Arundel manager Mick Rowland is fuming after his club were hit by two fines out of the blue by the County League.

The Mullets have been fined a total of £40 after contravening the rules relating to the technical area around dugouts on two occasions this season.

Rowland said: "It's a disgrace. We have just received these two letters out of nowhere with no explanation and, as far as I know, with no right to appeal."

Arundel have been hit with fines for breaking the rules during their games at Pagham and Redhill.

He said: "When they brought in the rule the senior assistant would have a word if you did something wrong but now they just seem to want to lash in to us and no warning is given.

Rowland said: "It is laughable that we get these fines especially when I have seen people running on the pitch and shouting and screaming at officials.

"When you take in the teamsheets nowadays they ask if you know about the technical area and say they won't warn you but will put it in their report.

"It's outrageous especially when you consider the league want players, managers and officials to be a unit and get along. This is just creating a them and us situation. It is like telling tales out of school."

Sidley joint-manager Peter Heritage believes Burgess Hill are the benchmark for success this season.

Heritage said: "Whoever finishes above Burgess Hill this season will win the league.

"I have said from the start that they are a good side and they look the team to beat."

The big striker clambered off the bench to score the winner for Sidley last Saturday as they beat Wick 2-1 to stretch their unbeaten run to nine games.

What must be pleasing for Heritage and joint-boss Glen Sully is the form of Peter Baker, who took his tally to 11 goals with the opening strike from the penalty spot.

Ringmer boss Glen Geard is delighted with the two new additions to his title-chasing squad.

Striker Tony Holden has arrived from Southwick and defender Stuart Garrod has signed from Wick. Geard said: "Tony's got a great goalscoring record while Stuart will make us tighter at the back, they are both quality signings for the club."

It was one out and one in at County League leaders Burgess Hill this week.

Daren Newman, who left Withdean by mutual consent less than two months into his first managerial job, has re-joined the club with whom he won three successive league titles.

But on the debit side, Hillians have lost Dean Venton who has joined Whitehawk.

Boss Gary Croydon said: "Darren's a bit of an icon at Burgess Hill and we're delighted to have someone of his experience back at the club."

Meanwhile Hillians have made an approach for Louis Wright, the right-sided utility player with Haywards Heath.