Whitehawk are on course for their best finish since they were runners-up in 1994 after moving into the top five following a 7-0 hammering of Shoreham.

Simon Rowland got the ball rolling with the pick of the goals, a towering header from Terry Cooper's cross. Rowland, Cooper and Kevin Townsend all scored twice with defender Toby Phillips completing the rout.

Hawks' boss Ian Chapman said: "We had a really bad six weeks but I asked the players for some effort in the final few games and they have responded.

"We won the game in the first 20 minutes when we went 3-0 up just by doing the good things well. Now we want to finish the season strongly."

Horsham YMCA held on to second place after a 1-1 draw away to champions Burgess Hill.

With Chichester also drawing 1-1 at Ringmer, the battle for runners-up with go to the final two games of the season.

YM finish the campaign with matches at home to East Preston today and Arundel on Saturday while Chi visit Sidlesham this morning before entertaining Sidley in their final game next weekend.

Burgess Hill held on for a point despite having Ben Andrews sent off midway through the second half. Andrews, playing against his former club, was shown a straight red card for a two-footed challenge.

He also conceded a 22nd minute penalty from which Nick Flint put YM ahead but Sean Edwards replied for Hillians on the stroke of half time.

Roger Moore put Chichester ahead after 14 minutes at Ringmer but the hosts replied early in the second half through Kevin Isted's header.

Andy Johnson also missed a penalty for Ringmer who had former Albion trainee Chris Greatwich making his debut.

Arundel held on with nine men for over half-an-hour to snatch an unlikely point from a 1-1 draw at home to Hailsham.

Steve Blake was sent off in the first half for foul and abusive language and he was followed after the break by Danny McLaughlin who saw red for a second bookable offence.

The Mullets also lost Dave Steadman (hamstring) and Garry Norgate (ankle) to injuries but fought back well after going behind when Ross Southwood swept in the rebound after his penalty had been parried by goalkeeper James Latter.

Striker Peter Ansley, who has been on the fringes of the team, pressed a claim for a regular run in the side when he equalised for Arundel from Miles Scerri's free kick.

There was another 1-1 at Three Bridges where Sammy Donnelly took his first point since taking over as manager.

Peacehaven's new 6ft 5in striker Anthony Potter put his side ahead on 13 minutes and the player, snapped up from Brighton League football, was later denied a second when his header was cleared off the line.

Pat Massaro levelled for Bridges almost immediately after the opener, justifying Donnelly's decision to make him captain.

Donnelly said: "Pat led the line like a skipper and he has really impressed me."

Sidley gained revenge for a 5-0 home thumping earlier in the season with a 1-0 success at Pagham.

Graham Morris made the long trip west worthwhile when he clattered in a 20 yard free-kick with 15 minutes left after a foul on Kevin Rose.

It was no more than Sidley deserved at the end of a turbulent week which saw the resignation of joint-manager Glenn Sully.

Boss Peter Heritage said: "Conditions were awful with a bobbly pitch and strong wind but I thought we deserved to win, we were in control for long periods and could have scored two or three."

Redhill's good finish to the season continued with a 2-0 win at home to East Preston. Jon Difford's free kick broke the deadlock 16 minutes from time and Lee Osborn's superb volley wrapped up victory two minutes later.

Relegated Littlehampton at least signed off at the Sportsfield with a win, Ryan Loversidge (two) and Danny Swain netting in their 3-0 victory over Hassocks.

WITHDEAN 2000 were held to a second successive goalless draw in the Combined Counties League.

The match ended in controversy with Shaun Grice having a late effort ruled out for offside.

General Manager Mark Stevens said: "It's made it a little tougher but we are still confident we can win the league."