Matt Russell struck twice to give Bognor a resounding 2-0 division one home victory against high-flying Braintree.

But David Birmingham spoilt the day when he was sent off for dissent in the 72nd minute.

Rocks threatened early on against the division's in-form team and a Jamie Howell corner was only grabbed at the second attempt by goalkeeper Dean Mahoney.

Mark Tyron blasted over and Birmingham went close before Jodey Rowland was denied by Mahoney.

Bognor's pressure paid off when Russell beat the offside trap to rifle low beyond Mahoney after 36 minutes. Russell was frustrated by a Mahoney save seconds later but he got his second on the stroke of half-time when he volleyed home a Tyron cross from close range.

Substitute Adie Miles missed before Russell squandered an opportunity to seal his hat-trick as Rocks continued to dominate.

An improved second-half performance was not enough to save Worthing from their third successive division one defeat as Bishops Stortford stole a 3-2 win at Woodside Road.

Rebels are now without a win in 12 games.

Paul opened the scoring for Bishops Stortford after just four minutes and Vinnie John doubled the advantage on 34 minutes. Ben Carrington gave Rebels hope 12 minutes after the break, but their fate was sealed when Paul pounced again after 70 minutes.

Former Albion defender Stuart Tuck made it 3-2 with a 76th-minute penalty.

Horsham were praised by boss John Maggs after drawing 1-1 at high-flying East Thurrock in division two. He said: "We sparkled. We looked like our old selves."

The Hornets took the lead after 14 minutes through Gary Charman, but Thurrock's Jimmy Stevens levelled on the hour.

Sam Francis grabbed two goals and made the other for Warren Bagnall to help Lewes defeat Abingdon Town 3-0 in division three at the Dripping Pan. Boss Jimmy Quinn said: "We deserved the win."