Alan Walsh is delighted with the progress of Eastbourne Town ahead of their biggest week of the season.

The Saffrons outfit, currently second in Division Two of the County League, were due to meet third placed Rye United today before entertaining leaders Shoreham on New Year's Day.

Shoreham and Rye, who have games in hand, look odds-on to gain two of the three promotion places to Division One but Town want to be there with them at the end of the season.

Assistant-manager Walsh said: "I would be happy to stay unbeaten in these two games.

"We said we wanted to be in the top six at Christmas and we are second, so we are very happy.

"I know we have played more games than anybody else but these other teams have got to win their games in hand.

"We have just got to keep our feet on the ground. Second now doesn't mean you are going to be promoted at the end of the season."

Eastbourne, who have completed the signing of Wes Tate from Hailsham, look to have found another top prospect from their own youth team.

Left-sided attacker Ben Bown came on as a substitute to score a hat-trick in the Boxing Day win over Shinewater.