Who is the best striker in Sussex?

There are plenty to choose from with our top sides doing so well.

Crawley top the Dr Martens premier and Hastings are pushing for promotion with Eastbourne Borough in the eastern division.

Bognor have topped Ryman One this season and Lewes have thrilled everyone with their FA Cup exploits and good form in Ryman Two.

The goals have been pouring in and the question doing the rounds on the non-league grounds is who is the top shot?

Here, we have a look at some of the main contenders. We have only mentioned five and gone for forwards who play in a higher grade football. Of course, there are many other worthy contenders, particularly at Burgess Hill who have three of the hottest frontmen around.

Crawley marksman Rob Collins has been compared to the new European Footballer of the year Michael Owen by his manager Billy Smith.

Smith, who discovered Arsenal legend Ian Wright, says Collins is the best young striker he has worked with during a distinguished managerial career.

Smith said: "I think this boy has every chance of making it to the top.You can hear the expectancy in our crowd whenever he gets the ball. Rob can score with both feet and he is the quickest forward I've seen. I would compare his style of play with Michael Owen."

Smith's comments provoked a hot debate among rival managers in Sussex.

Lewes boss Jimmy Quinn rates Sam Francis highly. He said: "He's one of the best. He's only young and has got a long way to go. Potentially he's the best striker in non-League football. He'll be a big striker. He's just a bit inconsistent now but he's only 20. Potentially, he can go a long way."

Hastings manager George Wakeling is a firm fan of Paul Jones and has always claimed he is the best striker in the eastern division. He said: "Paul is playing the best football ever as far as I am concerned. He has been excellent for us this season."

Matt Allen's boss at Eastbourne Borough Garry Wilson said: "Matt is still young with plenty of potential to fulfill. He has not had vast experience but his goal ratio is very high. Over the last few games his touch and his general play has been a lot better.

"I've not seen Rob Collins play, but he has been turning out at a higher level and the higher up you go, the harder it is to score goals."

Matt Russell, at Bognor, scores at better than a goal every other game and has made a smooth transition from the County League to the Ryman League.

What do you think, who have we missed out and who is the best frontman in Sussex?

E-mail us at the following address with your ideas: james.nursey@theargus.co.uk or drop us a line at Argus House, Crowhurst Rd, Brighton BN1 8AR.