SAMMY Donnelly wants a top six finish in County League division one next season after his Southwick side earned an 11th hour reprieve against relegation.

Wickers were already been preparing for division two football next season after finishing third from bottom.

But division two champions Rye and Iden United were told last weekend they could not be promoted, which means Southwick will stay in the top flight.

Rye had been installing floodlights at The Salts but had failed to get the work finished - or even started - by the league's May 31 deadline.

Delighted Donnelly said: "When I took over just before Christmas the objective was to stay in division one.

"All credit to the players. We finished third from bottom but it gave us a lifeline because there was always a chance Rye might not get their facilities up to scratch.

"When we got relegated I was bitterly disappointed but we have been given this lifeline and we must make sure we are not in the same position next season. I have been talking to several players about next season and this will certainly help.

"We are planning to finish in the top six at least. That is our aim. What we must not do is finish in the position we did last season."

The former Worthing manager had already committed himself to the club for next season but is delighted at the turn of events.

He added: "I had committed myself to the club whether we were in division two or division one.

"I took over for the future of the club, not just that season, but I am really pleased for everyone at the club, people like Barry Noonan, the owner.

"I am looking forward to next season already."

Rye chairman James Sellman said his club had worked hard since receiving planning permission for floodlights in April but had finally run out of time.

He said: "According to the rules we were supposed to have them up by May 31 and we could not do it in time.

"We can appeal to the AGM and clubs can vote on it. I am not sure about that until we have a meeting.

"The rules are fairly clear and we have done out best but it all takes time.

"It is nothing to do with finances, it is just a matter of time.

"The idea is to carry on and have another year in division two which will give us a 12 month period to get everything done and be ready, if we get promoted again next year, to be able to take it."

Shoreham and East Preston's grounds were both passed for division one football, so they replace Eastbourne United and Saltdean United.

Pease Pottage and Steyning Town are promoted to division two, replacing Storrington and Bosham.

There had been some doubt whether Pease Pottage would get the necessary ground work done to move into senior football for the first time but sufficient improvements were made in time for the May 31 deadline.

Manager Mick Butler said: "Within two weeks we have built a complete changing room for the referee and his assistants. The hard standing around the ground has been done and we have also made changes to the home and away dressing rooms.

"It has been a fantastic effort by the committee and members."

Midhurst and Easebourne are back in the County League after a three-year absence. The West Sussex League champions are the only new team accepted into division three. All other applicants failed to meet the league's criteria.

Midhurst take the place created by the merger of St Francis and Ansty Rangers while Lingfield earned a reprieve against relegation.

STORRINGTON have appointed Russell Penticost and Trevor Pask as joint-managers to replace Nigel Dyer. The pair were in charge of Horsham YMCA's reserves last season.