Lancing moved out the Isthmian South East Division bottom four with victory over fellow strugglers Littlehampton Town.

Just one place and two points separated the teams going into the News Years Day fixture but Sammy Morgan’s came out on top on a blustery and wet day at Culver Road.

Both sides had some early chances to open the scoring but the first goal didn’t arrive until the 26th minute, Lancers Joe Hasler brought down in the penalty area.

Despite the best efforts of Town keeper Mac Chisholm Harry Heath squeezed the ball home to give Lancing the lead. The home side doubled their lead on 33 minutes, Hasler adding Lancing’s second after an effort cleared off the line moments earlier.

Town boss Mitch Hand responded by making a triple substitution despite only naming four of the permitted five substitutes, the tactical change keeping the home side at bay for the remainder of the half.

Town did force the issue early in the second half but just as it seemed they get themselves back into the game Hasler latched onto a long clearance and fired past Chisholm for his second of the match on 61 minutes.

Hasler then added another to complete his hat-trick on 73 minutes and the home side seemingly on their way to three valuable points.

Town did rally before the end and pulled back two goals through Evan Hoarty (75) and Matt Storm (93), but too little too late as the Lancers climbed above Town in the table.

This Saturday, Lancing head to Eastbourne Town whilst Littlehampton host Beckenham Town.