STUDLEY boss Paul Smith is happy with his summer recruitment so far.

Smith has drafted in forward Matt Poyner from Bromsgrove Sporting, goalkeeper Shaun Edwards and defender Dan Dineen.

Poyner has played in both of Studley's friendlies and is a welcome addition after it was revealed that Ricardo Richards looks set to be out for up to six weeks after having a hernia operation.

Edwards has played for Highgate United and Blackwood and will fill the gap left by Richard Taylor, who can no longer play Saturdays because of his new coaching role at Derby County's youth academy.

Dineen is a centre half who has played for Blackwood and is prepared to commute from Northampton, where he is studying, to play for Studley.

Smith says he has 16 players already secured for the 2014-15 campaign in the Midlands Division One with several new faces to come.

He said: "It's been a productive summer so far and I am very pleased with the new faces.

"Matt has been someone I have liked for a while, so I am delighted to have got him, while Dan and Shaun are also strong additions.

"Having 16 players at this stage of the summer is also very positive."

Meanwhile, Studley had their first big test of pre-season and lost 4-0 to Redditch United on the 3G pitches at the weekend, with Jamie Spencer (2), Jamie Molyneux and Ricardo Reid on target.

"This was a good game for us, it's better to be playing tougher teams than having big wins," commented Smith.

"We conceded two goals early on but we then had a few chances. Redditch scored a couple of goals as we tired late on."

Studley play Austin Ex-Apprentices away tonight (6.45pm ko) and enterain Sutton United on the 3G pitch on Saturday (3pm ko).

On July 24, they entertain Stratford Town on the Beehive's main pitch (7.45pm ko).