Brighton and Hove Albion a 'fantastic distraction' for league leaders Bexhill United

But he says his side’s Sussex Senior Cup tie with Brighton and Hove Albion is a ‘fantastic’ one.

The Pirates are currently top of the SCFL division one table with seven wins from eight.

But close on their heels are Littlehampton Town and AFC Varndeanians - who both have games in hand over Light’s league leaders.

And although the priority is clearly the league for Light and his men, the Senior Cup draw against Albion’s youngsters is just what they wanted.

Light said: “ We’ve been rewarded for our 4-0 win against Wick in round one of the Sussex Senior Cup with an exciting draw against Brighton & Hove Albion.

“It’s definitely the draw we all wanted and I know everyone is looking forward to the game.

“If I’m honest cup fixtures this season are a bit of an unwanted distraction to our promotion challenge but what a fantastic distraction it will be for all involved.”

The Pirates had to come from behind to win 3-2 against Midhurst to maintain their brilliant start to the season.

They now they face three Saturdays in a row at home.

Light said: “For the first time this season we had to come from behind in a game and show real grit and strength of character.

“We understand when you’re top of the league you arrive at places like Midhurst with a target on your back and you know exactly what you’re going to get.

“However despite being slightly depleted due to injuries suffered the previous week, I thought the young players we brought in coped with the physical challenge really well.

“We’ve now got three home Saturdays in a row and our home form has been excellent so we hope to continue that, albeit beginning this against a much improved Billingshurst side under new management and doing very well in the league themselves so far this season.”

Little Common host league leaders Saltdean United on Saturday – looking to follow-up their 2-0 win over Horsham YMCA last week.

Manager Russell Eldridge said: "After a defeat it's important to bounce back with a win and the three points were vital on Saturday.

"It wasn't our best performance of the season but we worked hard enough and showed the quality when needed to get the three points.

"Our first half performance wasn't good enough and we spoke about this at half time and showed the patience in second half and created more scoring opportunities that we were able to convert.

"The clean sheet was pleasing the three points added to the total keeps us ticking over. The demanding schedule is now easing which should allow us to get some of the injured players back in the coming weeks."

Sidley United enjoyed a dominant 7-0 victory over Sedlescombe Rangers last week (see full report online). United face Hollington United tomorrow.