Horsham YMCA and Southwick both moved into the top three ahead of their showdown at Gorings Mead tomorrow.

YM enjoyed a flattering 4-1 win at Chichester, making it maximum points from four games, but boss John Suter admitted: "We did not play well.

"We worked hard and defended well enough when Chichester had a good 20-minute spell in the second half."

YM were two up at the break. Tom Carter hit the first and the second was turned into his own net by Matt Osbourne after Nick Flint's effort from a tight angle had struck a post.

Tony Stephens' header rewarded Chi's bright spell after the break but his colleague Dan Stimpson was sent-off for hauling down Matt Duffield before substitutes Damien Francis and Gil Taylor rounded off YM's win.

Former Worthing boss Sammy Donnelly and ex-Bognor stalwart Neil Hider renewed old rivalries at OId Barn Way while their former clubs locked horns in the cup.

Donnelly's Southwick were 3-0 winners over Hider's Littlehampton thanks to a a hat-trick from Simon Funnell. Hider was dismissed from the dugout for his protests.

Donnelly said: "The performance could have been better."

Sidlesham's bright start continued was they ground out a 1-0 home win over Sidley. Scott Tipper headed home a super Richie Davies cross and boss Richard Towers admitted: "It had 0-0 written all over it until then."

East Preston's hopes of joining the leading pack were dashed by a 2-1 home defeat to Shoreham, for whom boss Andy Agutter had a hand in both goals.

His cross was sidefooted home by Mark Pulling for the early opener.

Chances were wasted before Agutter was fouled and Chris Dicker's free kick was turned in by a flick header from Darren Annis. Matt Huckett replied soon after.

Withdean 2000 chief executive Alan Pook saw his side win a thriller, then joked: "That will bring back the crowds."

Pook's men beat Raynes Park Vale 4-3 in a remarkable Combined Counties League clash at Woodside Road.

Not that they will need drama like that to bring fans through the gates next week. The visit of AFC Wimbledon will ensure a bumper gate.

Withdean's goals were all headers, including two from Sam Francis and another by Shaun Grice to put them 3-1 up after Darren Robinson had struck first for the visitors.

Kevin Townsend had a penalty saved by Terry Clinton and Withdean looked like paying for that as Jay Lee and Graham Morrow brought Vale level on 90 minutes.

There was still time for substitute Roy Pook to cut inside two players and cross for Dominic Shepherd to nod the winner.