Gary Croydon cannot understand why his Burgess Hill side are still the team everyone wants to beat.

Hillians grabbed fortunate 2-2 draws at Pagham and Ringmer in the last week.

Boss Croydon was impressed by both sides but said: "It's amazing that teams play against us as if we had just won the league.

"Usually the champions are the teams to beat but this year everyone is going all out to beat us.

"No-one is even talking about Sidley but they are champions and still unbeaten this season.

"I am not moaning about it. I enjoy the cut and thrust of these games."

Pagham were denied by a superb goalkeeping display from Hillians' Pat Gannon last Saturday.

Then in midweek, a fabulous last gasp Steve Harper goal gave Croydon's men a share of the points at Ringmer.

Croydon added: "Pagham are a useful outfit and Julian Curnow really impressed me. He is straight out of the Daren Newman mould and took the game by the scruff of the neck.

"They fell away last season but I can't see that happening this time, although I was surprised they lost at Southwick in the week.

"Much the same goes for Ringmer. They could consider themselves unlucky against us.

"Grice and Randell were excellent up front for them. Glen Geard has got his side well organised so I am happy to get two points from those games having not competed properly by our standards."

Harper is expected to still be on holiday when Hillians go to Sidley next Tuesday for a key clash.