Littlehampton chairman Andy Taylor made a playing comeback and put his struggling side ahead at Ringmer.

It was not enough to head off a 2-1 defeat at Ringmer but the Marigolds chief is poised to announce a new managerial set-up to take his club to the end of the season.

Taylor, 37, is currently caretaker manager of the top flight's basement side and showed all his all goalgetting instincts to make the most of Max Hamilton's 28th minute error.

It was Taylor's first senior appearance for more than three years Seventeen-year-old Dan Swain then hit the inside of the post before Jez Long kept the lead intact by saving Leighton Allen's weak spot kick.

Craig Brown fired the equaliser through a crowded penalty box but there was controversy surrounding the 38th minute winner.

Littlehampton were bemused by a free-kick award after the ball had been put out of play for a head injury, then convinced Allen was offside as he forced the ball home in an ensuing scramble.

Blues boss Glenn Burvill admitted: "They can consider themselves unlucky. They played well in the second half and will not take any hidings performing like that."

Taylor will happily relinquish both aspects of his new player- manager role.

He said: "We are working on something to take us to the end of the season and then it will be full steam ahead for next year."

Horsham YMCA trailed at the break but hit back for a superb 4-1 win at Southwick as Mick Hennessy and Gil Taylor scored two apiece.

Mark Burt headed Wickers in front from a ninth minute corner but YM boss John Suter said: "We changed quite a lot of things at the break and it worked for us."

Paul Young's super cross set up Hennessy to level, Taylor robbed a defender for the second and Dave Oakes was the architect for two goals in the last few minutes.

Wickers were always dangerous but Tony Holden hit the post at 1-0 and Jason Dumbrill made two good second half saves.

Chichester are handily placed after a comfortable 2-0 home win over Peacehaven.

Neil Murfin was involved in both goals, put away neatly by Jamie Laidlaw and Roger Moore in either half.

Boss Adie Girdler said: "We created plenty of chances and never looked like conceding."

East Preston drew 1-1 at Sidley in a match which ended in controversy.

The referee awarded the visitors a penalty at Gullivers in the last minute when Dave Walker was brought down but then changed his mind and gave a free kick on the edge of the area.

Fuming EP Boss Vic Short said: "Overall, maybe a point was a fair result but if the referee gives a penalty, he gives a penalty.

"He changed his mind and that is very frustrating for us."

Matt Huckett gave East Preston a first half lead with a 25 yarder into the bottom corner but Dave Carey levelled for Sidley 15 minutes from time.

Luke Flomo returned from university to inspire Hassocks to a 3-1 victory over in-form Three Bridges at the Beacon.

Flomo scored two terrific goals to put his side in the driving seat at half time. Phil Eldret added a third goal on 66 minutes and Glen Newall's late reply proved to be no more than a consolation.

Pagham and Hailsham Town fought out a goalless draw at Nyetimber Lane.

The visitors could have pinched three points but for a couple of fine saves from home keeper Wes Hallett late on.

Lions boss Paul Gilbert said: "I thought we were the stronger side for the first half and much of the second but we blew out in the last 20 minutes and that allowed them to come into it.

"A draw was a fair result."

Dominic Shepherd scored a hat-trick as Shoreham won 4-1 at Wick.

Mark Price gave the hosts a 28th minute lead at Crabtree Park from the penalty spot but Shoreham fought back with Shepherd's treble before Mark Pulling wrapped up victory in the closing stages.