Greg Nicol scored another five goals as Brighton stepped up their bid for promotion to the national league but it was a home-grown player who stole the show.

Former South Africa international Nicol made it 23 goals in five games since joining in January as Brighton crushed local rivals Lewes 10-1 in South Premier division one.

But it was young forward Sam Rose who player-coach Craig Carolan was raving about afterwards.

While some teams have criticised Brighton for bringing in big-name signings like Nicol, Carolan believes the progress of Rose proves they can develop their own talent.

Against Lewes, Rose bagged his first hat-trick for the first team to make it 11 league goals for the season and Carolan says he is getting better with every game.

He said: "Sam was awesome on Saturday. He is playing so well at the moment.

"One of the things that has pleased me most this season has been the way Sam has played.

"I have moved myself to the right wing and given Sam the responsibility of playing centre forward. He has risen to the challenge.

"He is quick and has a good workrate. I have given him an opportunity and he has taken it."

Lewes were without key players Will Champness and Ryan Standing while others like Ryan Ibbotson played despite carrying injuries. With that in mind, they knew it would be a tough act to repeat their win over Brighton earlier in the season but nobody could have predicted such a drubbing.

Carolan and John Fitzpatrick were also on the scoresheet as Brighton climbed to second in the table, aided by Ashford surprisingly being held to a 1-1 draw at Sevenoaks.

Brighton remain seven points behind Bromley and Beckenham but have two games in hand and also play the leaders at home a week on Saturday.

Brighton lost form at about this time last year but they are now clicking into top gear at just the right time.

Carolan said: "Last year we were looking over our shoulders and when you are in that position you can slip up.

"Now we are the underdogs, we are doing the chasing and we are enjoying our hockey. It is a nice position to be.

"We all learned from the experience of last year and are stronger for it."

Andy Green hit the lone consolation for Lewes and their coach believes Nicol is the key factor in their bid for the solitary promotion place to the national league.

Player-coach Luke Hurle said: "I didn't think Brighton were any different from earlier in the season apart from Greg.

If he is available for every game I think they will go up."