Fairfield Villa 4 West Midlands Police 0

BRACES for Spencer Kenwood and Stuart Hall handed Villa's new management duo a dream start to the Midland Combination Division One on Saturday.

Despite a host of players missing for the match, including first choice goalkeeper Dave White, new-look Villa were too strong for relegated Police at the Recreation ground.

Villa boss Lee Shaw said he and his managerial partner Paul Oakes, had been delighted with the start.

He said: "Police aren't going to be bottom of the table for the rest of the season, they are too good.

"But we played well and took our chances well."

The management duo handed inexperienced goalkeeper Terry Smith his debut because of the absence of White and Dave Inman.

But he was rarely troubled as two goals in each half saw off Police.

Shaw is now confident that Villa can avoid last season's relegation battle.

He said: "Paul (Oakes) and I both feel that this is the strongest squad were have had for three or four years.

"We are looking at top six and anything beyond that is a bonus."

l Villa expect to have a few more players back for tonight's game at Thimblemill REC (Wednesday, 6.30pm kick off).

Inman returns from holiday, while Danny Williams and Martin Townsend are also set to return.

However, Matt Pugh may miss the game at Thimblemill after he picked up an injury against West Midlands Police.

Shaw said: "It's hard to say who is going to be good.

"Teams are still finding out about each other and there's always a surprise package who come out of nowhere."