Micky French believes Eastbourne United's season is very much alive.

A 4-2 win at Hassocks in midweek lifted United out of the relegation zone in Division One of the County League.

French said: "I thought we looked a very good side in the first half. We played some bright, attacking football. It was an excellent performance.

"We are still in three cup competitions and our season is still very much alive. For a lot of clubs, their season is over by Christmas. We are looking for a mid-table position and we also have the three cups, so there is still a lot to go for."

United welcome back Jimmy Chater this week after a month out with a fractured jaw.

Hassocks boss Dave John needs a tonic after the United defeat.

He has been suffering from a heavy cold and chest complaint and his convalescence was not helped by the loss although there were mitigating circumstances.

John said: "We weren't meant to have a fixture in midweek and were without a few players. Micky Turner was in New York, Andy Fisk was away and so was Brian Husbands. Matthew Simpson also had a knock on the ankle and needed a game's rest so having those players out didn't help."

Defender Jay Head has left Withdean 2000 and is going back to County League leaders Burgess Hill.

Seventeen-year-old Richard Piper was on the scoresheet with a brace for Shinewater last weekend. Younger brother of former Langney, Eastbourne Town and United player Chris, Richard is on dual-registration forms with St Leonards.

Shine have put in a seven day approach for Mark Warren at Eastbourne Town.

Five Burgess Hill players are named in the Sussex squad to face Guernsey in the South West Counties Championship at Lancing next Saturday.

Squad: Jason Dumbrill, Matt Duffield (Horsham YMCA), Richard Waters, Ashley Carr, Phil Churchill, Des Guile, Paul Williams (all Burgess Hill), Steve Banks, Lee Butcher (both Three Bridges), John Crumplin (St Leonards), Julian Curnow (Pagham), Gareth Green, Gary Young (both Wick), Brad Poole (Sidley), Ollie Rowland (Whitehawk), Kevin Townsend (Ringmer).

Mile Oak's 2-1 win over Worthing United last Saturday was special for goalscorers Mike Reilly and Liam Mulvee as they both netted their first senior goals for the club. Seventeen-year-old Mulvee came off the bench to grab the winner.