Whitehawk shocked champions Burgess Hill last night when they came from behind to win thanks to three stunning goals.

Trailing to a trademark Ashley Carr goal, Ian Chapman's side equalised on the stroke of half time through Dean Venton and clinched victory with goals from Simon Rowland and Terry Cooper.

Phil Churchill pulled a late goal back for the league leaders but Whitehawk hung on for all three points at East Brighton Park.

The defeat was Hill's third reverse of the season away from home and although Chapman admitted they are still the best, he hopes his side can establish themselves in the chasing pack.

The former Albion player said: "We worked ever so hard but we had to because they are a very good side and even at 3-1 they could have come back.

"We scored three cracking goals and might have ridden our luck to establish a two-goal lead.

"My lads are thrilled but they won't get carried away. Burgess Hill are still the best side in the league by far. If we can get in the top three or four we will be doing well."

The visitors, playing into a vicious wind, took the lead in the 26th minute when Sean Randell supplied Carr in the box and the striker turned his marker before drilling a low right foot finish past Matt Ades.

Carr, Randell and Churchill all missed further chances before Venton smashed in a glorious low left foot equaliser into the bottom corner.

Rowland put the home side ahead in the 57th minute with a left foot finish high into the net from 25 yards and Cooper exposed Pat Gannon's deputy Ronan Callaghan with a similar finish in the 71st minute.

Hill fought back and Carr had a good penalty claim turned down before Churchill pulled a goal back with 13 minutes remaining when he stabbed Nicky Sullivan's shot over the line after the ball hit the bar.

Whitehawk: Ades, Venton, Buss, Birch, S. Cooper, Phillips, Stevens, Christison, Rowland, T. Cooper, Pattenden. Subs: Townsend, Bunch, Stevenson.

Burgess Hill: Callaghan, Randell (Sullivan 71), Lutwyche, Head, Andrews (Geard 49), Downey, Day, Carter, Churchill, Carr, Williams. Subs not used: Wright.

Attendance: 120.

Referee: Martin Hollands (Midhurst).