HANDY Andy Nicol headed Studley to a sensational last gasp victory to get their title charge back on track this week with a dramatic 3-2 success at Heather St Johns.

Nicol struck with the last move of the match after Heather thought they'd stolen a share of the points themselves with a stoppage time goal of their own.

It was just the tonic for Studley boss Keith Draper who was forced to miss the match through illness leaving Vaughan Pearhouse and Kim Casey to take charge in his absence.

Heather had taken an early lead through Simeon Cobourne but Studley hit back to level when recent signing from Redditch Borough Billy Garvey netted on his debut.

Chris Cowley then put Studley in front with a precision finish when he lobbed Heather's goalkeeper to score.

But Cowley was then involved with a bad challenge, in the aftermath one of Heather's players was sent off for retaliation.

Despite going down to 10 men, Heather levelled from a corner in the 92nd minute through Simeon Townsend.

But there was still time for Studley to respond as Nicol headed home his last gasp winner.

Studley spokesman Bob Fletcher admitted: "We really needed that win after a couple of defeats to Atherstone and Littleton.

"It was the legacy of two poor first half performances, although we did hit back in both games but it was too late to repair the damage."

Studley stay fourth in Midland League Division One leaving them six points adrift of league leaders Leicester Road but with the luxury of two games in hand.

Studley entertain 10th placed Lichfield City this Saturday at The Beehive and will be boosted by the return to training of long time injury victim Jack McGinn who has been sidelined all season with a knee problem.