STUDLEY eased their relegation worries with a six-point haul from their festive campaign.

The Bees bagged back-to-back home wins over Stratford Town and Leamington only to suffer a 4-1 defeat at Barwell.

But boss Kevin Rowlands is delighted with the return and hopes his side can continue their climb away from the foot of the table with three points at Coalville Town on Saturday.

"Every single game you play in this league is a tough game but I'm hoping we can build on the two home wins," the Bees manager said.

"We have kept our system of playing three at the back and that is beginning to pay off as we are becoming harder to score against.

"Craig Johnson is back in goal and looks good. We have had an approach from Alvechurch but he has turned them down - he is enjoying his football with us."

A second minute Jake Sammons goal gave Studley the points at home to neighbours Stratford Town on Boxing Day although Rowlands admits his side came under pressure late on.

"After the run of results we had had, it was the sort of game we needed," he added. "We had to be on our toes right up to the final whistle."

Barwell ran-out 4-1 winners on Friday, a game that saw the Bees head to Leicestershire with a squad cut to the bone.

But they bounced back on Monday with a 3-1 victory over Leamington, the goals coming from Andy Johnson, Rob Ager and a Shane Benjamin penalty.

"It was a good all-round performance," Rowlands added. "It's great to get the new year off to a winning start."

The Bees head to Damson Park on Tuesday, January 10, for their second round Birmingham Senior Cup tie with Moor Green.