STUDLEY continued to raid league rivals Bromsgrove Sporting by bringing in defender Joe Cole.

The centre back is the third player to make the switch from the Victoria Ground to the Beehive this summer.

Cole, who skippered Sporting for much of the season, has followed Matt Poyner and Dan Morris to link up with Studley manager Paul Smith.

"I am very happy to get Joe on board," said Smith.

"Like Dan and Matt he's a very good player and I am surprised Sporting let him go.

"I have been happy with all my additions and the squad is coming together nicely for the season."

Cole was on target as Studley defeated AlvisSporting 3-1 in Saturday's pre-season friendly. Josh McGinley and Dan Carter also hit the back of the net.

Smith said: "It's strange to play one of your league rivals in pre-season but I was happy with the performance.

"We've been getting better in the summer with each game so that's pleasing."

Studley face one of their biggest pre-season games of the summer when they entertain Stratford Town tonight (7.45pm ko).

Meanwhile, their Midlands Football League Division One fixtures for August have been released.

The Bees kick-off the season at Bolehall Swifts on Saturday, August 2 and then take on Heather St Johns three days later.

"We've been handed a difficult start to the season at Bolehall but we'll be ready," added Smith.

Meanwhile, Studley wish to add a new striker ahead of the new season.

With Sam Wills unavailable, Riccardo Richards set to be recovering from hernia surgery and Ben Judd suspended for three games, they are looking to ensure their forward options.

Studley August fixtures Midland Football Division One: Sat 02 Bolehall Swifts A; Tue 05 Heather St Johns H; Sat 09 Coventry Copsewood H; Sat 16 Elistown and Ibstock United A (FAC); Sat 23 Uttoxeter Town A; Mon 25 Littleton H; Sat 30 Stafford Town A.