TOP of the table Studley stretched their unbeaten run to seven games with a slender 1-0 win over Heath Hayes.

But the Midland League Division One early season pacesetters left it late, Andy Nicol netting in the 88th minute with a goal made off the substitutes bench.

Studley boss Keith Draper said: "All three lads that come off the bench played a big part in the goal.

"Dale Kenny broke down the flank and delivered a pin-point cross to the far post where Aaron Westwood nodded it down for Andy Nicol to volly home. It was a great goal and no more than we deserved.

"Everyone at Studley is really enjoying their football at the moment and it's such a difference from last season when every game was played under pressure.

"Heath Hayes arrived having scored 19 goals in their past five games but I don't think our goalkeeper Ryan Young had a shot to save.

"It's three clean sheets in a row now and to me, that's just as important as scoring goals at the other end."

Studley turn their attentions to the FA Vase this Saturday when they entertain Northamptonshire side Long Buckby from the United Counties League.

Ironically Studley played Long Buckby in a pre-season friendly and Draper added: "We beat them quite comfortably on that occasion, but it won't be like that this time and I just want us to take our league form in to the FA Vase and hope we can attract a good crowd to the game."