Worthing claimed local bragging rights as they beat Eastbourne Borough in the Sussex derby on Boxing Day.

Both teams looked to get forward early on, but it was Worthing who went close after 15 minutes when good build-up play inside the area saw Jack Spong teed up, but his low effort was well kept out by Woody Williamson.

Eastbourne, though, grew into the game and a vital challenge from Joe Cook denied Pemi Aderoju a clean path to goal.

And the hosts went close when Kai Corbett’s long ball put Aderoju through. The striker squared the ball across to Maxwell Mullins, and his effort past Joe Jeffries was hooked off the line by Cook.

Corbett then pinged a ball in from the left and picked out Mullins at the far post. His header back across goal came off a Worthing defender and the ball was deflected against the near post.

However, it was Worthing who broke the deadlock when Toby Byron’s low cross was parried out and Spong fired home from eight yards out.

Both sides had chances early in the second half – Arthur Grout and then Brad Dolaghan forcing good saves from either goalkeeper.

As time wore on, Borough pressed forwards but couldn’t break the visitors down – and two late goals saw the promotion chasers wrap up the points.

Cook was allowed to drive forwards and he found Dolaghan, who slotted home in the 89th minute before the impressive Razzaq Coleman De-Graft completed the scoring in stoppage time.