Rye and Iden United took another step closer to the top flight of Sussex football with a 4-2 win over promotion rivals East Grinstead in Rich City County League division two.

Two goals apiece from Keith Miles and Shaun Loft helped Rye to victory over a Grinstead side who now slip out of the promotion places.

The Wasps' preparations were not helped by players arrivals late after two cars broke down on their way to the ground but manager Bobby Smith had no qualms about the result.

Smith admitted: "Rye are a really good side and I think they are streets ahead of everyone in this division.

"I thought we were more in possession in the second half but they have the quality up front.

"They will win this division. They are a Ryman League side playing in County League division two."

Dave Gellatly and Kevin Wright were on target for a Grinstead side who lost new striker Kris Trevor with a pulled hamstring.

Shoreham manager Roger Brace had two reasons to celebrate on Saturday. First, his eldest son Matthew got married and secondly his table toppers beat Westfield 2-0 to remain 11 points clear.

Brace, who missed the game as he was at Matthew's wedding, said: "If we can keep picking up the points it looks like ourselves and Rye might squeeze away from the others. But there is still a lot of points to be won and lost."

Darren Annis and Stuart Townsend were on target for Shoreham.

Eastbourne Town moved up to third place after a late equaliser from Mike Watkin earned them a 1-1 draw at Crawley Down.

Darren Tidey's 43rd minute volley from player-manager Stuart Hobbs' cross put the hosts in control but Watkin headed an equaliser to salvage a point for Town.

Eastbourne assistant boss Alan Walsh said: "In the second half we had most of the play but the final ball was lacking. Luckily we came home with a point but that was two points dropped.

"We wanted seven points out of nine away from home and we have got five. We are still unbeaten in eight games but we need to get back to putting the ball in the back of the net."

Hobbs said: "It was disappointing to lose a goal so late on. However, I was pretty happy with a draw."

Lancing's good form continued with a 7-0 demolition of Oving. Goals came from Jamie Cole (two), Tony Miles (two), Don Shepherd, Neil Richardson and Dan Griffin.

Manager Andy Gander said: "We knew there would be a few games off on Saturday and with the games in hand we have it was important we capitalised on that.

"I was pleased to score seven and pleased to keep a clean sheet as well, which we haven't done for a while."

Nigel Waller salvaged a point for Worthing United when his 85th minute header earned a 1-1 draw at Seaford.

Steve Lambert's individual strike had given Seaford a 33rd minute lead and both sides hit the post in an exciting finish to the first half, Paul Rapps for Worthing and Lambert for the hosts.

Seaford had further chances in the second half before Waller's late effort.

Paul Young boosted his goal tally to 21 for the season with a brace as Broadbridge Heath beat bottom side Bosham 3-1. Marcus Cooke also netted with Dave Storey getting the lone reply.

In the Combined Counties League, Phil Simpson was on target as Withdean 2000 came from behind to draw 1-1 with Bedfont.

Manager Mark Stevens said: "It was a bit disappointing because we didn't play particularly well.

"They were reduced to ten men after 25 minutes for stamping but we failed to take advantage of it."