Lewes' push for a play-off place in the second half of the season gathered more momentum after a late show against Beeston.

Two goals in the last five minutes earned them a 2-0 win and consolidated fourth position in National League Division One as the competition goes into hibernation until February.

Jeremy Boyse broke the deadlock with his seventh league goal of the season, turning the ball home from close range after Ryan Standing had helped on Luke Hurle's left wing cross.

And Danny Poulson sealed the victory in the last minute after good work by Ben Hawes who skipped around several challenges before setting up a simple opportunity.

Hawes and Boyse also hit the post, but manager Peter Boyse admitted South African goalkeeper Chris Hibbert played a big part in their victory by pulling off some excellent saves.

He said: "It looked like being 0-0, but we kept going and things turned for us at the end. We were a bit nervy and it was end to end for most of the match."

While Lewes can look forward to February, East Grinstead face the prospect of a relegation battle in the new year after entering the break still looking for their first league win.

There was little surprise that they lost 4-0 to leaders Hampstead & Westminster, but Grinstead produced a spirited effort against a side with nine wins out of nine so far and there is definitely something for new Australian coach Glenn Freeman to work on during the break.

South African Craig Carolan struck all four goals for the home side, opening the scoring after seven minutes before doubling the lead just before half-time.

Ben Payne went closest for Grinstead when he hit the post.

But goalkeeper Giles Dakin made some excellent saves and could do little to prevent Carolan settling the issue with further goals after 43 and 58 minutes.

CHICHESTER coach Andy Barnes praised his side's battling qualities after they drew 1-1 at unbeaten Maidenhead in the southern premier.

With regular strikers Neil Pendle and Henry Streemes absent, Chi soaked up pressure and relied on counter-attacks.

They trailed 1-0 to a short corner strike which deflected in off a defender's stick, but hit back when Clive Dunn levelled from a second half short corner.

Barnes said: "Maidenhead had a lot of possession, but we worked really hard as a team and the spirit was fantastic. It was a really good team display."