Sussex’s bowlers made the most of helpful conditions on the opening morning of their top of the table clash with Middlesex at Hove.

Skipper Ed Joyce had no hesitation in putting Middlesex in after winning the toss and it proved a good decision as they reduced the hosts to 87-4 at lunch.

Steve Magoffin made the initial breakthrough when he had Sam Robson caught behind driving loosely for eight.

Nick Gubbins followed seven balls later for a duck when he hooked Ajmal Shahzad to Matt Hobden on the fine leg boundary.

Adam Voges and Nick Compton steadied the ship for Middlesex with a partnership of 59 for the third wicket before another couple of quick wickets swung the session in Sussex’s favour.

Voges fell in indentical fashion to Gubbins as he top edged a pull off the impressive Ollie Robinson to Hobden at deep fine leg having made 38.

James Franklin lasted 11 balls until he edged Shahzad to Mike Yardy – back in the team following illness – at second slip for a duck.