STUDLEY boss Mark Chambers has refused to panic buy after a shock defeat to Midland Comb One outfit Old Hill Town.

The Bees, who surrendered their unbeaten league record last week, went down 1-0 in atrocious conditions.

Chambers considered drafting in new signings to cope with a crippling injury crisis but says he is prepared to keep faith with his squad as a couple of long-term absentees return.

Midfielder Steve Duncan, out since pre-season with a back problem, has started light training and is targeting the trip to Southam on Saturday, November 11 for a comeback.

The former Evesham player has been the target of enquiries from Paget Rangers and a number of Alliance sides but is happy to stay at the Beehive.

With Steven Hands back to bolster midfield and ball-winner Trevor Whittington back from suspension for the scheduled trip to Blackheath Invensys tonight (Wednesday, ko 7.45pm), the BKL boss is optimistic.

"Hands and Duncan are a handful when they link up and Trevor will give us some drive so I've shelved plans to bring people in," said the Studley manager.

"But if certain players don't start to perform that will change."

The trip to Halesowen to face Blackheath looked in doubt after heavy rains and a postponement could prove a blessing with a number of players carrying knocks.

Keeper Keith Beasley (flu), midfielder Kenny Fergie (ankle), striker Andy Grubb (knee) and midfielder Paul Harmer (work) returned for Saturday's Midland Comb Challenge Cup exit and striker Kevin Rowlands played despite a groin strain.

Defender Craig Gillett has insisted he will be fit for the Blackheath trip and the visit of near neighbours Kings Heath on Saturday (ko 2.45pm) before his suspension kicks in.

Striker Scott Crane is suspended for another week and midfielder Ian Donegan is out for another fortnight after an attempted comeback from a hamstring injury on Saturday lasted only ten minutes.

Midfielder Ian Edwards completed a move to neighbours Feckenham.