New signing Hayden James blasted a hat-trick on his debut to inspire Mid Sussex to their first win of the season in the Kent/Sussex Regional League.

The 28-year-old South African was in unstoppable form as Mid Sussex defeated Sutton Valence 5-3 with Ben Firmen and James Goodwin also on target.

It was not enough to lift them off the bottom of the table but skipper Andy Green is confident James is just the player they need to help them climb out of trouble.

"I think Hayden will be a major asset for us as he is a striker who really knows where the goal is," he said. "With him in the team I am sure we will get out of trouble after Christmas."

Worthing were overtaken by Tunbridge Wells at the top of the table on goal difference after they slipped to a surprise 2-1 defeat at BBHC with Brian Lock scoring the consolation.

Lock was also on target twice on Sunday but he could not prevent Worthing going down to their second defeat of the weekend as they lost 3-2 in the HA Trophy at home to Malborough, the winner coming via a controversial penalty two minutes from time.

Horsham fared little better as they were beaten 1-0 at home by Blackheath.

Crawley remain pointless at the bottom of division one after they were hammered 6-0 at Old Williamsonians after trailing 5-0 at half-time.

Skipper Gary Thornton said: "It was probably the worst half of hockey I have had the displeasure in playing in. Some of the players' basic skills really showed how hard we need to work to survive this season."

Toby Reed, Danny Burnett and John Morgan were all on target as South Saxons won 3-2 at home against Crowborough to climb two places to sixth.