Bright Bexhill blitz Bosham

The long journey to not far away from the western extremity of the county was made highly worthwhile by goals from Sam Thompson, a first of the season for Del Longley and Dickie Anderson.

Manager Tony Monk said: "It wasn't just the win it was the way we won it - it was good football and good commitment. It was a very good performance, particularly in the second half."

Although United are still just third from bottom, the dark days of the first half of the season now seem a distant memory. A resolute defence allied to some free-flowing football are yielding results which are making the rest of the division sit up and take notice.

Conrad Sparkes served notice of Bexhill's intent with a diving header from Anderson's measured 40-yard ball that grazed the post with the goalkeeper beaten.

Another Anderson ball caused confusion between the home stopper and his defence with the ball looping up to Thompson who nodded home his first goal for the club in his second appearance since his acrimonious switch from neighbours Sidley United.

Longley, who recently celebrated his 30th birthday, volleyed home the second within a minute of the restart from 10 yards after Darren Witham's corner was not properly cleared.

Bexhill proceeded to swamp their opponents, who triumphed 3-1 at the Polegrove earlier in the season, for the next 20 minutes. Dominic Bigg, playing in the unaccustomed role of sweeper in the absence of Darrell Shaw, shot straight into the keeper's arms after a glorious move involving Alex Page, Thompson and Anderson but the third goal wasn't long in coming. Substitute Alex Hesmer released Anderson who ran through and slotted home with 11 minutes remaining.

Bexhill welcome St Francis Rangers to the Polegrove on Saturday February 14, kick-off 3pm.