Crawley captain Terry Higgs believes his side are heading in the right direction.

It has been a difficult start to the season for Crawley in the Kent-Sussex Regional League, losing their first three games and conceding 14 goals in the process.

But last week's first point of the season, from a 1-1 draw with Gillingham Anchorians, has reassured the new skipper he is improving their fortunes.

Crawley's side was ripped apart in the summer and the new look team is based heavily on youngsters with a few experienced heads thrown in.

Higgs himself was considering quitting until he was invited to take over as skipper.

He explained: "I was a bit disillusioned with the game and I was considering giving it up to pursue my golf.

"I had recently got married and went on honeymoon to Fiji. When I came back the chairman asked me to be captain.

"It had always been an ambition of mine. I was under-21 captain a few years ago.

"I said I would do it if I could have carte blanche over the training and how I thought the game should be played."

Installing experienced campaigner Keith Frimley as his assistant, Higgs set about rebuilding the team with an emphasis on youth.

The upshot is the emergence of such talents as 17-year-old Danny Evans, Steve Innes, who has played for Sussex, Kris Rai, who is a player of great ability, Anthony Cole and Simon Rowe.

Higgs, a feared goalscorer, knows their development will take time, but he is prepared to be patient.

He said: "It will take time. It is a massive rebuilding programme we were undertaking at Crawley. Initially we are looking over three seasons to achieve results.

"It is a case of getting the balance right of youth and experience. We are getting there.

"We had a very good result last weekend. I am looking for bigger and better things now."

Tomorrow Higgs, 30, finds himself in action against his former club, Mid Sussex, where he spent "five happy years."

Brighton have been dealt a blow after Paul Daniels was ruled out for a month.

Daniels dislocated a shoulder over the summer and missed the start of the season. He had made a comeback but aggravated the injury during last Saturday's 6-1 win over Old Williamsonians.

Simon Acott misses tomorrow's match at home to Folkestone as he has been called up for the regional squad. Pete Meldew coaches that side and he also misses the Folkestone game.

Horsham welcome back Dominic Cohen for their trip to leaders Holcombe.

Tony Hayes has stepped down as captain of Kent-Sussex League Division One side Eastbourne due to work commitments. Coach Flo Pietzsch will now oversee the running of the club.

There are no games in divisions one and two of the National League this weekend. In the South Premier, Chichester entertain Oxford University.