EP STILL IN BATTLE FOR SIXTH PLACE

On Saturday, EP could have seriously dented Eastbourne's goal difference, but missed several chances they would normally have taken.

Chaplin said: "I still think we can finish sixth as teams are still drawing around us, and nobody has really got that far away from us.

"We've got to get into East Grinstead on Saturday, and have got to be looking to get three points."

On his team's performance at Eastbourne, Chaplin said: "It was the best 90 minutes we have played for four or five games.

"We had eight or nine good chances. Their keeper pulled off a couple of excellent saves, but we still should have been 4-0 up at half-time."

Josh Biggs, Matt Huckett, and Lee Farrell had most of the opportunities. Huckett went through with two minutes remaining, but his shot went agonisingly the wrong side of the near post.

Farrell had a volley saved moments beforehand, and Biggs shot over when well placed.

EAST PRESTON: McCarthy; Appleton, Hall, Hammond; Mike Huckett, Wren, Hibberd, Matt Huckett, Axell; Biggs, Farrell. Subs: Walker, Yelling, Chaplin.

On Tuesday night, EP '” runners-up for the past two seasons '” went out of the Brighton Charity Cup, 1-0 at home to Chichester at the second round stage.

Chichester had Peter Robinson sent-off on 65 minutes for a second booking, but Paul Thomas scored the winner from the penalty spot on 75 minutes after a trip by Dan McLaughlin.

EAST PRESTON: McCarthy; Appleton, Hall, Hammond; Mike Huckett, Wren, Matt Huckett, Hibberd, Axell; Biggs, Farrell. Subs: Keet, McLaughlin (Wren, Axell 55), Walker (Hammond 70), Yelling.