Sidley's search for another striker ended in disappointment in the week.

Eastbourne Borough's Keith Miles opted to join Rye and Iden United in County League Division Two but there was some good news with leading scorer Peter Baker pledging his future to the club.

Joint-boss Peter Heritage said: "We cannot compete with Rye on the financial side of things so I believe, and frankly, we wouldn't want to. It is disappointing not to get Keith but a situation we accept."

St Leonards were targeting Baker but his decision has lifted Heritage's spirits.

He said: "The good news is that Baker is staying with us and he said he was staying even before all the upheaval at St Leonards.

"We also have Paul Balch back although the search will go on for a striker as we are a bit thin up front. The trouble is, strikers are few and far between at the moment."

Joint-managers Glenn Sully and Heritage have been tracking Miles for a while but only managed to talk to him this week.

Rye boss Alan Hodd, who played alongside Miles in his days with Hastings United, said: "Keith is a very good signing for us. I feel we need a bit of knowledge up front as we have three young lads playing there."

Sully and Heritage are keen to get another frontman on board as their options are limited, especially as Dave Carey now starts a five-week suspension for a sending off picked up during a Sunday League match.

Heritage believes that the upheaval at St Leonards, where Terry White has resigned after just a week in charge, will be felt at other clubs throughout Sussex.

Heritage said: "I don't think Terry's resignation has just upset St Leonards' plans but also a few other clubs who may have felt they would get rid of a player here, bring in another there maybe.

"Everything is a bit up in the air and it has left a few people in the lurch. Mind you, it has been eventful!"

Sidley have enough worries of their own though as the club's injury jinx hit again last Saturday during their disappointing FA Vase defeat against Dereham Town when midfielder Adam Day limped off after only five minutes with an Achilles injury.

Shoreham have completed the signing of central defender Dan Ford from Lancing United while Redhill have signed Erith Town fullback Danny Frost and made approaches for two strikers. Tony Ropke is also back after a long holiday.