SUPER Studley stay four points clear on top of Midland League Division One following a compelling 4-2 triumph at Uttoxeter Town.

That was after Studley's pre-match plans were thrown into disarray when they received a phone call from Chris Cowley while en route to the game who was was too ill to play.

Studley manager Keith Draper said: "Chris was being driven to the game by his dad when he started to feel unwell. He stopped at some motorway services to get in touch and we told him to go home.

"We were already at the ground, so there wasn't time to get anyone else in, so it meant we had to change our playing formation, but it worked a treat, especially as Uttoxeter chose to play five across the midfield."

Two goals from Karl King put Studley in control and then a couple of clinical finishes from Andy Nicol sealed the points.

Draper added: "We should have won by more. Andy Nicol missed a sitter from eight yards out which would have completed his hat-trick while Matt Powell netted with a diving header - but then had the goal ruled out.

"It was one way traffic at times and some of our defenders started to get wrapped up in the occasion. As a result we let Uttoxeter back into the game on a couple of occasions and we cannot afford to do that against the better sides."

Draper believes Studley's credentials will be put to the test this Saturday when they entertain high-flying Atherstone at the Beehive.

Atherstone beat Studley by five goals last season and Draper is determined to put matters right.

He said: "This will be a massive test for us to see where we are this season.

"We're top of the table for a reason but I don't feel we've been getting the credit we deserve.

"People want to know whether we're the real deal and Saturday's game against Atherstone will go a long way to proving that.

"Everybody at the club is really looking forward to Saturday's game when we will need to be at our very best.

"As a result, we need all the support we can get and I would urge people to come and get behind the lads.

"All youngsters under 10-years-old will be admitted free providing they are accompanied by an adult, so please come and support us."