Brighton's Scrooge-like defence can ensure they are sitting pretty at Christmas.

Despite conceding three goals in a 6-3 win over Tulse Hill and Dulwich, no team in South Premier division two has conceded less goals than third placed Brighton.

While Craig Carolan continued his remarkable form in front of goal, skipper Carlo Missirian insisted his defence are just as vital to Brighton's bid for a second successive promotion.

He said: "We now have the best defensive record in the league along with Ashford and that is so important.

"Psycho (goalkeeper Pete Ashdown) was excellent again and pulled off two or three vital saves.

"The likes of Don Turnbull, Richard Baker, Kevin Brown, Simon Ashcroft and even Luke Williams, who plays a defensive midfield role, are in great form as well."

Turnbull capped another fine display by moving forward from his sweeper position to notch his first goal of the season while Mike Botha was also on target during a second half stroll.

It was Carolan's goals, though, that put Brighton in command. He struck four times in the first half, three from short corners and one penalty flick, to make it 26 in seven appearances this season.

This was Brighton's first game for three weeks after two successive postponements and Missirian said it was good to be back.

"We took a lot of frustration out on them in the first half," said Missirian.

"The hunger in our side was evident in the first 35 minutes. People were focused and desperate to play hockey.

"We have been training hard but it is not the same as playing. Tulse Hill are not a bad side but we played really well in the first half."

Missirian is hoping his side can go into the Christmas break in second spot. They visit second placed Staines this Saturday before a trip to fifth placed Maidenhead the week after.

He said: "We have two away games against the sides just above and just below us. If we win those we will reach the halfway stage in second spot. Even if we lose, people could argue we have had a really good first half to the season.

"What we have achieved in our first season at this level has exceeded our expectations. We are just disappointed to have slipped up against Chiswick and Gore Court."

In division one, Chichester went down 4-1 at home to leaders Wimbledon but captain Sam Beere believes his side could have won the game.

They led 1-0 at half time thanks to Tom Brixey's first goal of the season but Wimbledon rallied in the second half, scoring four times and seeing one of two penalty flicks saved by John Gotham.

Beere said: "The scoreline didn't reflect the game. We were 1-0 up at half time and playing really well.

"We were bossing the midfield but Wimbledon changed a few things and cut us out in the middle. A draw would have been a fair result and I believe we could have nicked a win."