Bognor Regis Town reeled off their sixth successive league win to stay in contention for promotion from division one south.

At the same time their 3-0 home win over in-form Whyteleafe effectively ended the Surrey outfit's lingering hopes of going up.

Although Bognor held a slender one goal lead for much of the game they were rarely troubled by the visitors and when visiting keeper Danny Rose was sent off for handling outside his area Whyteleafe duly conceded two late goals.

Bognor boss Jack Pearce said: "I'm very pleased for the lads, they are getting the rewards they deserve for the effort they are putting in, not only during the games but also in training.

"They have been working very hard lately."

His side started positively and Guy Rutherford played a ball over the top for Matt Russell who pulled his shot wide of goal.

Russell gave the Rocks a 15th minute lead when a short corner was played back to Steve Sargent and his low cross was met by Russell who rifled a shot into the far corner of the net.

Moments later Bognor were temporarily reduced to ten men when Miles Rutherford clattered into the avertising hoardings and the defender had to have treatment for a nasty head wound before he was replaced by Chris Hall.

Despite the setback Bognor continued to look the more comfortable and when Stevens raced in behind his low cross was again flicked wide by Russell.

Whyteleafe looked dangerous at setpieces with their added height advantage and a long throw was met by Mark Dickinson at the near post, but his overhead kick was punched clear under pressure by Craig Stoner.

Stevens' powerful effort only just missed the target, but the game was turned on its head in the 58th minute when Russell chased a hopeful ball forward which seemed to be heading towards Rose. But the keeper handled outside of his area leaving referee Ball with no choice but to give him his marching orders.

Danny Bower took over between the sticks and kept out efforts from Michael and David Birmingham before he was beaten by a quality goal in the 78th minute.

Jodey Rowland received a pass just outside his own box and set off on a mazy run, evading challenge after challenge before coming face to face with Bower. Although the keeper managed to block his effort, Rowland made sure by bundling home the rebound from close range.

The points were wrapped up in the 87th minute when skipper Michael Birmingham received a pass from Sargent and drilled a shot into the far corner from the angle of the box.