Saltdean closed the gap at the top with a 1-0 win away to a Selsey side who ended with nine men.

The Tigers now trail Langney by ten points, but have two games in hand and have still got to play the leaders twice.

Substitute Sean Randell, an early replacement for injured debutant Chris Johnson, hit a superb winner ten minutes from time after swapping passes with Shaun Grice. Former Albion youth skipper Neil Winter was sent off on his debut for two bookable offences and Selsey ended with nine men after Mark Hinshelwood saw yellow for the second time in the closing stages.

As well as Winter, Selsey gave debuts to Adam Virgo and Adam Hinshelwood, who have been playing for Albion's youth team this season. Burgess Hill beat Whitehawk 1-0, but the result rather than the performance impressed boss Gary Croydon.

Daren Newman was the matchwinner when his fourth minute header was fumbled over the line by Hawks' goalkeeper Ross Standen.

Hillians had chances in the second half, but both sides struggled in front of goal. "It was a workmanlike performance from us," said Hillians' boss Gary Croydon, "But at this stage of the season results are more important than performances."

Chichester blooded two 16-year-olds, Gavin Bickle and Neil Murphin, at home to Sidley and Bickle got an assist in a 2-2 draw. His shot was fumbled by Danny Poole and Tony Stephens pounced to give Chi a 28th minute lead. Jason Finch's deflected effort made it 1-1 on the stroke of half-time but Sean Forrey used his pace to beat Poole to a through ball and restore the home team's lead.

Scott McDonald restored parity on 63 minutes and Chi boss Adie Girdler admitted his side were hanging on in the closing stages. "We folded a bit in the last ten minutes so in the end it was a very good point for us," he said.

Two debutants were on the mark as Eastbourne Town won 3-2 at home to Horsham YMCA. Ian Verow opened the scoring and fellow new-boy Steve Loughton hit what turned out to be the winner 15 minutes from time. Tristan Donovan also netted, while Andy Price and Phil Churchill replied for YM, who were reduced to ten men in the closing stages. Town boss Peter Cherry said: "YM are a very good side, so that was an excellent win for us."

Across town, Eastbourne United won 5-4 in a thrilling contest with Portfield. United led 4-1 at half time thanks to a 30 yard screamer from Matt Crabb, Dale Seymour's brace and a Chris Piper penalty, but they were made to sweat as the visitors fought back in the second half.

Piper got United's fifth, while Ashley Edwards, Lee Poulton (two) and Danny Horrell netted for Portfield. United boss Micky French said: "It was a tremendous win. I am not too happy with the four goals we conceded, but we got the result we wanted and we remain unbeaten in 2000."

Debutant Jason Allen hit the winner as Three Bridges eased their relegation fears with a 1-0 win at home to Hassocks. Allen, signed from Horsham YMCA, netted in the 39th minute when he headed home Dave Armstrong's cross. Fellow new-boy Warren Levy also impressed, while Phil Marsh missed a penalty ten minutes from time. Bridges boss John Crumplin said: "I am a very happy man after that. It was an outstanding team performance."

Mark Clements was the matchwinner as Redhill gained their first win under new boss Nick Coombe, beating Shoreham 2-1. Ben Jones gave Redhill a first minute lead, but David Ayre replied for Shoreham within 60 seconds.

In the Brighton Charity Cup, Arundel won 2-1 after extra time away to a Ringmer side who had Mark Sheriff sent off. Sam Wincell and Jason Hughes netted for Arundel after Tony Ropke had given the hosts the lead.

Peacehaven won 3-1 on penalties after a goalless draw with first division Pagham.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.