Chris Adams admitted today that criticism of his Sussex side by rival captains is motivating their challenge for Championship glory.

The county go in to tomorrow's game against Lancashire at Old Trafford (10.30am) needing ten points from their remaining two matches to clinch the first title in their 164-year history.

The players are privately fuming at newspaper comments made by Kent captain David Fulton after his side's win over second-placed Surrey at the weekend.

Fulton said: "The side we have just beaten (Surrey) are the best, closely followed by us at the moment but we only got started halfway through the season.

"What upsets me is that Sussex have lost to Surrey and didn't entertain a game against them at home."

Fulton's comments came after Warwickshire skipper Michael Powell claimed that Sussex "would be fighting relegation" had it not been for Mushtaq Ahmed, who needs one more wicket to become the first to take 100 in the Championship since Andy Caddick and Courtney Walsh in 1998.

Adams said: "I'm surprised that someone like him (Fulton) who knows his stuff should feel that way, especially as they have had a major revival themselves.

"Things like that definitely act as extra motivation for the lads. People are finding it tough to accept the position we are in because we were written off by so many so-called experts at the start of the season.

"If we win the Championship we will pin our shoulders back and do it with a bit of dignity. We'll enjoy the occasion even if Fulton doesn't!"

Sussex won their ninth game of the season yesterday when they defeated Middlesex by seven wickets at Hove.

Leg spinner Mushtaq completed a ten-wicket match haul for the fifth time this season before Sussex knocked off their victory target of 106 for the loss of three wickets.

Adams added: "Everyone expected us to turn up yesterday and roll them over. It happened, but I expected it to be difficult and it was.

"Middlesex have given us as tough a game as we've had all season and it was a relief to win another game which puts us in pole position."

Sussex are likely to be unchanged against Lancashire after James Kirtley lost his battle to recover from shin splints in time.

Kirtley, who suffered the injury in the fourth Test a fortnight ago, has not recovered in time despite intensive treatment.

"It's a blow to us but it's a massive blow to James because he really wants to be involved," said Adams.

"I'm hoping he will come up with us because he has played a massive part in the success we have had."

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