Shoreham are working hard to make sure they stay at the top of the County League second division.

Boss Roger Brace is not content to rest on his laurels despite last week's 4-0 home win over previously unbeaten East Preston which enabled them to open up a four-point lead ahead of last night's Middle Road meeting against rock-bottom Bosham.

Brace this week completed the signing of striker Alex Hill, an 18-year-old former Albion youngster who trialled with Crystal Palace last week.

He has also signed Miles Rutherford, brother of assistant manager Jason, on dual registration from Bognor although he has failed to land Wick defender Chris Hibberd who has joined Worthing United instead.

With three players currently out through injury, Brace is anxious that his squad retains its strength in depth.

Andy Agutter needs keyhole surgery on a knee injury and could be out until the end of the month while both Paul Lockhart and Tyrone Raczkowski are struggling with ankle problems.

Brace said: "We need to have cover in every department if we want to sustain our challenge for promotion."

Last week's shut-out against East Preston was Shoreham's ninth in a row, but the performance of his strikers gave their manager just as much pleasure.

Dave Martin got two of the goals and is shaping up to be quite a find. He never really got regular first team opportunities in previous spells at Three Bridges, Oakwood, Whitehawk and Lewes, but Shoreham appear to have brought the best out in him.

"He's been in for the last few games and done well," added Brace. "He's an out and out forward player and against East Preston took his goals superbly. Our football in the first half was without question the best we've produced this season."

Brace agrees that the battle for the three promotion places looks like being the most open in years.

He said: "East Preston will be there or there abouts, Oakwood look as if they can maintain their challenge and I wouldn't rule out the likes of Worthing United, Crawley Down, Rye or East Grinstead."