United lose but are reprieved by clubs below
WORTHING UNITED were victims at home when the top three in the County League all won.
They went down 2-1 to third-placed East Preston, while leaders Crowborough won 2-0 at Selsey and chasing Whitehawk triumphed 1-0 at home to St Francis Rangers.
Defender Jay Head and striker Kevin Budge put EP 2-0 up in the 21st and 29th minutes. Joe Stokes replied in the 69th with his third goal in seven games.
However, below United, in the last four places, Chichester lost 2-1 at bottom-club Sidley United, Selsey at home to Crowborough, and Rye could only draw 1-1 at home to Oakwood.