Burntwood Town 0 Fairdfield Villa 2

TEENAGE striker Duncan Tie sealed a vital victory for championship chasing Fairfield with a spectacular goal on Saturday.

The second half substitute, on for other goalscorer Spencer Kenwood, blasted a powerful half volley past Burntwood 'keeper with his first touch of the game.

The goal sealed an all-important victory in the Midland Combination Division One that widened the gap between Villa the Burntwood to four points.

It also means that Villa are only a point behind leader Knowle after both sides have played 21 matches so far this season.

Joint manager Paul Oakes said: "This was a big win for us. The game was a midfield battle as Burntwood were desperate not to lose and we were eager to put some daylight between them and us.

"We had to work very hard but the players were brilliant."

Villa was hit by two absences on the morning of the game. Key midfielders Adam Guest and Steve McGlen were missing. Oakes and his managerial partner Lee Shaw brought in Kelvin Daley and Roland Rignall.

It was Rignall who set up Kenwood for the opener, when he rifled a powerful shot into the top corner.

Tie was brought onto replace Kenwood in the 75th winner and he sealed victory with his spectacular effort.

Oakes said: "Duncan is a young lad who's been in and out of the team. He's done very well when we have called upon him.

"But this result just shows how strong our squad is.

"We have a chance of going up but we have to make sure we don't drop any points against sides below us in the table."

l Villa will be aiming for revenge when they take on Littleton in the President's Cup round three on Saturday, February 25 (2.45pm kick off).

Littleton soundly beat an injury-hit Fairfield during Christmas.

Oakes said: "This is revenge for us. That was our worst loss of the season."

Northfield striker Dean Merrick may feature if he joins Villa at the end of the week. Fairfield have put a seven day-bid in for the forward.