Sussex manager Sammy Donnelly praised his threadbare squad as they went down 2-1 to the Royal Navy in Portsmouth in the Southern Counties Cup.

Having trailed 2-0 at the break, Sussex got back into the game in the second half when Daren Pearce’s pass opened up the defence and Gavin Geddes went around the goalkeeper before finishing.

Donnelly, who made no secret of his team-building headaches in the run-up to the match, said: “We had ten players missing from the original squad but everyone who played for Sussex gave a great account of themselves.

“I thought we dominated for most of the match but you’ve really got to put your chances away.”

Eastbourne Town were hard-fought 1-0 winners over spirited Chipstead at the Saffrons in Ryman League division one south.

They scored on 18 minutes thanks to good interplay between Ethan Strevitt and Danny Simmonds, the latter pulling the ball back for an unmarked Adam Davidson to slot home.

The hosts would have been well clear by the break but for some good goalkeeping but it got tougher after that.

Chipstead improved after the break but resolute Town defending and some good counter-attacking kept the visitors at bay.

County League Redhill had a 3-1 win at Chessington and Hook in the second round of the Surrey Senior Cup.

County League Division Two Cup, 3rd round: Mile Oak 1 (Eaton 75), Lancing 1 (O’Toole), in extra-time. Match abandoned after 110 minutes due to frozen pitch.