STUDLEY will aim to secure Midland League Division One survival when they visit Uttoxeter Town on Saturday.
The Bees were hoping to cement their status over the Easter weekend but Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Bromsgrove Sporting – which saw the hosts crowned champions – and Monday’s 1-0 loss at home to Chelmsley Town mean there is still work to do.
As well as Chelmsley, relegation rivals Heath Hayes, Pershore Town and Stafford Town all picked up vital victories over the holiday period, leaving Bees boss Keith Draper and Co sweating.
However, one saving grace was the fact second bottom Pelsall Villa were beaten twice, leaving Studley a place and four points above Pelsall with a vastly superior goal difference.
There are various permutations, but Studley know victory in Staffordshire this weekend and or a Pelsall defeat at Lichfield City will seal safety.
However, should Pelsall reduce the gap between themselves and the Bees to less than three points, a huge clash would then await on the final day of the season when the two sides meet at the Beehive on April 29.
The Bees pushed Sporting hard on Saturday but the hosts were always likely winners as they sought the victory necessary to enable their celebrations to begin.
In a scrappy clash in front of 1,351 fans at the Victoria Ground, Robbie Bunn gave the Rouslers the lead after 21 minutes when he curled home beautifully into the far corner.
The game was brought to a stop after 77 minutes when Studley right back Keith Draper Jnr suffered what was reported to be a dislocated or broken elbow following a late challenge on Jason Cowley.
Sporting’s leading scorer Cowley then scored the second goal in the sixth minute of stoppage time with a thunderous free kick.
Studley had their moments, most notably in the second half when Jon Brown had to be at his best to prevent Draper’s long range effort from levelling things up.
The Bees were then hoping for better fortunes against Chelmsley Town, but Jordan Clements’ goal secured maximum points for the visitors.
