FAIRFIELD Villa vice-chairman Paul Oakes believes Droitwich Spa are the current favourites to claim the second promotion spot up for grabs in Midland League Division Two.
With second placed Alvis Sporting Club, who are yet to lose a league game this season, in the driving seat to take top spot for a second year running, Oakes thinks there is no looking past Spa for the runners-up place.
But third placed Villa themselves are in with a shout as they sit in third on 41 points with 11 games left to play.
Oakes said: “I have been to watch Spa a few times this season and they are a very organised side.
“They made a very good signing in Louis Bridges for Pershore and I can’t seem them dropping points from their next six games.
“Spa also have points on the board which is always helpful so I think they are going to finish second but it’s important we [Fairfield] keep winning our games and see where it takes us.”
Villa will hope to maintain their promotion push tomorrow (Saturday) when they welcome Knowle to the Recreation Ground (3pm KO).
The previous league meeting between the two sides came in December last year when Solihull-based Knowle ran out 5-2 winners.
Oakes said: “We are hoping to get some revenge on Knowle this weekend as they gave us a right ‘tonking’ at their place.
“Three or four of their goals on that day were the best I have seen for some time, they were ‘worldies’.
“It’s going to be a tough game but we’ll be wanting to avenge the defeat and get the win to keep up with pace at the top.”
Ollie Booth (shoulder) remains sidelined while Joe Brookes (work commitments) is a doubt for Saturday’s game.
