STUDLEY joint-bosses John Edwards and Wayne Bunn will be awaiting two decisions which could have a big impact on their promotion prospects.
The Bees bounced back from their first league defeat in 17 matches by defeating the team that had ended their storming record – NKF Burbage – with a 3-0 home win in last weekend’s Midland League Division One fixture.
However, Studley’s victory was marred by an injury to left-back Lewis Marston – which could require an operation – while striker Harvey Smith is a target for promotion rivals Atherstone Town.
Marston, one of the unsung heroes of the Bees’ season, is due in the next few days to have a scan which will determine the extent of his ankle tendon damage.
And Atherstone will be able to follow up their seven-day approach to talk to the summer signing from Coventry Copsewood.
“Lewis was fine during the game but afterwards he said it was starting to ache and on the Sunday morning he couldn’t put his foot on the ground,” said Edwards.
“He has got to have a scan but the hospital said there was a possibility he could need an operation. It would be a big loss if we have to rule him out so hopefully he is a quick healer.
“Atherstone can talk to Harvey now but I will keep my fingers crossed that he decides to stay. He has said all the right things about wanting to stay but it will come down to what Atherstone can offer. He knows how much we want him to stay with us.”
Smith bagged his 15th goal of the season in the win against Burbage.
Chris Cowley scored the first with a right-foot finish from inside the area and Smith bagged the second when he got a toe to a pass and then slotted home from 16 yards.
Mark Magee settled the points with a third after coming off the bench.
“The performance was better than the previous game but it wasn’t perfect,” said Edwards. “We did enough.”
Studley sit third in the table – six points behind Brocton with two games in hand – as they prepare to face Stafford Town on Saturday at the Beehive.
Stafford lie bottom of the table but have taken four points from the last four games and Edwards stressed they should not be underestimated.
“Stafford have picked up in the last few performances and they are scrapping for their lives,” he added.
“It will be really cagey and it’s important to get the first goal.”
