Leamingtion Hibernian 2 Fairfield Villa 3

FAIRFIELD Villa started the 2006/2007 season in the Midland Combination Division One with a bang in a feisty encounter at Leamington on Saturday.

Villa bounced back from going 1-0 down in the 14th second to go 3-1 ahead, before inspirational defender Martin Keight had to be taken to hospital after sustaining a deep cut on his head in the second half.

Joint manager Paul Oakes said: "Before the game kicked off I reminded the players that we conceded only one goal in our first eight games last season but that all went out of the window when they scored.

"To be fair to us we really hit back and scored three great goals, but we lost our way a bit when Martin (Keight) had to be taken off. Still, I'm delighted that we've won our first game of the season."

Oakes had to make a quick reshuffle before kick off after learning that last season's top scorer Stuart Hall was serving a seven day ban for an offence he committed while playing for a Sunday league side.

This meant that Kofi Kyereh and Dean Beagan were give a chance to stake a claim when they were paired up front.

Villa though were stunned when Leamington scored almost straight from the kick off.

However, it didn't take long for Fairfield to find an equaliser when Kyereh set up Beagan. The duo combined again as Beagan put his side in the lead.

Spencer Kenwood then produced a moment of magic to make it 3-1. The striker cut inside, rode four challenges, and unleashed a rasping 20-yard shot.

Keight sustained a cut in his forehead after a clash of heads in Leamington's penalty area and had to be taken to hospital, while Richard Coulson was sent off for a second yellow card and Hibernian pulled a goal back.

Oakes said: "It was a bit of a backs to the wall situation near the end but we really did well to hang on for the win."

Villa's 21 strong squad is set to be tested even further with six players missing for the Bank Holiday weekend matches against Stockingford (Saturday) and Mile Oak (Monday).

Fairfield will be without Keight, Adam Davies,Tom Cromwell, Nigel Adams, suspended Colin Tandy and Atli Coakley.

Oakes said: "Martin's a trooper and said he'd be fit for the weekend but he needs time to heel as it's a deep cup.

"We've got a big squad and it's going to be tested to the limit."