Mark Cox celebrated his promotion to caretaker-manager at Saltdean with a 3-0 win which effectively ended Lancing's lingering hopes of promotion from County League division two.

Victory over leaders Eastbourne Town the previous week had moved Lancing to within six points of the promotion places but this defeat at Saltdean leaves them nine points adrift with only seven games to play.

Saltdean move up to fourth place but it seems odds-on now the current top three of Eastbourne Town, East Grinstead and Rye and Iden Utd will claim the promotion places.

Cox has been placed in temporary charge at Saltdean for the rest of the season as manager Paul Hubbard is emigrating in the summer.

Hubbard, who is also a director of the club, said: "I am moving away so I have handed over to Mark Cox for the last seven games of the season.

"Although I will still be down there until I go, I am not running things anymore."

Cox, who will be assisted by Garry West, said: "When I went there I didn't know Paul was leaving. I had managed Mile Oak but had very little experience and I went there to learn from him.

"Paul has left the club in really good shape. I want to know the players will respond to me so we will see how it goes. But if things work out I will be more than happy to take the job if it is offered to me."

Goals from Leigh Davis, Lee Dray and Dan Jordan were enough to see off Lancing.