Ben Brown accepts there will be tough times for Sussex during this season.

That will happen when you have a young side and a small squad playing in a strong division.

Sussex can help themselves by making those bad spells as short as possible.

They managed that at Hove to arguably retain the edge over Yorkshire on a day when things could have got away from them.

Brown was first to resist with his eight boundaries when a Sussex collapse looked like leaving them with precious little first innings lead.

Then step forward Jack Carson, the 20-year-old off-spinner from Northern Ireland, to claim the prize scalp of Joe Root, who edged behind.

Yorkshire, 71 behind on first innings, were 90 without loss at one stage but closed with a lead of 92 and five wickets in hand.

Carson took all his wickets after tea on the way to overnight figures of 3-35.

He said: “Getting Joe Root out is obviously a great feeling.

“Before the game our coach Ian Salisbury said the great players nick ‘em and county players miss ‘em and that’s what happened.

“I couldn’t really contain my excitement, it was a great feeling.

“We did well after tea. We kept bashing away at the top of the off stump and kept the energy up in the field and wickets have tended to come in clusters in this game.

“The wicket is quite dry and there’s a little bit of spin but it’s still a good batting pitch. We should be able to chase on that.”

Carson highlighted the help he has received from coach and former spinner Salisbury.

He added: “I know I have the backing to go out there and do my best from Sals.

“I can’t thank him enough, as a coach and human being he’s been amazing. He’s made a massive impact on my career so far.”

Sussex had dominated day one but had to dig in today.

After an untroubled first hour, they slumped from 166-4 to 221 all out.

Tom Haines, in sight of his second hundred of the season, was bowled for 86, which included nine fours, as he tried to cut Dom Bess.

SCORECARD

Brown, though, arrested the slide with a counter-attacking 37 off 30 balls, going after Bess and hitting eight fours in total.

He looked unlucky to be given lbw when he appeared to get an inside edge.

But his runs could yet be crucial if Sussex can show similar resolve today.