Withdean went top of the Combined Counties League with a 4-2 win at Hartley Wintney.

A memorable night for the Sussex side included Sam Francis reaching 50 goals for the season.

More importantly, victory took Withdean a step closer to claiming the championship.

They now need seven wins from their remaining 11 games to be guaranteed the title.

Francis, entering the match on 49 goals for the season, scored twice to put his side in control. Further strikes followed from Shaun Grice and Dominic Shepherd with replies coming from Michael Ruffles and a Scott Holman penalty.

General manager Mark Stevens said: "It is great to go top. We have tried to get there all season but with the backlog of games it has been hard. However, the boys have applied themselves magnificently."