STUDLEY striker Craig Pountney has been ruled out until Christmas after suffering a broken kneecap.

The freescoring forward, holder of the Midland Alliance golden boot and current top scorer with ten goals, suffered the injury after an awkward fall in Saturday's 3-0 win over Boldmere.

The forward has seen a consultant but has to wait for the swelling to go down before a full diagnosis and was due back at the Alexandra Hospital, where he was ferried from the game on Saturday, tomorrow (Thursday).

He has yet to see a specialist but has been told there may be some bone which has cracked away and can either be fixed or removed.

Pountney was put in plaster on Saturday but has since had it removed and replaced with heavy strapping.

The club continued their promising run with a sixth win in seven to hang on the coat tails of the leaders, in seventh position.

And after the weekend's 3-0 win over Boldmere, Chambers is confident the run can continue.

The top three of Oadby, Rushall and Willenhall won at the weekend with fourth and fifth - Stourbridge and Quorn consolidating their position.

But Studley have a break from league action on Saturday when they visit Pelsall Villa in the opening round of the FA Vase (ko 3pm).

Chambers wants to repeat last year's heroics when his side, making their debut in the national competition, eventually exited at the hands of Brigg Town.

Defender Simon Redhead and left sided Rob Powell are ruled out but player-coach Trevor Whittington is back from suspension.

Winger Mark Neath completes his ban at the weekend and would be available for any replay, probably next Tuesday or Wednesday.

The club have been handed their first home cup draw of the season and will entertain high-fliers Willenhall in the second round of the Polymac Services League Cup on Saturday, November 23.