Sidley handed Burgess Hill their first defeat of the Rich City League campaign, then warned: "The old champions are not finished yet."

Hillians' 4-1 reverse at Gullivers immediately sparked speculation around the county that the three-times title winners were on the slide.

But Sidley assistant boss Peter Heritage said: "They have still got a lot of quality. Paul Thomsett was outstanding for them in midfield but we worked hard and chased them down at every opportunity."

Andy Atkins headed Sidley in front just after the break and Chris Copley made it two after a period of pressure.

Hillians hit back with a superb Richard Carter shot into the top corner before an equally good Wayne Farrier strike restored the two-goal margin.

Teenager Rhys Whyborne then sent Scott McFadden though to chip Sean McFadden.

Heritage added: "The title race is wide open."

Three Bridges boss John Crumplin hailed an "absolutely superb display" as his side won 3-0 at Eastbourne Town.

Doug Cashman scored twice in the first 25 minutes, helped by good work from Paul Leaver and Steve Banks.

The points were secured on 70 minutes when substitute Ben Dunning's superb cross set up Lee Hanson for a diving header.

In-form striker Mark Sheriff hit a first half hat-trick for Whitehawk, who raced into a 4-0 lead at home to Lancing. Gareth Hughes was also on target but Lancing replied through Neil Richardson and Graham Bull.

A trademark free-kick blast from Jack Hewitt sent Hassocks towards a fine 5-1 home win over below strength Sidlesham.

James Laing's tap-in and a deflected Phil Eldret shot had Robins 3-1 up by the break, Dave Towers scoring for Sidlesham.

Wing back Micky Turner popped up in a central position to round the goalkeeper and make it 4-1 before Luke Flomo completed a flattering tally.

Sidlesham's Dave Barnes was sent off near the end for a second bookable offence.

Player/boss Glen Geard was in the thick of it as Ringmer beat East Preston 2-1 but he joked: "I'll be in bed for five days now."

Stuart Anderson made light of a heavy surface to fire the Blues 2-0 up by the break.

EP replied with plenty of spirit and were rewarded by Matt Huckett's penalty after Chris Jack had been denied by a penalty.

Two smart finishes from inside the box by Slovak playmaker Rastek Borek and goals from Germain Amanuel and Zak Newman helped Redhill win 4-1 at Chichester United.

They had to defend stoutly in the second half when Chi hit the post three times after pulling a goal back through Jamie Laidlaw.

Rob O'Shaughnessy, in charge of Reds in the absence of Russell Mason, was delighted with his side's performance.

l WICK had to come from 2-0 down to force a Senior Cup replay with Broadbridge Heath.

The second division side led through crisp finishes from Paul Young and Chris Hughes at the break.

Gary Young's penalty and a strike from former Heath hitman Jon Chalaye forced extra-time.

Graham Morris's penalty was enough to see Eastbourne United past Arundel at the Oval. David Harris was fouled for the spot kick.

United now face Crowborough, who beat Storrington 2-1 in an all-second division tussle.

Pagham thrashed hosts Shinewater 8-1, despite going behind to an early Clive Connell strike. Lee Stevens hit two to lead Pagham to a tie against Mile Oak in the next round.