Football
Studley on FA Cup glory trail

STUDLEY will be aiming to produce a shock in the FA Cup when they entertain Rugby Town in the preliminary round at the Beehive on Saturday (3pm).

It promises to be a tough test as Rugby have made an unbeaten start in Evo-Stik Southern League Division One Central and are currently fourth in the table.

But Studley go into the tie in confident mood after gaining a 2-2 draw at Baker Joiner Midland Alliance title favourites Stourport Swifts on Tuesday night.

The prize for the winners is a home tie against Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division outfit Bedworth United on Saturday, September 8.

Stourport, who were relegated from the Southern League last season, opened the scoring through Lewis Pountney midway through the first half but Ross Dempsey pounced to equalise seven minutes before the break.

Studley dominated the second half and the impressive Matty Collins deservedly put the visitors ahead.

It looked like earning all three points but Swifts hit back to grab a share of the spoils five minutes from time.

Studley had previously crashed to a disappointing 4-1 defeat at early season leaders Continental Star on Saturday.

The league newcomers stormed into a four goal lead inside an hour thanks to Daniel Holgate who hit a hat-trick to which Aaron Garvey added.

Studley could only manage a late consolation from Scott Turner.

Studley return to Midland Alliance action when they entertain Stratford Town on Monday providing they are not involved in an FA Cup replay ar Rugby Town which, if needed, would take place on Tuesday.

ALVECHURCH climbed up to 16th place in the Baker Joiner Midland Alliance table following a dramatic 2-1 victory over Westfields at Lye Meadow on Tuesday night.

‘Church started brightly with Joe Wright having an early effort smartly saved before Andy Nichol had a goal disallowed for offside.

But it was Westfields who opened the scoring three minutes before the break when Richard Kear was allowed to run unchallenged through the heart of the home defence and beat keeper Richard Taylor with a well struck low drive.

‘Church deservedly equalised midway through the second half with a splendid individual effort from Ben Lund who skipped around two challenges before neatly finishing from 12 yards.

‘Church kept pressing for a winner which duly arrived in stoppage time when the visitors keeper handled a back pass and the alert Wright’s quickly-taken free kick caught Westfields napping and set up Nicol for the simplest of finishes.

It was the perfect response from ‘Church who had crashed to a heavy 4-1 defeat against Loughborough University at Lye Meadow on Saturday.

Visiting skipper George Williams struck the post after just two minutes but Alvechurch fell behind within 60 seconds when Josh Dixon netted.

Loughborough doubled their advantage after 20 minutes when Matthew Collino carved out an opening for Daniel Nti.

Ben Lund fired wide at the other end before Loughborough strengthened their grip in the 39th minute when Nti was on hand to turn in a cross from close range.

Nti and then Jordan Barker were both denied by fine saves from Richard Taylor at the start of the second half before ‘Church reduced the arrears in the 58th minute when Andy Nicol rounded keeper Daniel Lowton and slotted into the empty net.

Nicol had another effort well saved by Lowton but the visitors sealed victory seven minutes from time when Alkun Webb completed the scoring.

Alvechurch visit Tipton Town on Saturday before entertaining Highgate United on Monday (3pm).

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