Teenage striking ace Steve Harper has committed himself to Burgess Hill's plan to get into the Dr Martens League.

The 19-year-old, who has already netted nine goals this season including a hat-trick against Littlehampton last weekend, has signed a threeyear contract at Leylands Park.

Goalkeeper Pat Gannon has also agreed a similar deal as the Hillians look to tie down their top youngsters.

Burgess Hill this week revealed a two-year plan to get themselves into the Dr Martens League by the 2003-04 season.

The move involves a huge financial undertaking, with a 250 seater stand needed to be built, although Hillians are hoping a lot of the money will come from Football Association grants and funds.

While the club embarks on plans to get the ground up to the necessary criteria, manager Gary Croydon will concentrate on maintaining their strength on the pitch.

Croydon, who is also a director of the club, said: "We are aware that the success of a football club at this level is dependant on the playing side.

A fair degree of sides will have their success and not be able to maintain it.

"To achieve the success we have had and to continue to do it we have to be very professional in our approach to football.

"Steve Harper has signed a three year contract. We feel it is a good move for Steve and for Burgess Hill.

"Pat Gannon has also signed a three-year contract.

These are two very talented, young footballers who we intend to use to progress the club and to progress their football at the same time."

The Hillians intend to put more players on contract before the end of the season.

They have also strengthened their squad with the signing of Horsham YMCA'S Phil Churchill, who made his debut at Littlehampton last Saturday, and the experienced Darren Kilpartrick from Wick.

Harper had been attracting interest from a number of clubs following his early season goalscoring exploits, with Folkestone Invicta and and his former club Tonbridge Angels among those interested.

Harper said: "Since I have been here I have realised the club is going forward. They are a friendly club and it is the right deal for me.

"The plan to get into the Dr Martens League is what the club needs.

"The club is getting the players and will have the facilities to challenge in the Dr Martens League."

Three Bridges signed one striker this week but dismissed talk of another arriving.

Jamie Liddell, who was at Bridges as a youngster, has returned to the club from Broadbridge Heath.

But boss Darren Barker has rubbished talk linking with him with a swoop for TSC striker Gareth Neathey.

Bridges went third in Division One following Tuesday's win at Hailsham Town, which is not bad for a team who have yet to play at home.

Barker said: "Having been away from home every game, five wins and two losses is pretty good.

"We are not there by luck. We worked hard in preseason and we have been working hard on the coaching side of things to get the structure of the club right."

Eastbourne Town have signed youngster Danny Wisbey on loan from St Leonards. Wisbey arrived with another Saints youngster, Danny Beacroft, but he was involved in a car crash last weekend and will now be sidelined for several weeks.

There is mixed news for Town over two injured players. It has been confirmed John Carey (neck injury) will be sidelined for six weeks but Leon Cummings (knee ligaments) is expected to be back in training in a couple of weeks.

Wick have been rocked by a number of injuries.

Nicky Loversidge is still recovering from concussion suffered at Bashley in the FA Cup.

Fellow forwards Kristian Bridle and Darren Annis both have hamstring problems while Andy Appleton (ankle ligaments) and Dave Schneider (knee ligaments) are also currently sidelined.