STUDLEY’S players can expect to get plenty of shooting practice before they return to action next weekend – to try to eradicate their goals shortage.
The Bees had to settle for a point apiece from their bank holiday games in Midland League Division One – drawing 0-0 at home to Paget Rangers on Saturday and then repeating the scoreline at Cadbury Athletic on Monday.
Joint-bosses John Edwards and Wayne Bunn felt the performances could easily have garnered six points but too many chances went begging. The Bees have netted six times in six matches so far and, while they lie ninth, the points tally of nine could easily be better.
Without a fixture this weekend due to a 19-team division after Smithswood Firs folded on the eve of the season, the players will train and focus on goalscoring before they entertain Chelmsley Town at the Beehive on September 8.
“At the moment we can’t buy a goal,” said Edwards. “We’re going to be having plenty of shooting practice in training!
“We are creating chances, for sure, and we should have won both of the games last weekend. We have dominated but not put the ball in the net which is the most important thing.
“We’ve got four good forwards, exciting players, but they’ve all been guilty of missing chances.
“Dan Carter got 50 goals last season but he has scored once so far. He’s just had no luck in front of goal but there were signs he is getting back to his old self.
“It’s not just the forwards who are not scoring, though, neither are the midfield.
“But it can’t continue. We have to start scoring sooner or later, we just need a little good luck on our side. I’d be more concerned if we weren’t creating chances.
“The positive is we have kept four clean sheets in six matches. Defensively we’ve not looked like conceding and Tom Hayward in goal and the back-line have done really well.”
On Saturday, visitors Paget set out their stall to be hard to break down but Studley did open them up. However, Alfie Bloomer lifted the ball over the bar from the best chance and Dale Edwards also squandered a great opportunity with only the keeper to beat.
Jarrell Hylton came closest to scoring on Monday at Cadbury, only to hit the bar from close range.
