Mark Burt has revealed the part played by former boss Sammy Donnelly in the skipper's surprise return to Worthing.

Burt was poised to move to Lewes after Donnelly quit the club last month.

Instead, he made an 11th-hour U-turn and led the side out for back-to-back away wins at Carshalton in league and cup.

Now the midfielder, 33, is just pleased he decided not to give up in life in Division One. Burt admited: "I've done a bit of U-turn. I'm at the age where if I stepped down I might never play at that standard again.

"Sammy told me to go back. I felt a bit bad towards him by doing it but he told me to keep playing the best football I could.

"I went back on the Thursday night and had a meeting. The lads were out training and it felt weird not to be out there with them.

"I already knew Barry (Lloyd, the caretaker manager). He was here when I was in the youth team and having a few run-outs as sub for the firsts. I'm impressed by what he has done already."

Rebels made it three successive away wins with last Saturday's Senior Cup success at Westfield before going down after extra-time in Tuesday's League Cup tie at bogey ground Yeading.

Burt added: "We have put in a few good performances. We were a bit unlucky in the week but that's Yeading for you.

"I'm just looking forward to every game. As you get older you really appreciate playing."

John Maggs believes a trip to Lewes can prove valuable to his Christmas preparations.

While thoughts across the county turned to buying presents and putting up decorations, the Horsham boss headed to the Dripping Pan on Tuesday to see what goodies the festive season held in store.

Maggs was an interested spectator at the match between Lewes and Hungerford, both of whom his men must visit over Christmas.

Lewes grabbed a 3-2 win but Maggs said: "I didn't learn too much about them. They have probably had better nights but they scored three good goals.

"They will be a lot more hyped up when they play us.

"I am very familiar with the Lewes players and I learned more about Hungerford.

"I picked out one or two of their players who did not look too bad and a couple of set pieces we will be aware of."

Maggs has hit back at comments from his old mate Dave John at Hassocks, who was unhappy at Horsham taking credit for discovering players who had emerged from smaller clubs.

The Horsham boss said: "I'm surprised at Dave. I am doing my job as Horsham manager and I am always looking to improve the side.

"Dave said Stuart Hardy was discovered by East Grinstead but in fact he played for my assistant Ali Rennie before that at Lingfield.

"These players have stepped up a level to improve their game."

Lewes boss Jimmy Quinn saluted his players' spirit after the win over Hungerford.

He said: "Fair play to the boys, they really dug that result out. Two games a week are taking their toll and I thought we lacked a bit of spark but it's going to be like that until into the New Year."