Peter Moores insists home rule can take Sussex a huge step towards their first ever Championship title.

The county's director of cricket says nothing has changed in his side's title masterplan, despite Surrey's defeat at Old Trafford yesterday.

The champions now stand just a point clear of Sussex, having played one match more, following an eight-wicket reverse to third-placed Lancashire.

The result brings Lancashire just about into contention, though they will need to ensure Sussex's one remaining away game, in Manchester starting a week on Wednesday, ends in defeat if they are sneak into top spot.

Sussex were enjoying a rest this weekend before beginning the build-up to the home clash with Middlesex, which starts on Friday.

Moores said: "Our strategy hasn't changed. We're in a strong position and we have a clear plan of what we want to do. Surrey will be thinking they need two wins from their last two games and Lancashire will be thinking they have got an outside chance as well.

"Middlesex at home is a big game for us and we won't have to motivate anybody. We've won every game at home this season except the draw against Surrey.

"We've got two home games to come and we want to keep our unbeaten record.

"We have been playing good cricket for a long time and we have had a strong belief for a long time that we can win the Championship so nothing has changed for us."

Lancastrian Moores admitted he was hoping the Red Rose county would beat Surrey, even though it brings them back into contention.

Surrey would have pocketed four points for a draw, which could have proved crucial in the final totting up.

Sussex skipper Chris Adams has insisted his side would need two wins and a draw from their last three games and that prediction is looking spot on.

Adams will be in the nets on Monday morning as he recovers from an elbow injury which ruled him out of the most recent National League games.