Sussex players and supporters have been urged to pull together after a difficult day at Hove.

They were bowled out for 106 on day two by rock-bottom and winless Northamptonshire, their lowest total for 12 years.

That prompted murmurings of discontent around the County Ground as the visitors ended on 212-4 in their second innings, a lead of 379, which has them firmly on course for their first win of the season in the second division of the Championship.

Former Sussex captain Chris Adams, who led the county to three Championship titles from 2003-2007, tweeted this morning: "County cricket is a great leveller, keeps you honest, requires a great deal of hard work, graft and above all else 100% desire and commitment from your players. From your supporters you need their care, their passion and above all else their patience #gosbts"

Ex-Crystal Palace manager Alan Smith, a Hove regular, tweeted yesterday: "Hope pointless barracking @SussexCCC by so called fans stops. Enjoy the son and cricket gents!"