Craig Carolan believes Brighton have a bright future ahead of them.

The former South African international joined Brighton as player-coach in the summer after six years in the National League with Hampstead and Westminster and Southgate.

His influence has already been felt on and off the field. Carolan has scored three goals as Brighton opened their Kent/Sussex Regional League campaign with back-to-back victories.

Winning the league is Brighton's aim and Carolan believes they are more than capable of doing that.

The 30-year-old striker said: "We have to be positive and we have to believe we have a good chance of winning it. I would certainly be very disappointed if we didn't.

"Even though we have won both our opening games comfortably, I don't think we have played to our potential yet."

Carolan, a teacher in Caterham, was tempted south by head coach Bram van Asselt.

He said: "I have been threatening to stop playing National League for the last couple of years and Bram said to me, 'As soon as you stop playing National League, would you be interested in coming down to Brighton?'

"I have been doing some coaching for Bram's sports company for the last three years and it was a natural move for me.

"I came down in pre-season, played some practice matches and really enjoyed it.

"Stewart Newton (president) is the driving force behind things in trying to get the right personnel at the club. It is not just about getting people to the club for winning, it is about building for the future. It is a long term aim.

"I have been at other clubs where it is only about the 1st XI. It can be a negative influence on the club if the first team is the only important thing.

"I have been looking at the lower sides and the youth of the club, and it looks very strong."

He added: "The side we have at the moment would be able to compete in the league above now.

"Having had a chat with umpires who have umpired our games this year, they have commented how much better we are than at this time last year. It is nice from people on the outside to make comments like that.

"We are looking a lot better balanced and a lot fitter.

"I am loving it. I was starting to go stale in the National League but this has given me renewed enthusiasm."

Brighton welcome back defenders Luke Williams and Pete Smales for tomorrow's match with Mid Sussex. Both were unavailable for last Saturday's win over Horsham.

James Beer returns for Horsham, who face a double bill of action this weekend. They visit Worthing in the league tomorrow before making a trip to Maidenhead in the HA Trophy on Sunday.

Worthing are unchanged for tomorrow's match with Horsham but add Chris Sciandro and Andy Allan to the squad for Sunday's HA Trophy match at Bournemouth when Dan Lock is unavailable.

Chichester will look to extend their unbeaten record in league and cup this season to ten games when they entertain last year's champions City of Portsmouth in the South Premier.

In the National League on Sunday, David Litchfield returns from injury for East Grinstead at home to Hounslow and Ealing. He replaces Phil Coote in the squad.

Charlie Pine is unavailable as he is playing the junior divisional tournament and John Sullivan steps in. Kevin King should be available despite picking up a knock at Oxford Hawks last Sunday but Andy Medcalf is still out with a knee injury.

Tim Garner and Matt Lloyd return for Lewes at home to Indian Gymkhana. Tad Mulany drops out. After three successive defeats, skipper Will Champness said: "It is a must win fixture for us now."