STUDLEY were beaten 2-0 by Shortwood United in their first game as league champions to suffer their first defeat in six matches.
The Bees were crowned Hellenic League Division One champions last week after Worcester Raiders failed to beat Pershore Town but produced an abject performance to lose for the sixth time this season.
And Studley’s status as champions saw them receive a guard of honour from their opponents prior to kick-off.
Warm welcome from @ShortwoodUtdFC pic.twitter.com/tET8FBf3wz
— Studley FC (@StudleyFc) March 19, 2022
Despite making a promising start when Alfie Bloomer had a shot saved, Studley lacked their usual fluency and fluidity.
Chances were at a premium in the first half as both teams struggled for accuracy in their passing with the Bees having more of the ball albeit with no end product.
And the game burst into life on 46 minutes when Lennon Lewis opened the scoring with a shot that eluded Studley goalkeeper Brendon Bunn.
Studley let their frustrations show when Robbie Bunn was sin binned before one of the management team was dismissed from the technical area.
And full-back Owain Taylor was then sent off for a reckless challenge to compound Studley’s miserable afternoon.
The home side wrapped up the points in the third minute of added time when Tariq Soliman ran 60-yards before shooting into an empty net with Bunn out of his goal as Studley pushed for an equaliser.
Studley are next in action away at Pershore Town on Saturday, March 26 in the League Cup with kick-off at 3pm at the Community Stadium.
