Dunkley commits to the Bees (From Redditch Advertiser)

Dunkley commits to the Bees

8:00am Thursday 3rd January 2013 in Sport

STUDLEY boss Lee Knight admitted the permanent signing of schemer Lee Dunkley has softened the blow of losing hitman Lei Brown to Midland Alliance title-chasers Stratord Town.

Brown looks set to join the table-toppers after a brief return to his old club where he bagged a hat-trick in the 5-2 win over Tipton Town a fortnight ago.

However, since then Stratford have put in a seven-day bid which ended last Thursday, with the striker set to make the switch to the DCS Stadium.

But the Bees have been given a boost as Dunkley has committed himself to the Studley cause.

The midfielder had played for them as a one-off in November but had been playing for Midland Combination Premier title hopefuls Bromsgrove Sporting.

But now the former Alvechurch man has agreed to play only for Studley.

Knight said: “Lei has been great to have back but we were never going to be able to keep him for long.

“Stratford have put in seven days and they have offered him money which we pay 10 of our lads in total.

“Obviously, we’ll be playing Stratford on Wednesday and I am sure our players will get a few friendly kicks in but we wish him all the best.

“But it’s great news to have Lee (Dunkley) at the club, he’s said he’s playing for us only and that’s a boost for us.

“He may not score the goals as Lei but his ability is undeniable.”

Knight is also hoping the bad weather which has blighted their festive fixtures eases off after games against Bridgnorth, Alvechurch and Westfields postponed.

But Studley go into today’s match at Stratford (7.45pm ko) in their best form of the season after back-to-back wins.

Knight added: “It’s a shame we’ve had so many games off because we’re on a roll.

“Anyone who has watched us this season knows we’ve created chances but now we’re starting to put them away.”