STUDLEY BKL manager Mark Chambers this week insisted he was taking last night's Tony Allden Memorial Trophy final seriously.

The Bees were set for a break from Midland Alliance action after being invited, as Midland Combination runners-up last season, to take on double winners Nuneaton Griffs at Highgate United.

And after Nuneaton came out on top after an exciting run-in, but failed to win promotion because of their ground, there is bound to be added spice in the charity final.

But Chambers was set to be without goalkeeper Matt Pugh because of work commitments.

Duncan Turk is on standby with Keith Beasley turning out in the Stratford Premier as a goalscoring outfielder for an Alcester team.

Left back Rob Powell was set to be unavailable with slight injury doubts over striker Andy Grubb and midfielder Steven Hands.

Goal-getter Craig Pountney continued his incredible run with a second half hat-trick in Saturday's 4-0 win over Stapenhill to take his tally to 21 this season and top the Alliance scoring charts with 20.

BKL face another tricky tie at home to Oadby Town in the second round of the Rameses League Cup on Saturday (ko 3pm).

But hopes Brigg Town would be distracted from their FA Vase tie at BKL by an unlikely FA Cup adventure were dashed when the Northern Counties minnows crashed out to Second Division Tranmere Rovers at the weekend.

BKL return to league action at Pelsall Villa on Tuesday (ko 7.45pm).

The club will consider the 'Kids Free' incentive again this season despite a disappointing paying crowd of only 49 at the weekend.