Lewes fought back from a goal down to win the first Sussex derby in Conference south.

Bognor were all over the Rooks in the early stages and went ahead through Luke Nightingale after six minutes.

The former Portsmouth striker ran on to Dan Beck's defence-splitting pass, rounded keeper Ade Bankole and fired into the bottom corner past three defenders.

It was almost 2-0 two minutes later as Bankole got down sharply to deflect Beck's low drive for a corner.

Kevin Murphy was only just over with a 20-yard free-kick after a foul on Beck, but Rooks almost levelled against the run of play after 20 minutes.

Luke Cornwall crossed low from the left and Kirk Watts shot wide with his left foot when a right-foot effort appeared his best option.

A 30-yard pass by Murphy released Nightingale for a shot which deflected for Bognor's seventh corner in the opening 22 minutes.

A pulsating half continued as Francis Duku headed Junior Kadi's cross against the underside of the bar as Lewes appealed in vain for a goal.

But it was 1-1 after 28 minutes when Nightingale turned from hero to villain by slicing Kadi's free-kick into his own net.

Steven King's side were ahead three minutes later, Lee Newman racing on to a clearance by Duku and finishing clinically from ten yards.

Newman was back in the starting line-up as Barrington Belgrave was out injured.

Ben Watson, one of four Bognor players on loan or work experience from Albion, went close four times as the action continued at great pace.

Lewes looked increasingly dangerous on the break and moved two goals clear after 75 minutes, Kadi converting a penalty after Murphy tripped Newman.

Murphy, Michael Birmingham and Watson threatened to reduce the arrears but Rooks held out for their second 3-1 win in two matches.

Bognor: Stoner, Piper, Rowland, Budd (Russell 75), Breach, Murphy, Watson, Birmingham, Beck, Nightingale, Rutherford. Subs not used: Howell, Clayton, Savage.

Lewes: Bankole, Lovett, Hustwick, Duku, Cornwall (Whiteman 69), Storey (Davis 80), Kennett, Watts, Newman, Kadi, Clarke (Fieldwick 87). Subs not used: Adeniyi, Vines.