Ringmer's hopes of robbing Burgess Hill of the title would had been dashed even if the Hillians had not won as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Selsey.

Ian Ford put Selsey ahead from the penalty spot after a handball but Ringmer boss Glen Geard's son, Matt, levelled the game with a free-kick.

Ringmer can now concentrate on securing the runners-up spot, although Selsey have their own target.

Player-manager Danny Hinshelwood said: "Ringmer are probably going to finish second and we have taken them four points off them this season. That shows what we are capable of and we need to win our last two games to improve on our points total of last year which was 65."

The real interest lies at the bottom where there are five teams fighting to avoid relegation.

Littlehampton gave their chances of avoiding the drop a boost with a 1-0 win over last season's champions Sidley at the Sportsfield.

Grant Vanson got the only goal after a fine solo run and finish into a bottom corner. But Sidley gave Marigolds manager Andy Taylor a few scares despite being down to ten men for the entire second half after having centreback Brad Poole sent off for a professional foul on Steve Davies.

Taylor said: "I had a few heartstopping moments as Sidley really gave it a go despite being don to ten men. We deserved to win and created a lot of chances and Vanson could have had a hat-trick.

"We have done all we can and given ourselves a fighting chance of beating the drop."

Sidlesham, who are three points behind Littlehampton on 37 points with Burgess Hill to play tomorrow night, also gave their survival hopes a shot in the arm as they beat Three Bridges 3-1 at the Recreation Ground.

Danny Owen, Richard Davies and Aby Ndoye grabbed the vital goals, although Bridges' Glen Newall had made it 1-1 at half- time after cancelling out an Owen opener.

Sidlesham boss Richard Towers said: "The players did tremendously well. We are giving ourselves a fighting chance and it all goes down to beating champions Burgess Hill. If we beat them we can get above Redhill and Southwick."

Redhill have two games in hand over Sidlesham, while Southwick have finished their campaign.

Eastbourne United's fate still remains in their own hands but they need three wins from their remaining three games to be sure of beating the drop after a 1-0 defeat against visitors Arundel.

A goal two minutes from time by Danny McLaughlin secured the Mullets' victory. United boss Micky French said: "We should have won, but lacked composure when we had chances. We're still hanging in there though."

Pagham fought back from 1-0 behind to a Kevin Dewey goal at Wick to grab a 4-1 victory with Chris Rustell, Lee Stevens, Gary Young (penalty) and Jason Broomhall on target. Wick lost their goalkeeper through injury after he was in a collision with Adie Miles, while they had Alec Masson dismissed for foul and abusive language.

Pagham boss Paul Gilbert said: "It was a local derby and we wanted it just a little bit more then they did."

Rye clinched the Division Two title after a 4-0 win at Storrington, while Steyning were promoted from Division Three following a 3-1 victory against Crowborough.