STUDLEY returned to Midland League Division One winning ways in dramatic fashion thanks to a 94th-minute Andy Nicol header at Heather St John’s on Saturday.
The Bees are up to fourth thanks to the 3-2 victory at St John’s Park – six points behind leaders Leicester Road with two games in hand – although rampant Walsall Wood remain firm title favourites in second place with a three-point advantage over Keith Draper’s side having played two fewer matches.
For now though, Studley will content themselves with having ended a two-match losing run as they prepare to host Lichfield City on Saturday before heading to big-spending Walsall Wood the following weekend.
Heather took the lead when former Redditch United forward Simeon Cobourne poked the ball into the far corner after being played in by winger Michael Bloore.
However, the Bees were level before the break when forward Billy Garvey found space to rifle an effort past home keeper Ben Allsop.
Chances continued to arrive at both ends as Studley hit the bar before Cobourne fired wastefully wide when one-on-one with Ryan Young.
Draper’s men took a second half lead when the impressive Chris Cowley showed composure to score and Heather’s hopes were further dented when Fortune Maphosa was sent off for a late challenge.
However, that was nowhere near the end of the drama and the hosts levelled during injury time when, from a corner, the ball landed at the feet of substitute Simeon Townsend who crashed an effort into the far corner.
Studley were not done though and the winning goal arrived thanks to the brilliance of Cowley who, straight from kick-off, sent a long ball into the box which was headed in by Nicol.
Studley’s players were thrilled with victory, as witnessed on social media.
Cowley said on Twitter: “Back to winning ways for the boys! Always nice to get on the sheet with a couple of assists to go with it.”
Jake Wicketts added: “That man @ChrisCowley11’s assist to @gbnational19 last-minute winner is what Saturdays are all about. Big three points from the boys today!”
