Hat-trick hero Yemi Odubade blew the division one title race wide open as Eastbourne Town beat leaders East Preston 3-1.

He took his tally to 31 to help Town climb above EP into second place behind Chichester.

With two points now separating the top three, Town boss Dave Winterton is predicting a thrilling climax.

He said: "It is wide open at the top and it looks like the title will go right down to the wire.

"If someone had said to me at the start of the season that we'd be a point off the top at this stage I would have laughed. We are in a great position and have got a good chance if we can keep going for the next seven matches."

Odubade gave the home side the lead from the penalty spot just before half time but the visitors equalised through Matt Huckett's scrambled effort in the 57th minute.

A piece of Odubade magic restored Eastbourne's lead in the 64th minute when he ran from the halfway line to beat the keeper at the second attempt and he sealed the game with his third 17 minutes from time.

Defeat was EP's second on the trot but manager Vic Short refuses to panic.

He said: "I'm not despondent as they are a good side and I knew it would be hard to get anything at their place. It might prove a blessing in disguise as it has taken some of the pressure off us."