BRIGHTON were the big losers on the final day of the season as they missed out on promotion to hockey's new-look South League second division.

But Mid Sussex's 2-0 win over Old Bordenians meant they made the cut along with Horsham, Middleton & Bognor and EHA Cup semi-finalists Worthing.

Brighton may still earn promotion, but league organisers have yet to confirm whether they will be involved in a play-off with Sussex League champions Crawley.

They took the lead against Rochester & Gillingham, who needed victory to secure runners-up spot, through Rob Page. But two goals in the space of five minutes gave the visitors a half-time lead and things got worse for Brighton in the second period when goalkeeper Luke Williams was sent off for a foul outside the circle and R&G promptly made it 3-1.

Watts struck near the end to set up a frantic finish, but Brighton couldn't find the equaliser.

Coach Andy Barnes said: "Luke's sending off was the turning point, it was a ridiculous bit of umpiring. The boys gave everything they had but Rochester had three or four quality players."

There were celebrations at Mid Sussex after they leap-frogged above four teams following a tense 2-0 win over Old Bordenians thanks to goals from Andy Green and Clive Dunn.

Horsham finished fourth, their highest ever position, after Mark Ansell (2), Dominic Cohen and Dave Smith netted in a 4-1 win at Old Williamsonians.

Middleton & Bognor, who have dropped just five points in ten games since the mid-season break, scored three goals in the last 15 minutes to condemn Eastbourne to a 5-2 defeat. Mark Pacey, Simon Foxhall, Mick Harvey, Simon Morgan and Richard Sabin were their marksmen, Kevin Williams (2) replying for the hosts.

South Saxons, who were consigned to last place weeks ago, were beaten 7-1 ty champions Old Holcombeians while Worthing drew 2-2 with Ashford thanks to goals from Steve Bird and Alex Ballamy.

CHICHESTER have been left sweating on other results before they know if they have retained their place in the South League's top flight.

They finished 11th after a 5-3 home win over Richmond and will stay up if either of the bottom two in National League division one, currently Sheffield and Hull, don't drop into the South League or the South League champions fail to win promotion via the play-offs.

Coach Neil Pendle said: "It's looking quite good for us."

Chi made a nervy start and fell 2-0 behind, but Brian Lock pulled a goal back before half-time and Andy Savory struck two penalties to put the home side in front. Richmond drew level after Ian Dougal was sent off, but Pendle and Lock scored in the last 15 minutes to make sure for Chichester.

EAST GRINSTEAD kept alive their National League premier division survival hopes alive after a battling 2-2 draw with Bournville.

Hounslow's defeat by Brooklands means the Sussex side are five points adrift of the Londoners who, as things stand, would play the first division winners in a play-off to see who would be in the top flight next season.

Grinstead's final home match is against Hounslow on April 11, but they have away games at Cannock, Beeston and Brooklands before then.

Adepleted home side came from behind to lead 2-1 with three minutes to go through Ed Cabay's 12th of the season and Jason Collins' solo effort. But the midlanders hit back with a deserved equaliser from a short corner.

Lewes secured third place in Division One after beating Chelmsford 4-3.

Alistair Boyse was forced off with a wrist injury early on and brother Jeremy struggled with a heavy cold, but Lewes proved they aren't totally reliant on the siblings.

Andy Cook, who has spent a fair amount of time on the bench this season, scored twice in open play while Will Champness netted from a short corner before Jeremy Boyse came off the bench to grab the winner with five minutes left.

SUSSEX League champions Crawley have emulated Worthing by reaching the semi-final of a national competition.

A5-1 win over Royal Navy in Plymouth on Sunday earned them a last four spot in the EHA Vase. Steve Farley and Greg Parker netted two apiece with Carl Wright completing an impressive win.

With that game in mind, Crawley rested some of their top names in their penultimate league game and lost 5-2 to runners-up Newhaven for whom Micky Buckingham netted twice.

Bottom club Crowborough held Penguin to a 2-2 draw while Andy Cockerill and Peter Blake were Southwick's marksmen in the 2-1 ewin over Sussex University.

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