett’s excellent free-kick ensured all three points for Villa in the Midlands Division One.

Blakemore’s good form for Fairfield had attracted the interest of Romulus but he remains dual registered for both sides.

Joint manager Paul Oakes said: “Ellis was only playing because we had a few guys missing.

“But I am glad he did play because he played very well and had a hand in all of our goals.

“But he’s in a funny situation, if we have players available, we might not be able to wait to see if he’s available.

“You can’t blame a young man for wanting to play at a higher level and he’s one of a number of gifted guys that bigger clubs are looking at.”

Villa take on Littleton at home in the Smedley Crooke Charity Cup on Saturday (3pm ko), a side who are comfortably mid-table in Division One.

Oakes added: “There’s no pressure on us, Littleton have a good budget and are in a comfortable position a level above.”