Glenn Burvill was one of the unlikeliest heroes as Lewes swept aside Crawley Town to reach the final of the Sussex Senior Cup.

The 38-year-old former Saltdean manager was a last minute call-up after regular defender Mark McCallum failed to arrive at the ground in time for kick-off.

Burvill had only joined Lewes days before after boss Jimmy Quinn appointed him to his management team. His brief was to help with coaching and management, and he was only due to play in an emergency.

An emergency arrived earlier than expected but Burvill, who had been turning out for Newhaven since quitting as Saltdean boss in January, rose to the task as the Rooks won 3-0.

Burvill said: "I spoke to Jimmy on the Sunday. We had a meeting and he invited me over.

"He told me to bring my kit on Tuesday but I thought he meant just to do a pre-match warm-up for the lads.

"When Menace McCallum did not arrive he asked me to play and I said I would until Menace got there.

"In fairness to Crawley, it was easy for me as the two boys in front of me, Marc Cable and Stuart Hack, were superb."

Burvill does not expect to play often as he now concentrates on his off-the-field role.

He said: "I have always wanted to get back involved in the management or coaching side. They are a good set of players. The club is going places and they should get promotion this year.

"Jimmy is very professional with the way he wants to do things. That is what I like about it."

Burvill has been followed to Lewes by Saltdean midfielder Damion Dobbyn, who was due to make his debut at Camberley this afternoon.

While the promotion battle continues, Quinn is already looking forward to the Senior Cup final.

He said: "It is another difficult game. Bognor are a good side, they are well organised and play good football.

"It has the makings of a fantastic football match. Both sides like to get the ball down and play it on the deck."

Crawley boss Billy Smith admitted his men were well beaten, but insists he was not surprised by Lewes' performance.

He said: "Jimmy has assembled a very good team. They have been turning over some good teams this season."

Smith completed the loan signing of Oxford United midfielder Joe Gamble to fill the gap left by Scott Mean, who is leaving to take up an acting role in a film being made in Brazil.