Three-goal Fairfield at the double; Green saves Barnt Green - The Bromsgrove Standard

Three-goal Fairfield at the double; Green saves Barnt Green

Bromsgrove Editorial 20th Mar, 2020   0

FAIRFIELD Villa completed the double over Bolehall Swifts, easing to a comfortable 3-0 victory at the Recreation Ground.

In what is likely to be the Swans’ final fixture for the foreseeable future, centre-back Matthew Powell’s first half headed opener – followed by quickfire goals from Alfie Bloomer and Pete Jenvey in the second – helped Fairfield enter the unexpected shutdown in style.

Keith Draper’s men were 2-0 victors in January’s reverse fixture, and as a result of their latest success strengthen their ambitions of a top-half finish in Midland League Division Two in ninth place.

While a somewhat subdued opening meant no real chances of note were created by either side, the hosts did look the more comfortable in possession.




Bloomer forced the first attempt on target, albeit fairly comfortable work for the Swifts keeper, though the next opportunity that fell Fairfield’s way was finished clinically to break the deadlock.

An unlikely provider perhaps, but an important goal nonetheless from Powell, who flicked on Dan Ludlow’s free-kick with his head to find the far corner of the net around the half-hour mark.


With a slender one-goal advantage at the break, Villa were on the hunt for further goals to make the points safe.

The substitution of Jenvey made all the difference and helped make a positive influence on Fairfield’s attacking play.

Sure enough, within minutes of the change, Bloomer doubled the hosts’ advantage with a wonderful strike from a narrow angle on 62 minutes.

That was followed by Jenvey’s scorching effort three minutes later that threatened to break the net.

The winger was well-placed to meet a clearance to the edge of the area and thump a first-time shot into the net that left the opposition goalkeeper with no chance.

A knock to Ludlow proved the only downside to an otherwise positive afternoon for Fairfield, with his replacement Ethan Hanks twice going close to adding to the scoresheet.

His first, a header which needed to be kept out, was followed by a strike which the Bolehall custodian was also equal to.

While no further goals followed – despite two late openings for Ross Dempster – the Swans were good value for their seventh win this term.

TEN-MAN Barnt Green Spartak rescued a late point in 1-1 draw at FC Stratford following Darren Green’s 81st-minute equaliser.

Spartak were perhaps fearing the worst when losing Marcus Malcolm to a second yellow card with 15 minutes to play and already being a goal down.

But their spirit remained undimmed, and so were deserving of the late leveller against tough top-half opposition at the Arden Garages Stadium.

A 33rd-minute opener from Stratford debutant Petar Ilianov Tonchev put Spartak on the back foot despite the game being an even affair during the opening period.

While chances remained at a premium for the rest of the afternoon, a late attacking push by the visitors came up trumps when Green slotted home into the far corner of the net when his initial attempt was blocked inside the penalty area.

Spartak move down to 12th despite the positive result, and are currently still searching for a first win since January 4.

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