Darren Freeman was one of three new managers in Sussex who failed to register a win in their first game in charge today.

Freeman’s Lewes lost 4-0 at Grays Athletic, his former club Peacehaven went down 3-2 at home to Ramsgate and East Grinstead Town had to settle for a 2-2 draw at home to Hythe Town.

On a largely disappointing day for Sussex sides, Whitehawk had to settle for a goalless draw at home to Truro City in National League south while Eastbourne Borough lost 1-0 to Bishop’s Stortford at Priory Lane.

Third-placed Whitehawk stretched their unbeaten run to 13 matches but Dean Leacock headed their best chance past a post in the closing stages as they slipped eight points behind leaders Ebbsfleet.

Charlie Sheringham scored the only goal of the game on 24 minutes as Borough lost 1-0. Ryan Worrall and Jack Evans both hit the woodwork while substitute Miguel Baptista was twice denied in a strong second-half showing by the hosts.

In Ryman premier, Lewes handed starts to four of their five new signings at Grays but had Jordan Wilson sent off after 27 minutes and trailed 3-0 at the interval in a forgettable start for Freeman.

Burgess Hill won 4-2 at home to Met Police thanks to goals from Joe Keehan, with two penalties, Pat Harding and Chris Smith.

Teenager Alfie Rutherford scored twice as Bognor drew 2-2 with East Thurrock.

In Ryman premier, Jamie Brotherton (penalty) and James Hammond netted for Peacehaven but a last-minute goal condemned them to a 3-2 loss at home to Ramsgate.

New East Grinstead manager Matt Longhurst was also denied by a 90th-minute goal as the Wasps drew 2-2 at home to Hythe Town, managed by former boss Tony Beckingham. Teenage Gillingham forward Greg Cundle scored twice for Grinstead.

Ben Godfrey netted the only goal as Three Bridges beat Sittingbourne 1-0, while Lloyd Dawes (two) and Omar Bugiel were on target in Worthing’s 3-1 defeat of South Park.

Second-half goals from Billy Medlock and Sam Cole (penalty) helped Hastings United to a 2-0 win at Tooting and Mitcham.