Daren Newman scored twice on his Southwick debut as the second division strugglers claimed their first points of the Rich City League campaign.
Newman, a recent capture from Burgess Hill, hit the goal trail in the second half as Wickers beat Shinewater 4-0 at Old Barn Way.
Much-travelled striker Dominic Shepherd was also on target twice.
But boss Geoff Pook, who returns to his former club Peacehaven for a Senior Cup tie tonight, insisted: "What a lot of people are forgetting is that we also have six or seven players aged under 20.
"Of course Daren makes a difference. He's an exceptional player and his experience can help the youngsters in tight situations."
The win lifted Southwick off the bottom but they were outdone in the goal stakes by neighbours Mile Oak, who beat Crawley Down 7-3.
Oak are the joint top scorers in the division but also have the most leaky defence.
Reluctant striker Allen Woods hit a first half hat-trick before going off with a back injury but colleague Tony Burnett revealed: "He still says he wants to play in midfield."
Jamie Harman scored twice, Jamie Ash converted a penalty won by Neil Roberts and Steve Porter rose well to head home late on. Darren Fryer, Graham White and Jamie Baldwin replied.
Burnett added: "There have been 39 goals in our eight games. We're going for the Barcelona approach and just trying to score more than we concede."
There was not a lot of progress for teams at the top, with leaders Worthing United drawing 0-0 at home to Peacehaven, Oving losing 3-0 at Wealden and Oakwood and Hailsham not having league games.Wealden boss Tom Parker missed his side's impressive display but assistant Neil Thornicroft, who took charge, said: "It was pleasing, especially after we had not done so well in the two previous matches."
Mark Sayers set the ball rolling with a fifth-minute half-volley from the edge of the area and Neil Linstrem twice saved well to keep the lead intact.
Paul Rider's solo goal on 78 minutes wrapped up the points and Andy Payne added a last-minute header from a corner.
Broadbridge Heath missed a great chance to go second when they could only draw 1-1 at home to East Grinstead.
Steve Wright gave them a first-half lead with an angled drive but was sent off amid the complaints which followed James Hylton's 86th-minute leveller, following what Heath argued was a foul on Marcus Cooke. Heath boss Sam Chapman said: "The referee said he was trying to play advantage but it didn't come off."
Ben Whitby was the marksman for Storrington as they won 1-0 at home to Lingfield to move onto the fringes of the promotion race.
Bosham's trek across two counties was worthwhile as they returned from Westfield with a 2-1 win. Brian Clark, the veteran former Chichester and Portfield striker, was sent back up front from his new position of centre-half and hit the first goal.
Brand replied from a free-kick but Michael Rees ran onto a through ball to slide home the 87th-minute winner.
Bosham have picked up seven points from their last three away games and boss Steve Jefkins admitted: "It wasn't pretty."
l Division three round up in Saturday's Sports Argus.
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