Stand-in Sussex boss Keith Chamberlain praised his men after they kept alive their hopes of winning the South West Counties Championship.

They saw an early three- goal lead slip, but did enough at Lancing last night to cut Senior Group A leaders Hampshire's advantage to two points.

Chamberlain said: "The lads have been tremendous. We had a few problems with players unavailable, but they showed character tonight when they could have wilted under the pressure.

"We were a bit disappointed to see our lead disintegrate, but defended bravely to prevent them levelling."

With a match in hand and just Dorset and Royal Navy to meet, Sussex are now favourites to qualify.

Sussex were in command of the first half and were three up within 26 minutes.

Gavin Geddes' trickery on the right flank and low drilled shot after eight minutes gave them the perfect start.

Langney striker Andrew Ducille was taken off a minute later after receiving a gash to the head, which needed four stitches.

His replacement, Steve Sargent, though, doubled the lead on 25 minutes when he netted at the second attempt.

Matt Russell then headed in the third unchallenged as Hampshire's defence was left in disarray.

But the visitors pulled one back after Kevin Reacord's right-wing cross was converted by Stuart Anderson 10 minutes from the break.

It was game on when the ball broke for Tony Pelgar to reduce the deficit further after Sussex failed to clear Ian Ford's free kick after the re-start.

SUSSEX: Chatfield (Redhill); Baker (Langney Sports), Willard (Langney Sports), Godden (Sidley United), Addems (Eastbourne Town), Smart (Horsham), Lovett (Crawley), Pearce (Langney Sports), Geddes (Wick, sub. Lutwyche 68 mins), Ducille (Langney Sports, sub. Sargent 8 mins), Russell (Horsham YMCA).

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