Worthing and Eastbourne Borough set themselves up for the Christmas programme with wins in Vanarama National League south.

Rebels thrashed high-flying Maidstone 5-1 while Borough were 2-0 victors in a six-pointer at Welling United.

The Sussex clubs meet at Worthing on Boxing Day amid the busy holiday programme.

Worthing’s big win avenged a 4-0 reverse at Maidstone early in the season.

Ollie Pearce scored his second hat-trick in recent weeks, Danny Cashman also netted and fit-again Jake Robinson wrapped things up in added time.

Rebels boss Adam Hinshelwood said: “We know our group of players are more than capable of producing a result and a performance like that.

“The frustration would be, can we do that on a regular basis?

“I’m really delighted. We got humbled at their place so to beat second in the league 5-1 is a great achievement.”

Maidstone had Bivesh Guyung sent off on 33 minutes when Worthing were 1-0 up.

Hinshelwood said: “The general work-rate of the side was phenomenal.

“We have got to maintain that intensity in our side.

“Even at 11 v 11 we had a couple of really good chances and Lucas (Covolan, Maidstone’s former Worthing goalkeeper) made a good save.

“When they went down to ten, we knew we would have even more of the ball and it was important we were productive with it.

“There was some really good football and some really good performances.

“Here’s hoping one or two can get a bit of confidence from today.”

Mark Beard praised his older heads as Eastbourne Borough earned a valuable away win.

The 2-0 success at Welling lifts Sports above their opponents with both teams in the relegation zone.

Beard’s squad has been hit by injuries but he said: “When the older ones come back, the standard rises 20%.

“When the older ones are out, the youngsters ones rely on the staff to motivate them, pick them up.

“When the older ones come back in, I don’t have to do that.

“It just makes such a difference. Brad Barry was immense.”

Freddie Carter opened the scoring after Barry won the initial header from a Sam Beard corner.

Callum Kealy beat the keeper at the near post for the second.

Boss Beard also highlighted a couple of “world class” saves by Harrison Foulkes.

He added: “It was about the result and this was a great win away from home.”

Borough now prepare to host leaders Yeovil on Saturday.