Fairfield Villa 0-1 Droitwich Spa

Fairfield went into this hotly anticipated local derby in a fine run of form which had propelled them above the Saltmen into second place. Droitwich knew that a win would take them back into second position as well as local bragging rights being at stake.

The game turned out to be a scrappy one of low quality from both sides who in all fairnes had to compete with a strong wind and a pitch which wasn't conducive to a neat passing style of play.

It was the hosts who controlled the opening 45 minutes certainly as far as possesion and chances were concerned, however goalkeeper Matt Oliver was only forced into action once as lethal front man Conor Collins failed to hit the target with some long range strikes.
Droitwich themselves were disappointing going forward with James Lemon and Nick Seabourne well marshalled by the home rear-gaurd and Morris on the other flank failed to make an impact.
Their best move of the half was a neat interchange between Molloy, Seabourne & Lemon however Seabourne's effort was wayward.
On 35 minutes a coming together between Seabourne & the home 'keeper saw the Villa stopper come off worse and he was duly substituted at the half time interval. With no goalkeeper on the bench, Fairfield's left back drew the short straw and kept goal for the second half.
Droitwich had obviously had a dressing down during the break and came out revitalised in the second period. Haydn Morris involved in some neat passing but he missed the target from a distance.
Jamie Smith hit a free kick low to the keepers right however he parried it as far as Seabourne a matter of yards out but the Spa wideman hit the post.
With Spa growing in confidence, Lemon hit a shot narrowly wide while Matt Hunt's looping header was top corner bound but the stand-in 'keeper made a brilliant save to tip the ball over.
Mark Owen & Wayne Oliver brought Macauley Finch and Aston Gunter into the fold and from Jamie Smith's deep cross from 40 yards out, Macauley Finch rose highest to put a looping header out of the 'keepers reach into the far corner to send the visiting contingent into raptures with 8 minutes to go.
Droitwich could have exteded their lead when James Lemon was put through one on one. He rouded the 'keeper but, slightly off balance, hit the post much to the home sides relief.
A game of two halves but Spa it ws who took their chance in front of goal to go second in the table before a tricky looking New year's eve game at in form Earlswood Town.