Worthing sent out a clear promotion statement as they scored five on the road.

Ollie Pearce scored twice as Rebels won 5-1 at Havant and Waterlooville in Vanarama National League south.

It was a repeat of their scoreline at West Leigh Park last season.

Rebels had taken just four points from their previous seven games but built on an entertaining performance in the televised 2-2 draw with Bath City.

Pearce made the breakthrough when he headed home a Jack Spong cross but Havant were level by the break.

A fine save by Worthing’s Ollie Wright early in the second period proved to be a turning point.

Tommy Willard, Pearce (penalty), Danny Cashman and Finlay Chadwick were all on target in an impressive second period.

Eastbourne Borough had two men sent off inside an hour as they went down 5-1 at home to Maidstone.

Their recent good run came to a shuddering halt as Sam Beard was shown a second yellow on 26 minutes and Pierce Bird followed on 53.

It was 1-1 when Bird, who had scored a stunning equaliser, was dismissed.

Maidstone then ran away with it before a crowd of 2,229.