THE stirling efforts of Studley chairman Dave Robinson to get the pitch playable for the weekend were rewarded with another crucial Beehive win.

BKL secured a narrow 1-0 win over title-rivals Pershore to knock them out of the championship picture.

Robinson rolled the pitch twice to ensure the match was staged and saw Mark Neath score the only goal in a thrilling contest.

And with main rivals Nuneaton Griffs on Endsleigh Challenge Cup duty, the Bees went four points clear at the top, albeit having played two games more than the Nuneaton side.

Pershore, the victims of a festive five goal hammering from Studley, sit eight points adrift in third with a game in hand.

And BKL boss Mark Chambers was delighted Griffs recorded another cup win.

"Good luck to them," said Chambers, "the more successful they are in cup competitions the better it is for us.

"There is definitely a gap opening up between the two of us and the rest of the table.

"We were boosted by a crowd of around 200 at the weekend and hopefully those who turned out to see us will come back."

Chambers said he was surprised how defensive the visitors had been on Saturday.

"They played five across midfield and a lone striker and showed us a lot of respect.

"After chatting to the manager before and after the game they seemed in awe of us and when the third-placed side do that it is always a good sign."

But the Bees have to avoid their own cup distractions with a couple of knockout contests looming.

Division One side County Sports are the visitors tonight (Wednesday, ko 7.30pm) in the Smedley Crooke Cup.

The Bees visit lowly Highgate in the league on Saturday (ko 2.45pm) before taking on neighbours Feckenham at their adopted Valley home in the Worcestershire Senior Urn next Wednesday (ko 7.30pm).

The cup games offer Chambers the chance to field some of his fringe players.

"We're doing well but we have nothing to show for it yet," he said.

"We are taking the cups seriously but we have a big squad and by mixing things up it keeps everyone fit for when they are required."

Chambers was set to rest midfielder Steven Hands tonight after he has struggled with a back injury.

And fellow midfielder Steve Duncan is out for a fortnight with chicken pox.

Midfielder Brett Fleetwood is on the way back from an ankle injury but may be rested for the Smedley Crooke date.