STUDLEY hope the expected arrival of attack-minded midfielder Dean Fisher will provide a further sign of their intent to remain among the promotion pacesetters.
The Bees moved into the top four in Midland League Division One after securing an impressive 2-0 win at third-placed Brocton on Tuesday night, with Harvey Smith and Danny Carter getting the goals.
Studley, who sit one point behind second-placed Lichfield City, will look to extend their unbeaten league run to 14 games on Saturday when they head to Chelmsley Town and joint bosses John Edwards and Wayne Bunn hope to have Fisher on board.
The former Alvechurch player is set to sign on dual registration forms from West Midlands League Premier Division Littleton and will add further strength in depth in midfield alongside Max Loveridge, Matt Edwards, Dale Edwards and Luke Dugmore.
“Dean was with us in pre-season but he had the chance to go to Alvechurch and I wouldn’t blame him for wanting to test himself at a higher level,” said Edwards. “Now he has agreed to come to us and I’ve got high hopes for him.
“With the system we play, with three up top and three central midfielders – two holding and one getting forward – we wanted to add a bit more competition and a different option. Dean can provide that extra option getting forward from midfield.”
Edwards is aware Studley’s dazzling form has made them one of the teams to watch but suggests his players can cope with the spotlight.
They proved their quality by turning over Alvechurch 4-0 in a friendly on Saturday with goals from Carter (2), Dale Edwards and Mark Magee on Studley’s 3G pitch and then maintained the momentum in Tuesday night’s performance against Brocton.
Smith bagged the first goal on 12 minutes, firing home from the edge of the area and Carter finished off a smart team move 15 minutes from time after Dale Edwards crossed following Matt Edwards’ initial pass.
“It was a disciplined performance,” said Edwards. “It was a difficult game, against a good side and in difficult conditions. We battled and dug in and we could have won by a few more goals at the end.
“The first goal was vital. Once Harvey scored, they had to change their system and we kept catching them on the counter-attack.
“We defended well again and the two central midfield lads Max and Matt were up against their three central midfielders and did really well. We always feel we’ve got a threat going forward.”
