Improving Fairfield Villa enhanced their chances of cementing a top six spot in the Midland Combination Division One with a 1-0 victory over Newhall United on Saturday.

Stuart Hall’s coolly taken winner in the 30th minute ensured Villa did the double over a side they had previously defeated 10-0 at the start of the campaign.

Villa were made to work hard as Saturday’s opponents had improved since their heavy defeat, while the game was affected by strong winds.

Victory stretched Villa’s unbeaten run to three games and also propelled them to seventh in the table.

“It was a tough game because the weather conditions made things very hard,” said manager Paul Oakes.

“There was a strong wind that made things very difficult, but we definitely deserved to win.

“We have really come together in the last few games, the defence is working really well and so are the rest of the team.”

Villa will be aiming to maintain their good form when they take on Shirley Town at home in the first round of the Endsleigh Challenge Cup on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

Injured trio Dean Beagan, Andy Nicholl and Craig Cosgrove may all be fit for Saturday’s cup clash.

Oakes was also full of praise for utility man Kelvin Daley, who has been forced to cut down the number of the games he can play for Villa because of work commitments.

Adam Briggs, who joined Fairfield this season, has returned to former club Northfield Town.

“Kelvin has been a great servant for the club, unfortunately he’s unable to play as often as he would like, but we’d like to thank him for his great performances over the last few seasons,” added Oakes.

Spencer Kenwood was named Villa’s player of the month for September.