STUDLEY players have been told to stop giving away Christmas presents after plummeting to a 2-0 defeat at Racing Club Warwick this week.

The results leaves Studley still struggling in second from bottom spot in Midland League Division One.

Manager Keith Draper declared: "Christmas is over, but we're still dishing out the presents. We played really well against Racing Club and took the game to them. But we keep making silly errors and getting punished for them. That's what is costing us at the moment."

The Racing Club reverse follows a 1-1 draw with Cadbury Athletic on New Year's Eve where Studley led 1-0 at half time through a Gareth Evans goal but were undone by a deflected cross after going down to 10 men.

Draper remains optimistic and said: "The improvement is there for all to see. It hasn't been an easy start since taking over as we've had all the top sides to play.

"But after this Saturday's game against Littleton, we then play all the teams around us and that will define our season.

"The amount of points we've secured at the moment isn't revealing what we really deserve and I believe we're better than our current position.

"But I have to accept we're in a dog-fight now."

Studley have been boosted by the arrival of Bromsgrove Sporting midfield man Luke Dugmore who has already made a big impression at the Beehive.

Draper has also served seven days for Chelmsley Town striker John Flanagan together with versatile Montpellier wideman Josh Westwood.

He added: "We were lucky to get Luke Dugmore but Bromsgrove Sporting have an abundance of midfield players at the moment. Luke has brought an energy and belief to the club and that can only be a good thing."