Stratford Hospital Cup round two

Studley 3 Claverdon 1

Studley started their Stratford Premier League campaign with a cup game against Claverdon.

With a mixture of experience and youth, Studley started cautiously and took 15 minutes to get into their stride, with their quick passing game getting the upper hand.

Studley started peppering the Claverdon goal, with Dane Wood a constant threat on the right and Harris and Fryer both going close.

After a frustrating 40 minutes in which Studley's keeper did not touch the ball, Jason Harris ghosted in at the far post to head in a Wood cross.

After the break, Studley refused to buckle under some fierce Claverdon tackling and went close on many occasions, only to find the veteran Claverdon keeper, Hambleton, in good form.

Studley then became a bit complacent, allowing Claverdon back in the game, but from a well rehearsed set piece, Jason Harris headed home in the 68th minute.

Studley should have capitalised but allowed a breakaway from Claverdon to almost spoil the evening, Claverdon scoring from a 20- yard snap shot in off the post.

Studley briefly allowed Claverdon back in the game before debutante Jamie Paul scored with a precise 20-yard shot.

Studley than strolled the game and could have won by a lot more.

It was a useful start but Studley will have to improve if they want to win anything this season.

In the third round of the Hospital Cup, Studley meet Railway at home tomorrow (ko 6.30pm).