Micky French has stepped down as manager of Eastbourne United after six years in charge at The Oval.

The experienced French quit following Friday's 3-2 defeat at home to East Grinstead in County League division two.

He said: "I felt I had gone as far as I could with the club and it was time for somebody else to come in and give it a go.

"The big disappointment was not being able to attract quality players to the club. On Saturday morning I had to make phone calls to two quality players we wanted to sign and they both turned us down. It was then I decided."

French led United to promotion from division two in 1998 and they finished eighth in the top flight the following year but last year they were relegated which sparked a summer exodus of players.

Coach Cyril Jeans has been placed in temporary charge for tomorrow's game with Wealden.

While United lick their wounds, neighbours Eastbourne Town stretched their lead at the top of the table with an unconvincing 3-1 win over bottom side Oving.

Yemi Odubade fired Town ahead on 15 minutes with his 20th goal of the season but Oving levelled through Brian Clarke's header before half time.

Leon Cumming finally restored the lead with another header from Gary Brockwell's corner on 62 minutes and Brockwell was later brought down for a penalty which Odubade converted three minutes from time.

Another Eastbourne side, second placed Shinewater, suffered a 5-2 defeat at home to Saltdean United.

Leigh Davis scored a hat-trick for Saltdean, much to the disappointment of his manager Paul Hubbard.

Hubbard said: "I said if Leigh Davis ever scored a hat-trick I would run up the hill where Saltdean train in just a G-string and trainers. I suppose a bet's a bet."

Mark Lawson and Adam Burton were also on target while Graham Holman and Tobi Hutchinson replied for a Shinewater side who had Jason Morley sent off for a deliberate handball after just 13 minutes. Morley turned a goalbound shot from Burton around the post and Davis converted the penalty to open the scoring.

Lancing went second in the table after beating Mile Oak 1-0 with a goal from Glen Souter, who fired home a cracker via the underside of the side.

Lancing have boosted their squad with the triple signing of Dean Leaver, Dale Brunton and Derren Woods.

Three struggling sides all claimed wins, including Broadbridge Heath who had new manager Allan Winton in charge for the first time.

Paul Temple and Chris Higgins scored for Heath as they came from behind to beat Steyning Town 2-1. Ben Garman had fired the visitors into a half time lead.

Crawley Down beat Oakwood 2-1. Darren Fryer opened the scoring after Graham White had dummied Eddie Thompson's cross, then Darren Tidey made it 2-0 against a club who tried to sign him earlier this season.

Substitute Zak Newman reduced the deficit with a penalty following a push by Mark Lacey and Crawley Down were left to survive a late rally from their visitors.

Seaford ended a run of 12 league games without a win as they beat Pease Pottage 3-0 with goals from Chris Stanyard, Allan Ashdown and highly-rated teenager Tom Callaghan. Pottage had Paul Gates sent off four minutes into the second half for bringing down the goalbound Ashdown.

A late goal from Seb Di Paola earned Worthing United a 1-0 win at Wealden. Sean Berrett swung over a free kick which Richard Lomas flicked on for Di Paola to head home.