STUDLEY cemented second place in Midland League Division One with an impressive 3-1 home victory over Ilkeston Town which extended the Bees’ unbeaten league run to ten games.
After falling behind to Montel Gibson’s 42nd-minute goal, Keith Draper’s side recovered superbly through Chris Cowley’s brace and an Andy Nicol penalty to keep themselves within a point of leaders Walsall Wood, who have a game in hand.
Cowley levelled from close range in the 53rd minute before Town’s Martin Lench was sent off two minutes later following an altercation in the middle of the park.
Studley sensed blood and the visitors, managed by former Nottingham Forest defender Steve Chettle, were behind on 63 minutes when Nicol scored from the penalty spot.
Chances continued to be created at both ends but it was Studley who had the final say when Cowley finished a counter-attack in the third minute of injury time.
The Bees visit 16th placed Stafford Town on Saturday.
