FAIRFIELD Villa finally got off the mark this week with a welcome 2-1 win over Barnt Green Spartak in Midland League Two.

But Villa boss Paul Oakes admitted his side were lucky to win and said: “We were second best for most of the game.”

Oakes was hard pressed to raise a side and only just managed to field 11 fit players having signed wideman Iasiah Graham-Clarke and striker Jordan Smart from the youth side at Kidderminster.

He claimed: “Although I had three players on the bench, they were all injured and wouldn’t have been able to come on.”

Prospects didn’t look good when Spartak took the lead, but Chris Lowe levelled from the penalty spot before 19-year-old Smart smacked home the winner.

Oakes has been forced to completely rebuild his side this term following the loss of 12 players from last season, the most high profile departure being the move made by striker Connor Collins to join Northern Premier League side Halesowen Town.

Oakes added: “It’s been a tough start, but I’m happy with the side I’ve got now.”

Villa visit high-flying Coton Green this Saturday and will be boosted by the return of skipper Lewis Cosgrove and James Finn, who has recovered from an accident at work.