Southwick managing director Barry Noonan has vented his anger at Crowborough Athletic following his club's expulsion from the FA Vase for playing ineligible players.

Crowborough, who lost 3-2 at Old Barn Way in the preliminary round, have been reinstated in the competition following a successful protest with the Football Association. Noonan believes that Crowborough may have known before the game that the Wickers were inadvertently about to field ineligible players.

He said: "What upsets me most about this matter is that after the game someone from Crowborough said, 'You've won the tie, but let us see who plays in the next round'.

"If someone knew why didn't they tell us? We would have withdrawn from the competition or been able to alter our teamsheet."

Southwick were found guilty of fielding two ineligible players because their contracts had not been cancelled with the FA in time by Withdean 2000.

Noonan claims the necessary paperwork arrived with the FA by post on the Saturday morning from Withdean - a matter of hours after the Friday midnight deadline.

Phil Sharman, Crowborough's secretary, said: "Of course we are pleased to be in the next round but these things are rather unfortunate and we would rather have progressed through by winning the match."

The Wickers' division two match against Crawley Down was postponed due to the fuel shortage.

Worthing United bounced back to winning ways after their surprise defeat at Shinewater last weekend as they sunk previously unbeaten Broadbridge Heath 3-2.

Manager Geoff Raynsford said: "I was surprised at our defeat against Shinewater but it gave me a chance to see my players in a different situation.

"Shinewater were ready to roll their sleeves up and battle, and it showed me some of my players were not up for it on that occasion.

"We have a very strong squad but that has to be coupled with commitment and the right attitude.

"If you have that then the ability will come through.

"I knew playing Broadbridge Heath would test my players' mettle and they were super."

Gavin Jones netted after only 12 seconds in Worthing's win over Heath, with Graham and Nigel Waller getting the other goals. Heath replied through Steve Breach and James Taylor.

Hailsham continue to make great strides in the league and they chalked up a 4-1 win over Shoreham with two apiece from Duncan Jones and Ross Southwood.

Manager Mark Leaney said: "We have had some tough cup draws but in the league we have won four of our five games and scored a ridiculous amount of goals.

"We are looking for a top five finish this season and next season it will be a big push for division one where this club ought to be."

Lingfield picked up their first win with a 3-1 success over Crowborough with Mick Cole (two) and Scott Wright on target. Wayne Stone struck for Borough.

A goal by Wayne Whittington earned Mile Oak a 1-0 win over visitors Wealden.