FECKENHAM pulled off a prized 1-0 win at high flying local rivals Fairfield Villa in Midland League Division Two.

The contest was settled courtesy of a second half Unit Eminoglu penalty after Jack Brimmell had been brought down.

Brimmell had earlier fired a good chance into Villa's side netting, while 17-year-old Sid Hicks, who'd replaced the injured Danny Murphy, shot narrowly wide.

Delighted Feckenham assistant manager Tom Davies said: "The players have to take full credit. We asked for a high work rate, constant pressure out of possession and to out-run the opposition. We got all three."

Feckenham, who have just four league matches remaining, travel to Earlswood Town this Saturday.

Umit Eminoglu struck from the spot to give the Millers three points courtesy of a battling 1-0 win over high-flying local rivals Fairfield Villa at the Recreation Ground.

Full match report

Report by Phil Tattersall

Villa came into the game in third place, off the back of two fine victories against Smithswood Firs and Hampton winning 4-2 and 7-1 respectively whilst Feckenham came into the fixture off the back of a victory of their own against Hampton as they stretched their run to four home wins on the bounce at The Entaco.

There was plenty of pace about the opening stages, as the Millers looked to gain the upper-hand early on, the best of the early bunch of chances came the way of Umit Eminoglu, as he struck from 25 yards out forcing the Villa goalkeeper into a good save low down to his left.

In truth, it was Feckenham who dominated much of the proceedings against their inform opponents, Garmson, Brimmell and Cox remained a constant menace in the final third whilst Hicks (who replaced the injured Danny Murphy early on), Eminoglu and Tibbins dominated the midfield battle, a sustained 15 minute period saw chances go begging for the visitors and centre-back Jordan Adams forced the home custodian into a good save when he leapt highest and headed goalwards.

However, one single lapse in concentration almost proved deadly for the Millers as a loose pass was picked off and Villa countered, but the Fairfield forwards composure would desert him, as he fired over the bar.

There were half chances here and there for Villa – but Feckenham’s rear-guard of Goddard, Williams, Adams, Edwards and Faulkner tended to keep one of the divisions most potent forward lines relatively quiet for prolong periods.

The game had the making of a battle rather than a scrap, but even so – the chances created for the Millers continued to mount up as Brimmell glided past two defenders before seeing his effort from just inside the box hit the side netting.

HALF-TIME: Fairfield Villa 0 – 0 Feckenham

The second period continued in a very similar vain to the first as a very organized Feckenham side, full of running and full of desire made it difficult for Fairfield to get into any sort of rhythm.

With 55 minutes on the clock there was another sniff for Fairfield, as the forward shot low on the edge of the area toward Goddard who collected it well.

Feckenham were in front not long after, as Ben Cox released Brimmell who drifted past his marker and was bundled over in the box, Eminoglu stepped up and dispatched low to the goalkeepers left to give the Millers a well-deserved lead. 

On 70 minutes, the hosts did have a dangerously-placed free kick but, while the delivery was good, the Villa forward could only power a header wide of Goddard’s target.

Feckenham continued to look like the side most likely to get another goal, as Garmson and Brimmell came close to doubling the Millers advantage through good work down the right flank by Cox, whilst 17-years-old Hicks blazed just wide.

Max Tibbins was full of running and worked tirelessly in midfield whilst Jordan Adams and Ryan Edwards continued to organise a very disciplined Feckenham defensive unit.

With not long left and just when you thought the match would peter out into a straight-forward Feckenham victory the host mustered up a number of half chances, following Villa’s insistence on chasing lost causes, their best opportunity coming from a quickly taken free-kick but Goddard was on hand to save well and that was how it finished.

FULL-TIME: Fairfield Villa 0 – 1 Feckenham

Goalscorer: Umit Eminoglu

Feckenham: J Goddard, D Williams, J Adams, R Edwards, R Faulkner, U Eminoglu, M Tibbins, D Murphy (S Hicks 20’), B Cox, A Garmson (C Walker 85’), J Brimmell (J Yarwood 75’). Unused Substitutes: W Langston, D Sill.

Man Of The Match: Ryan Edwards (Feckenham)