FOOTBALL: Fairfield Villa are sweating over the fitness of key duo Dean Beagan and Andy Pyke.

Both players left the field with injuries during Saturday’s 4-0 win at Burntwood in Midland Combination Division One.

Beagan, who picked up an ankle knock, had to be replaced at half-time, while Pyke lasted just five minutes of the second-half after feeling the effects of a pelvic injury.

Striker Beagan had given Villa a 1-0 lead, and this was followed up by goals from Stuart Hall, Paul Donnelly and Andy Nichol.

Manager Paul Oakes is set to learn more about the injuries to Beagan and Pyke tonight, but he believes he has the squad to cope in their absence.

Oakes added he is expecting a tougher test from Newhall United this Saturday, after Villa thrashed them 10-0 on the opening day of the season.

He said: “At the moment I am glad I have got such a big squad so that I can utilise it.

“I’m expecting a much tougher game but the lads are full of confidence as we know we can score goals and know we have a steady back line.

“Although we have lost four games, we have only been poor in two of them and we got what we deserved.

“Since then the signings I’ve made have improved us and Dean Beagan and Andy Nichol have found their form.”