Ringmer boss Steve Johnson praised the character of his players as they completed an emotional week with victory at home to Eastbourne United.

Both sets of players linked arms to observe a minute's silence before the game in memory of Ringmer player Herve King, who collapsed and died on the pitch last Saturday.

Herve's partner Sarah Benkal watched from the sidelines as Ringmer went on to win 2-1 thanks to goals from Marc Whiteman and a 30-yard screamer from Andy Hart.

Nathan Milroy pulled one back for United with five minutes to go but Ringmer held on and dedicated the result to Herve's memory.

Johnson said: "It was a difficult day for everyone, for the opposition as well as us, and there was a sense of relief at the end. It was very quiet in the changing room before the match and the players were very emotional after the game.

"The players all linked arms for the minute's silence and that shows what a close-knit football community we have in Sussex. Herve's partner was there too and it was nice for her to see how much he meant to people.

"The football was secondary really but the boys wanted to win for Herve's memory and I have never seen so many people throw their bodies at balls in my life. They were absolutely magnificent considering they are all still grieving."

Three Bridges, who were Ringmer's opponents last week, also dedicated their 5-2 victory at home to Hailsham to Herve.

French midfielder Williams Peauroux scored four and Gary Anderson marked his comeback from four months on the sidelines with the other.

Boss Paul Faili said: "The boys were outstanding after last week's tragedy and showed real character. They wanted to win for Herve."

Bottom-club Sidley United recorded only their fourth win of the season as they came from behind to beat Chichester 2-1 at home.

James Gregory had put the visitors in front five minutes before the break but Steve Morris headed Sidley level before substitute Dan Moore scored the winner with his first touch.

Joint boss Andy Laskey said: "It was an important win because we need to beat the likes of Chichester if we are going to get out of trouble. I believe and the players believe we can still stay up."

Sidley are now seven points adrift of Rye who earned a valuable point against Oakwood thanks to Scott McDonald cancelling out Tom Familton's early goal.

Crowborough's march towards their first title continued with a 2-0 win at Selsey.

Ross Treleaven put them ahead with his 30th goal of the season and Wes Tate made sure with a cracking second when he outpaced a defender before coolly picking his spot.

Chris Dicker hit a post in the second half for Crows and manager Harry Smith said: "It was a good performance and a comfortable win.

"It's another clean sheet and another game ticked off."

Whitehawk are three points behind but will not be shaken off easily. Tommy Pattenden took advantage of a defensive slip to score the only goal at home to St Francis.

Chris Hibbert scored a 25-yard wonder-goal to earn Arundel a 1-0 victory at Redhill to stay fourth, just behind East Preston who won 2-1 at Worthing United thanks to goals from Jay Head and Kevin Budge.

Simon Bristow and Spencer Slaughter were on target as Hassocks came from behind to win 2-1 at home to Pagham.