STUDLEY boss Keith Draper celebrated his first year in charge at the Beehive with a 2-2 draw against Atherstone Town.

The result keeps Studley five points clear on top of Midland League Division One, although second placed Walsall Wood do have three games in hand.

Ironically Draper's first game in charge of Studley was also against Atherstone and Draper revealed: "We won that game 2-1, but in truth, they smashed us. They had countless chances on goal, while we had two and scored from both of them.

"Funnily it was Atherstone's manager who reminded me of that. But I believe we've come a long way in the last 12 months.

"Last Saturday was a very even game as both sides went for it from the word go and I felt the draw was a fair result."

Following a goalless first half, Studley fell behind to an Alex Naughton header.

But that goal appeared to galvanize Studley who then stepped up a gear to take the lead with two well-taken Gareth Evans goals.

However, Studley's cause wasn't helped when they had Eddie Wynn-Wilson sent off for two yellow cards after the hour mark.

Studley were forced to defend in depth from that point, but they held out until the 88th minute when Alan Miller levelled matters when heading home from set-piece play.

Despite being held to draw, Studley were able to extend their unbeaten spree to 15 games.

Draper said: "I was really pleased with the performance. Atherstone had a player sent off right at the end, but that had no bearing on the result.

"The desire amongst my players is frightening at the moment and it was disappointing to concede so late in the game.

"All the hard work that we've put into this season is now beginning to pay off - but there can be no complacency.

"We travel to a very good Leicester Road side this Saturday, if we don't go properly prepared, we'll get beaten.

"We've already beaten Leicester Road earlier this season and they'll be determined to roll us over.

"It's an important fixture, especially as Walsall Wood don't have a game this weekend, so a victory would enable us to open up quite a gap at the top.

"What really pleased me the most about Saturday's performance was the fact that we brought both Gareth Evans and Ollie Casey back into the side and they proved our best players."