Gary Croydon saluted his 'young braves' after Burgess Hill's victory against high-flyers Walton and Hersham at Leylands Park.

A season's best crowd of 273 saw Hillians' on-loan Albion youngster Dean Cox grab the only goal after good link-up work with Steve Harper as the hosts claimed a notable scalp.

Croydon said: "This victory was earned at Eastbourne Borough a fortnight ago when we lost in extra time after being 1-0 up until the 89th minute.

"This time we got our noses in front and then the players showed they have learned from that previous game and hung on for a great victory.

"Walton threw everything at us but the players got their bodies between the opponent and the goal to keep the lead.

"It was a great victory as Walton are the best team we have seen at Burgess Hill this season.

"They had an unbeaten 13-game run earlier in the campaign and are a very good side.

"Once again we were indebted to our young braves as they rose to the challenge. Our goalkeeper Pat Gannon was outstanding and another youngster, Tom Edmonds, was also superb."

A special promotion which meant Hillians fans could get in for a pound swelled the attendance and pleased Croydon. He said: "It was the best gate of the season and they were vocal and got behind the team. It was a great result."

A physical Walton side had a player sent off in the last ten minutes as they grew increasingly desperate for an equaliser.