STUDLEY will need to take a roll-call of their walking wounded as they prepare to begin their FA Vase campaign on Saturday.
John Edwards admits they already face a big task when they tackle unbeaten Brocton at the Beehive (3pm) but the challenge could be even tougher with as many as seven or eight players on the sidelines.
Studley racked up two impressive bank holiday home wins in Midland League Division One, sweeping aside Heath Hayes 4-1 and GNP Sports 3-1, but Monday’s victory was soured by injuries to debutant James Wright and Dave Edwards.
They suffered thigh and calf injuries respectively and join a casualty list which also includes Luke Dugmore, Matt Edwards, Liam Hennessy, Jordan Jones and Jack Moss, while Simon Fitter is suspended.
“Saturday’s win against Heath Hayes was a good result but, with so many injuries and suspensions, I was over the moon with the performance against GNP,” said joint boss Edwards.
“Losing Dave and James made it even tougher and Harvey Smith ran of steam after 60 minutes after starting his first game of the season.
“It was the first time we’ve been able to start with our first choice front three of Odane Barnes, Dan Carter and Harvey Smith and that was a big plus. They looked a little bit rusty which you have to expect but they are going to be a threat.”
With the squad depleted, it meant the Bees had to field Lewis Marston with Sean Cooke and Dale Edwards in a makeshift midfield three but it clicked superbly.
Edwards finished with a hat-trick, to add to the goal he also netted against Heath Hayes. Carter netted twice on Saturday and Smith grabbed a debut goal after coming on as a substitute.
Saturday’s opponents Brocton, meanwhile, have chalked up five wins from six matches so far to sit top of the Division One table and Edwards has no doubts Studley will need to be firing.
“Brocton are a good side and they are flying,” he added. “I’ve watched them in the last few seasons and they are a young side which has got better and better.
“Our pitch is lovely and that will suit them so it’s going to be a tough game, but the Vase is important to the club. We need the prize money and there’s the incentive of a home tie for the winners against Racing Club Warwick in the next round.”
Saturday’s winners will receive £550. Meanwhile, Studley will head to Pershore Town in the first round of the Worcestershire Senior Cup. The winners will be away to Stourport Swifts or Worcester Raiders.
