Leaders Burgess Hill kept the pressure on title chasers Sidley with their biggest win of the season, 6-1 at home to Saltdean.

It left manager Gary Croydon grateful for an easy run out with two more matches following hard on its heels.

He said: "You don't get too many easy games in this league and that's come at a good time for us. I thought we played very well and only one defeat at home all season speaks volumes."

Although Hillians looked the livelier going forward in the early stages, the first clear chance fell to Saltdean. Andy Lutwyche was short with a headed back pass and Ryan Mason shot wide with only Richard Waters to beat.

But the home side went ahead on 24 minutes as Ashley Carr pressured former team-mate Lee Silsby into a poor clearance and Steve Harper strode forward to beat Jamie Bryant low to his left.

It was the prelude to a hectic spell seven minutes later when three goals came in only two minutes.

Bryant's poor clearance led to pressure and when he only half stopped Matt Ash's angled drive, Sean Edwards was in like a flash to prod the ball over the line.

But less than a minute later Richard Carter gave away possession just outside his own box and Mason set up Dean Venton to score against his old club.

There was hardly a pause for breath, however, before Hillians restored their two goal lead.

Great work on the right by Harper got him to the line and from the pull back Zak Newman volleyed in from close range.

Carter almost made up for his error three minutes before half time when he tricked his way past three defenders before playing in Harper, whose shot came back off the bar.

Hillians were in the comfort zone in the 55th minute when Harper's shot was deflected in off the chest of Newman and experienced warhorse Carr was able to come off as soon as he got his name on the scoresheet ten minutes later.

Another home hat-trick for recent arrival Newman was all that remained to complete Hillians' night and it duly came from the spot on 75 minutes when substitute Chris Duffett was brought down by Saltdean skipper Reece Head.

Second-placed Sidley, aleady winners of the John O'Hara League Cup, picked up another three points as they beat Redhill 2-1 and maintained their winning streak.

Midfielder Dave Ward gave Sidley the lead on 63 minutes but Redhill hit back just three minutes later when Luke Gedling equalised.

The third goal in a five minute spell and the winner came from Gerard Moyse, the striker who was left out of the team for the League Cup after coming back from a hamstring injury.

Paul Morby was on target for Pagham again as he scored after eight minutes at Horsham YMCA. Lee Butcher grabbed the equaliser for John Suter's side after 36 minutes.

At the bottom of the table Eastbourne Town look doomed following a 4-1 defeat against Wick.

Basement side East Preston also suffered another defeat as Littlehampton continued their surge up the table towards safety thanks to a 3-1 win. Littlehampton's Derren Woods, Barry Pidgeon and Jonas Templeman were on target.

The most entertaining game of the night came at Three Bridges where they were held to a 4-4 draw by Hassocks. Doug Cashman and a hat-trick from Steve Banks accounted for Three Bridges' goals with Banks completing his treble with a minute to go to secure the draw. Phil Eldret, Ashley Low, James Laing and Robbie Kitchen were the marksmen for Dave John's Robins.

Peacehaven will meet Oving in the Division Two Cup after a 3-1 extra-time win over Mile Oak.

Results - Rich City County League division one: Burgess Hill 6 Saltdean United 1; East Preston 1 (Smith 69), Littlehampton 3; Horsham YMCA 1 Pagham 1; Lancing 2 (Griffin 26, Gray 84), Arundel 0; Redhill 1 Sidley United 2; Sidlesham 1 (Mould 30), Eastbourne United 2 (D Smith 14, C Harris 90); Three Bridges 4 (Cashman 41, Banks 40, 67, 89) Hassocks 4 (Eldret 34, Low 45, Laing 46, Kitchen 61), Wick 4, Eastbourne Town 1.

Division Two Cup semi final: Mile Oak 1 (Porter 25), Peacehaven 4 (Allen 20, Gilmour 94, 115, Randell 120).

Division two: Bosham 1 (Barnes 25), Storrington 2 (High 46, Spink 70); Crowborough 0, Shinewater 3 (Ray 55, Gower 60, M Thompson 66); Lingfield 1 (Marshall), Wealden 2 (Woodbridge 50, T Brown 79); Oakwood 1 (Nunesdagarga 55), Broadbridge Heath 1 (Taylor 71).

Division three: Ansty Rangers 1 (Rendall 28), Franklands 6 (own goal 46, Gault 47, 78, Dauwalder 53, 60, Hewett 76); Forest 0 Royal & Sun Alliance 2 (Flack 30, Mumford 42), Steyning 1 (J Spry 47), Ifield 1 (J Mills 77); Uckfield 1 (S Iles 77), Rye 2 (Loft 16, 60).