Horsham YMCA are on top of the County League, and manager John Suter can't believe it

Saturday's 3-1 comeback win against Ringmer stretched their lead at the top to seven points, although Pagham have four games in hand.

Suter said: "I cannot believe we are top. When you consider three years ago we were bottom with five points from 18 games, it shows how far we have come. Since then we have finished third and fifth and now we're top.

"This club has never finished higher than third, so if we were to win the league for the first time I will be very honoured to have been their manager."

Neither Horsham YMCA nor Pagham have the resources to step up to the Dr Martens League, meaning yet again continuity in the pyramid is halted at the top of the Sussex League.

Langney Sports and St. Leonards are the only sides in recent times to braved the step up from County Leage football.

Suter said: "Promotion to the Dr Martens League is an enormous step. Langney have taken years preparing for it in facilities, structure and playing strength. And to their credit they've done well.

"We have to take one step at a time. Clubs have to be run for the right reasons. This isn't a money club and it doesn't pay out loads to players.

"We are just a bunch of local blokes who have come here for one reason, to play football, not for pocket money.

"I'm fortunate to have a set of lads with a good playing ability and attitude. I'm very proud of them."

However, Suter would have been far from proud of YMCA's first-half performance as lowly Ringmer made a bright start They enjoyed more of the ball, passed better and deservedly hit their hosts by taking a 16th-minute lead through Wez Tait.

YM levelled before the break with a well-taken Warren Tilley goal and second-half efforts from Lee Butcher and Damian Francis ended Ringmer's resistance.

Ringmer boss Glen Geard blasted the quality of the County League.

He said: "The standard is very poor. It's the worst I've known. My lads havn't played a good side yet.

"I don't want to knock players or clubs, but there's no doubt that the standard is getting worse."

But Suter reckons the quality is spread more evenly among the teams.

He said: "The League lacks one outstanding team. Langney were that last year and Burgess Hill for the three season before. Saltdean have always been good opposition for Langney and Burgess Hill, while we've been on the fringes.

"I believe this season is good for the league. There's more of a balance in quality and that makes if more exciting.

"Normally this time in the season you know where the title is going. No one knows where it will go this year."