Burgess Hill's title celebrations are on hold after they were upstaged by their neighbours.

Gary Croydon's men, needing just two points to clinch their fourth County League crown in six years, were out-played by a Hassocks side who rose admirably to the occasion.

The Hillians boss admitted: "It's a bitter pill. We were beaten by the better team tonight. If we can't get up for a game of football we could find this slipping away from us."

That is hardly likely. One win from five games will clinch the title, and that is assuming Ringmer do not drop a point, but Hassocks have certainly kept it interesting.

They played some lovely football and took a third minute lead as Marc Rendell curled a superb right foot shot into Pat Gannon's top corner.

Gannon later made a great save from James Laing but Hillians' direct approach ensured there was plenty of action at the other end.

Phil Churchill skied one over from a yard in the first minute and later had a goal disallowed for offside, Daren Newman powered a header just over and Tim Brown shot narrowly wide.

The equaliser came on 32 minutes, a fabulous volley by Newman after Tim Marshall's header had been blocked.

Joe Fernley's header just four minutes later put Hassocks 2-1 up and Paul John's parry of a Brown drive ensured it stayed that way until the break.

The Robins' keeper might have expected to come under siege after the break but it never really happened.

Instead his side stitched together another incisive attack which Micky Turner rounded off with a crisp finish for their third goal on 54 minutes.

Laing then had a strike ruled out for offside before Hillians attempted to retrieve the situation through their best attacking option, which was aiming high balls towards Newman.

He thumped a header straight at John before pulling a goal back on 73 minutes.

Hassocks' delighted boss Dave John said: "We were here tonight to be part of a party but we weren't going to give them the points and they knew that."

Burgess Hill: Gannon; Lutwyche, Guile, Callingham, Newman, Downey, Marshall, Brown (sub Williams 58), Churchill, Carr (sub Carter 45), Stevens (sub Edwards 58).

Hassocks: John; Turner, Thomson, Hewitt, Wilkins, Low, Rendell (sub Husbands 77), Flomo, Fernley (sub Eldret 81), Laing, Randall (sub Simpson 46).

Referee: Mr David Smith (Brighton).

Attendance: 324.