MATT Bailey ensured Studley's improvement continued as he bagged a winner in a bad tempered affair at AFC Hinckey on Saturday.

Bailey scored the game's only goal to ensure the Bees recorded a 1-0 win at one of the most highly-rated teams in the division.

While Hinckley have yet to fire this season, they boast an impressive squad including the likes of goal machine Mark Bellingham.

With the scores at 0-0, tempers flared as three players were sent off.

Studley's Josh McKenzie pushed Nathan Walker away after the defender has caught him with a reckless late challenge.

Hinckley's Walker and John Clapp were also shown their marching orders as a fracas ensued and the game was delayed by five minutes.

But Bailey punished his former club's lack of discipline in the 35th minute, converting close range from a Rico Taylor cross.

Studley manager Adrian Mander said: "It was a good win. Hinckley may be struggling but they have some very good players.

"Josh was unlucky to be sent off and their player caught him with a very late high challenge.

"He pushed the lad away and then another Hinckley player got himself involved.

"Josh had scored twice for Bromsgrove Sporting against Hinckley a month ago and they obviously targeted him."

Sporting now face an FA Vase clash against Coventry Sphinx away on Saturday, who played one division higher in the Midlands Football League Premier (3pm ko).

Ben Judd is set to be available after a holiday but Sean Williams is still away, while Toby Checketts is cup tied after playing for Bromsgrove against Stourport Swifts.

Mander added: "Coventry Sphinx are a good side from the Premier so we've got a tough game.

"We're a bit down to the bare bones but we'll be doing our best."

Tesfa Robinson has left Studley and signed for Halesowen Town. Mander has drafted in James Husband on loan from Leamington and Redditch United rookie forward Jarell Hylton, the younger brother of highly-rated Redditch attacker Jermaine.