A WATERLOGGED pitch ensured Studley's tie against Ludlow was postponed but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Bees boss Kevin Rowlands.

Rowlands admitted his side is now nearly running at 100 per cent with centre back Brett Fleetwood, striker Andy Grubb, captain Mark Neath as well as hitman Jamie Bailey and keeper Craig Johnson all taking time out to return to full fitness.

And with the Bees not in action in midweek it only strengthens their cause as they ready for the biggest game of the season so far with a final against Redditch United or Halesowen Town in the Worcestershire Senior Cup on the horizon.

Rowlands said: "Fleetwood's had an extra week to recover from his pulled hamstring, Grubb has got some more time with his knee injury so that added to the fact Ludlow have got to come here in midweek it really wasn't the worst thing that could have happened."

The Studley manager took the afternoon to have a look at one of his possible final opponents as he travelled to Valley Stadium in preparation for the Worcestershire Senior Cup final.

"I don't think there's anything I can learn from it because Redditch are a very good side and a team playing a higher standard of football."

But despite Studley rolling over higher league opposition in the form of Nationwide North club Moor Green and Southern League West high-flyers Evesham United in the previous rounds Rowlands sees the final as just a bonus.

"I can only see it as a bonus - to win over 90 minutes is difficult but to do that over two legs is virtually going to be impossible.

"As long as our lads do themselves and Studley justice that's all we can ask for."