If Joe Stevens decides not to continue as Hailsham's manager at the end of the season, there will surely be no lack of interest from other candidates.

Last time Town advertised a managerial post at the Beaconsfield they only had six firm applicants.

But if a vacancy crops up during the summer, secretary Derek York should prepare himself for a great deal more paperwork.

Stevens took temporary custody of the East Sussex club following the departure of Mark Leaney to Hastings last year and has guided his young charges to second in County League Division One.

Four of the Hailsham squad are teenagers and with an aver age of just 20, the Beaconsfield hierarchy believe they have the basis of a successful side.

The entire squad at Hailsham are local and Stevens says that helps the camaraderie and turnout at training.

Stevens is scheduled to quit at the end of the season but admitted he is tempted to stay. A final decision will be made at a board meeting early next month.

Stevens said: "I'm in a difficult position because I do a lot of work at the club.

" I've worked with most of these boys since they were ten. As a youth team they won the under-17 County Cup and the under-18 County Youth Cup. It would be hard to see someone else work with them.

"The problem is I have come in and organised the boys and I do know a bit about football. Another manager will come in and bring new ideas and players.

"I think we are a top six side. When we played Burgess Hill, we had as much talent as them, but they had the experience and to be honest, we could do with four more players if we are to be a top side."

Stevens' son also plays in the team and 19-year-old midfielder Simon had a hand in both Hailsham goals.

First, the creative midfielder clipped a right-foot pass over the defence to top scorer Scott French who was crudely bundled over as he bore down on goal in the 62nd minute.

Paul Richardson punished the visitors from Surrey with a right- foot blockbuster into the top left corner from the resultant free kick taken just outside the area.

That gave Hailsham much needed impetus after they had struggled to adapt to an unfamiliar 5-3-2 formation, with Stuart Lewis and Damien Smith as wing backs.

Hailsham doubled their advantage 15 minutes later as Stevens released French through the middle and he beat Tony Reynolds at the second attempt.

Redhill, managed by new boss Bill Tucker, pulled a goal back with four minutes left when Glen Barlow capitalised on a slip by Jamie Furber to loft the ball over the advancing Russell Tanner with his right foot.

But Hailsham held on for a deserved three points to consolidate second position Stevens said: "It was a workmanlike performance. With the strong wind I told the lads to be first to the ball and just work harder than the opposition."

The Hailsham manager admitted he was pleased with the performance of his son. He added: "Simon played very well. It is difficult for him because I give him a bit of stick and he always says I moan more at him than the other lads."

Stevens even had the luxury of leaving arguably his most exciting prospect, 18-year-old Daniel Brown, on the bench.

The striker injured his back in midweek and played no part in the action but he revealed all the team were hoping Stevens continues managing the side next season.

The hitman, who had a trial with Brighton when he was 16, is being monitored by QPR.

He said: " Since Joe has come in, it has been brilliant. All the team train and go out together. We are very happy with him. I feel comfortable playing under Joe and I look forward to games. We all hope he stays, I think we have something good going on here."

Hailsham Town: Tanner, Smith, Richardson, Isted Furber, Richardson, Lewis, Stevens, Graham, French, March. Subs not used: Brown, Bennett, Wright.

Redhill: Reynolds, King, Roberts, Stone, Scott, Smith (Carter 85), Probet, Maunder, Barlow, McCarthy. Subs not used: Burns, Lindsey.

Man of the match: Simon Stevens. Referee: Mr John Pike (Hove). Bookings: Paul Richardson (foul) Steve Roberts (foul)

Ringmer are through to a semi-final showdown with County League leaders Burgess Hill after beating second division East Preston 2-1 in the John O'Hara League Cup with a goal in the last two minutes.

Manager Glen Geard's son, Matt, opened the scoring for Ringmer with a screaming 25-yard shot before Darren Longley cut inside to bury a left-foot strike to seal the victory after EP substitute Lee Farrell had levelled. East Preston had Ryan Morton sent off in the final minutes for violent conduct following a skirmish with Matt Geard.

Eastbourne United pulled off a great Senior Cup win at Selsey and set up a derby quarter-final. Substitute Ollie Walton produced a super strike to give United a 2-1 extra-time win. They face a trip to Eastbourne Borough in the last eight.

Boss Micky French was delighted with his young side. He said: "We have come of age. It was a tremendous performance."

Max Dyer slid United in front from a David Harris through ball but Paul Lee replied from the spot.