Player-manager Paul Tuppenney scored a hat-trick as Bexhill United stepped up their unlikely challenge from promotion.

Bexhill earned their fifth straight win in County League division three - and seventh in all competitions - with a 4-1 defeat of bottom side Hurstpierpoint.

They have not lost in the league since December and have five games in hand on second-placed Haywards Heath, who are 13 points ahead. Coincidentally, Bexhill and Heath meet in this Friday's Division Three Cup final.

It would take a supreme effort for Bexhill to win all their games in hand but they are certainly the team in form.

Tuppenney, who was known as a left-back in his Hastings days, opened the scoring in the first half and added two more in the second period after Jack Holroyd had equalised for the visitors. Fellow veteran Peter Heritage added the fourth.

Little Common can also challenge Haywards Heath for second place if they win their games in hand. Chas Lister, Jordan Wood and Lewis Hole got the goals in a 3-1 win away to fast-fading Dorking Wanderers, who had Mike Daniels on target.

Leaders Loxwood came from behind to win 3-1 at Forest with goals from Chris Osborne, Matt Hoyte and Perry Monks. Kyle Mitchell-Harris earlier put the hosts ahead.

Mark Wright and Clive Piller got the goals as Ifield Edwards won 2-0 at home to Rottingdean Village.

Damion Freeman and Dan Turner scored as Saltdean United came from behind to win 2-1 away to Uckfield Town who took the lead through Matt Michaels.