STUDLEY returned to winning ways on Tuesday but left it late against lowly Southam.

A Craig Gillett header five minutes from time sealed a 3-2 win after the big defender got on the end of a Mark Neath cross.

The visitors, who sit third from bottom, took the lead on 20 minutes and the league leaders waited 40 minutes before replying.

Steve Hands crossed for Jamie Bailey to head home and Neath made it 2-1 with a rising effort ten minutes later.

The visitors hit a shock equaliser before Gillett had the last word.

With second placed Nuneaton Griffs' match at Highgate called off, Studley went ten points clear at the top having played four matches more than their rivals.

Steve Duncan returned to the side on Tuesday after suspension and left back Mark Davis and player coach Trevor Whittington are set to figure at Romulus on Saturday (ko 2.45pm).

Defender Simon Redhead is away on Saturday but is available for the Smedley Crooke Cup tie against Second Division County Sports on Tuesday (ko 7.45pm).