STUDLEY suffered a setback in their battle against relegation from Midland Division One when they crashed 5-1 at home to top of the table Atherstone Town.

Manager Keith Draper had no complaints about the outcome, he said: "Sometimes you just have to put your hand up and admit to being beaten by a better side.

"We were still in the game after 40 minutes but then conceded two sloppy goals just before half time.

"Atherstone's class told in the second half. Alex Naughton scored twice and Aden Moore netted another. They must be the two best strikers in the league and they were on fire against us.

"We were taken to task, but we never gave up and Josh Westwood pulled a goal back right at the death.

"You could tell Atherstone were unhappy at conceding a goal as their players were all having a right go at each other.

"Our belief is still massive that we can avoid relegation. All the teams around us lost as well, so we didn't lose anything by this defeat."

Studley attempt to bounce back this Saturday when they entertain Heath Hayes, which is followed by another home fixture against rock bottom Southam.

Draper will be boosted by the return of Danny Moy and goalkeeper Bradley Carter who were both on Birmingham County FA duty, while experienced Matt Dorgan will also come into contention.