A NUMBER of Studley players could be playing for their futures on Saturday after manager Kevin Rowlands threw down the gauntlet.

The Bees boss admitted his patience was wearing thin after Saturday's eventful 2-2 draw at Causeway United.

"I was bitterly disappointed with the result on Saturday and I've told the lads," said Rowlands.

"In the last two games we've created enough chances to win three or four games and yet we've taken just one point.

"The performance was not too bad but we have been slack at the back, to a point, and we haven't finished off chances and it has cost us dear.

"We are not in the position in the table I want us to be. We had talked about being top ten before Christmas but, with cup games coming up, we have made life hard for ourselves.

"I've asked the players to look at themselves and see if they are good enough to do what we want from them. If they're not, other measures will have to be taken."

Rowlands rarely criticises his players in public but stressed that the latest move away from the Beehive has nothing to do with displays on the field.

Former Redditch and Evesham United striker Lee Ross has joined Midland Combination neighbours Feckenham on an open-ended loan.

"Lee has recovered from his hamstring and back problems but it's no use him getting ten minutes here or there for us," added Rowlands. "He needs games, especially in this weather."

Ross has been forced out by the form of Andy Johnson and Shane Benjamin - the latter scoring twice at the weekend in a match halted for ten minutes after a bizarre injury to a linesman.

Following Benjamin's disputed second goal - Causeway claimed there was a foul in the build-up - United manager Andy Mole kicked a nearby ball in frustration and struck a glancing blow against the linesman who was knocked out for five minutes and had to be revived by Rowlands and assistant Trevor Whittington.

"Causeway continued to whine about the goal and showed no concern for the official, their attitude was very disappointing," added Rowlands.

The referee banished Mole to the stands and Studley groundsman Bob Fletcher - a qualified referee - ran the line for the remainder of the game.

Last night's planned Birmingham Senior Cup trip to Hednesford Town was postponed on Sunday night because of a frozen pitch.

The Bees visit Stourbridge in the Polymac Services League Cup on Saturday (ko 3pm) with defender Damon Gariff back in contention.