A DEPLETED Fairfield Villa fell to a third straight loss in MFL Division 2, suffering a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Coton Green.
The weekend’s game in Tamworth follows on from losses to Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons and Northfield Town in recent weeks, where the recurring problem of key squad members missing played a role in the latest defeat.
It is a crisis that has affected the side that deeply, that six players from the second string side were called up to make their bows for the first team last weekend.
Undeterred, Fairfield started brightly despite the strong winds, and could have forced an early chance had a team-mate been on the end of Dan Wilkes’ superb ball across the box.
Villa backed that up with a first effort on target that was somehow kept out by the Coton Green keeper, but that proved to be the closest the visitors would get to taking the lead.
The game descended into a scrappy affair which affected the quality of play, so when Coton Green opened the scoring after dispossessing James McKeon, it was always going to be a tough game to get back into.
Moments later Wilkes lost possession, and, in an attempt to win back the ball, fouled his opponent to receive a yellow card.
The resulting free-kick was curled over the wall, and into the corner despite Josh Goddard getting his glove to it.
Peter Jenvey went close with a shot wide of the post before the break, but a goal just after the hour mark ended the contest.
To Fairfield’s credit, Alfie Bloomer swept home his 16th goal of the season to get the visitors on the scoreboard in the 88th minute, but Coton Green secured a deserved win.
Fairfield host Coventry Alvis on Saturday at the Recreational Ground (3pm), who sit 13th, knowing a victory will help seal fifth place – with only two league fixtures remaining this campaign.
