MANAGER Steve Norris saluted his 'magnificent' players after Grinstead finished one of the best seasons in their 118-year history in style.
Saturday's win over spirited Sidlesham ensured Wasps remained unbeaten at East Court in their league campaign and victory meant they clinched the second division title by a massive 18 points.
After the final whistle, the home supporters stayed on to see the trophy presented to skipper Drew Cooney and league winner medals to the players, Steve Norris and his staff. There was also a presentation by East Grinstead Mayor Ian Dixon before the match as official recognition by the town of the club's success.
Norris said: "It was a great way to end the season. The players have been magnificent this year and to win the league by such a margin shows how consistent we have been.
"We set out to win the league and not lose in front of our own supporters so to do both is a great achievement."
Mid-table Sidlesham played their part in an entertaining game but if Grinstead had been sharper in front of goal they might have got into double figures.
Dave Gellatly and Tom Saunders had already been denied by Sidlesham 'keeper Ben Hitchman when Grinstead took a 14th-minute lead when Marc Pelling, lurking in the box after a corner had been cleared, powered home a header from Dan Sullivan's cross.
Sidlesham were level within seven minutes when Jordan Willis found some space in the penalty area to beat Lee Whibley via the post, but Wasps regained the lead just before half-time when Liam Bull was left with a simple tap-in after an excellent passing move involving Saunders and Sullivan opened up the visitors' defence.
Sidlesham would not lie down and Willis made it 2-2 after 48 minutes with a powerful shot into the roof of the net but parity lasted just three minutes. Half-time substitute Michael Belli threaded a pass into Saunders' path and he drilled home his 22nd goal of the campaign.
Back came Sidlesham and it was 3-3 on 66 minutes when Alex Brockway's header looped into the net.
Tobi Hutchinson was pushed into the attack in place of Bull for the last 20 minutes and he made it 4-3 after Saunders had got free down the left and set him up for a tap-in on the goalline.
Hutchinson then rounded things off with his 10th goal of the campaign after being sent clear to apply a comfortable finish past Hitchman.
The club's annual presentation dinner will take place at the Felbridge Hotel on Friday from 7.30pm.
YOUNGSTER Alex Thompson scored his first senior goal as Wasps found the net twice in the last six minutes to see off battling Westfield at East Court.
The visitors had looked capable of condemning Wasps to their first league defeat at East Court in the second half when they squandered some excellent chances.
But Grinstead have made a habit of scoring goals in the last ten minutes this season and did so again to move 15 points clear at the top of division two, ahead of Saturday's season-finale against Sidlesham.
They took the lead in the 84th minute when another sub, Liam Bull, made room down the right and his low cross found Thompson at the far post and he applied a confident close-range finish.
Wasps made the game safe in injury time when Bull was provider again with another right-wing cross which Dan Sullivan, arriving late in the six-yard box, slammed into the net for his eighth goal of the season with the last kick of the game.
The home side played some neat passing football in the early stages and deservedly took a 22nd-minute lead when Tobi Hutchinson's cross was flicked into the net by Tom Saunders for his 20th goal of the season.
But spirited Westfield levelled ten minutes later. Alan Johnson was given time and space to find Duncan Jones and although his header crashed back off the underside of the bar, Duncan Jones was first to react to volley home the loose ball.
Marc Pelling should have put the home side back in front after 57 minutes, but fired wide from close range after Hutchinson's corner had found him at the far post, but for the next 20 minutes or so Westfield looked much likelier to score.
Sam Jamison fired wide from a good position then Chris Smith's intelligent chip dropped just over the bar. Smith then made space inside the box but his weak effort was comfortably saved by Lee Whibley.
They were to prove costly misses and it will have pleased Grinstead boss Steve Norris that two of his substitutes, Bull and Thompson, made such an impact when the game became increasingly stretched late on.
There was a sporting gesture by the hosts before kick-off on Saturday when they applauded Grinstead onto the pitch but there was no quarter given once the action started and Rustington caused most of the early problems.
Andy Kirkham should have put them in front when he latched on to goalkeeper Andy McCarthy's clearance only to shoot wide but Norris made a tactical change by pushing Richard Foyle into midfield and that seemed to stem the tide.
Wasps went ahead on 15 minutes when Belli's free-kick was met by Tobi Hutchinson on the right and his cross was converted by Burns from inside the box.
Liam Bull could have doubled Grinstead's lead but failed to direct his header from another Hutchinson cross on target. But on 27 minutes Burns got his second - and 12th of the season - with a superbly-executed free-kick. As McCarthy lined up a three-man wall to protect the right of goal, Burns lashed the ball straight into the top right-hand corner.
McCarthy saved from Dan Sullivan before the break and the second half followed a similar pattern with Wasps comfortably in control.
They added a third on 54 minutes when Burns turned provider, finding Belli who burst into the box, holding off a defender before calmly firing the ball past McCarthy.
Belli could have added a fourth late on when Sullivan sent him clear but his finish was off-target.
Danny Wackett was unavailable on Saturday but will return to the squad for the remaining two games. But Mannie Neville (hamstring) will miss the Westfield game, although Norris hopes he will be able to play some part against Sidlesham.
WASPS had to settle for a point at the Shooting Field on Wednesday night despite playing for over an hour against ten men.
Steyning had defender Tom Pickford sent off for hauling down Tom Saunders when he was through on goal in the 28th minute. But Drew Cooney saw his penalty saved by goalkeeper Dave Angell.
The hosts took the lead shortly afterwards but Liam Bull scored for the second successive match midway through the second half to equalise and Grinstead then squandered opportunities to win the contest.
Manager Steve Norris rung the changes, allowing Michael Belli and Scott Owens to make their last-ever appearances for the under-18s in their 4-2 win at Lingfield.
Lee Whibley came back in goal after recovering from back spasms and Adam Dart partnered Marc Pelling in the centre of defence with Cooney pushed into midfield while Ben Burns joining Saunders and Bull in a three-man attack. Mannie Neville and Danny Wackett were ruled out by injury.
Steyning were happy to get the ball forward quickly and rely on the trickery of Armando Tavalera and Simon Price up front and they did cause Grinstead problems early on.
But Wasps began to get on top and looked set to take control when Saunders beat the offside trap and raced clear, only to be upended by Pickford, who could have few complaints about his subsequent red card. Cooney was hoping to score his first goal of the season but drilled his spot-kick straight at Angell.
Steyning celebrated their reprieve by taking a 34th-minute lead. Whibley failed to hang on when a free-kick was pumped into the box and the loose ball fell to James Pargeter, who back-heeled it into an empty net.
There was much more purpose about Grinstead's second-half performance and they levelled with a well-worked goal after 67 minutes. Saunders found substitute Tobi Hutchinson whose pass picked out Burns in space and his left-wing cross was met with a smart volley by Bull which flew past Angell.
There was only going to be one winner after that. Hutchinson thought he had broken through but, after exchanging passes with Dave Gellatly, he hit the post with his shot. Then in the closing stages, after Bull had been denied by Angell, Hutchinson saw his shot hacked off the line by a retreating defender.
Grinstead made the better start against mid-table Midhurst and took the lead with a cracking goal on 20 minutes.
Dan Sullivan's free-kick was headed down by Tom Saunders to Michael Belli who teed up Mannie Neville 20 yards out and the midfielder curled his 17th of the season into the top corner.
Wasps were twice denied by the woodwork before the break with Saunders and Sullivan the unlucky players while Liam Bull forced two good saves out of home goalkeeper Scott Lillywhite.
Garry Norgate headed the home side's best chance wide in injury time but Wasps were in control after scoring their second on 56 minutes. Bull, who had already gone close with a couple of deft flicks, got on the end of Tobi Hutchinson's corner and flicked it past Lillywhite to make it 2-0 with his first goal for 11 games.
Both sides seemed to settle for that with Midhurst rarely troubling Scott Owens while Hutchinson forced Lillywhite to tip his shot over at full stretch. Not a classic by any means, but a confident display by the champions nonetheless.
Norris added: "It is a team game and that was another good team performance but I was pleased that Liam got a goal and for Mannie to now have 17 from midfield is superb."
THE celebrations continued long into the night at East Court on 5th April as Wasps celebrated the first league title in the club's 118-year history.
Steve Norris's men secured a return to the County League first division as champions after three years out of the top flight with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Steyning.
Grinstead's 22nd victory of the season combined with Lingfield's 1-0 home defeat to Southwick meant the champagne corks were popping on the pitch at the end as the players received the congratulations of their delighted supporters. [Photos courtesy of Meridian Sport]For more photos go to www.firstfocusphoto.com
Norris has done what he promised in his first full season in charge and a conceivable target now is to win the remaining five games and finish on 86 points which would be a division two record.
It was not a vintage display from Wasps against a Steyning team who probably deserved a point but who sportingly applauded the new champions off the pitch at the end.
Norris was without three stalwarts of the campaign, goalkeeper Lee Whibley, Adam Dart and Dave Gellatly, and were often guilty of surrendering possession too easily.
But the experienced Tobi Hutchinson came up with two great pieces of skill to win the game.
On six minutes the left-winger let fly from 25 yards wide on the left and his swerving shot was too powerful for goalkeeper Dave Kennett.
Mannie Neville and Liam Bull also went close as Grinstead started strongly but the visitors soon got into the game and could have levelled before half-time.
Chris Duffett hit the bar and saw his follow-up effort hacked off the line by Mannie Neville while Sean Hourigan and Alex White also went close.
When they did go forward Grinstead were a threat and only a last-ditch clearance by Jamie Davis prevented Liam Bull from heading a second.
But Wasps did double their lead seven minutes after the break. Again Hutchinson let fly from the edge of the box and with Kennett beaten his shot crashed against the bar and Tom Saunders reacted quickest to head home his 19th goal of the season.
With nothing to lose Steyning committed more men to attack and it needed the calming influence of Drew Cooney and Danny Wackett in the heart of the home defence to hold things together.
The visitors pulled one back after 79 minutes. White's long ball over the top released Duffett in the inside left channel and his angled shot gave Scott Owens no chance.
But the home goal was not seriously threatened again and Mark Hillen and Ben Burns could have added a third late on for Grinstead who saw the game out comfortably.
A few moments later the celebrations were underway to mark one of the greatest days in the history of the town's football club.
Grinstead: Owens, Hillen, Miles Neville, Cooney, Wackett, Dan Sullivan, Belli, Bull (sub: Burns 59), Saunders, Hutchinson. Unused subs: Pelling, Nick Sullivan, Arrow.
STEVE Norris reckoned Dave Gellatly had his best game since being pushed up front against Lingfield and the crowd of 264 - Grinstead's highest of the season - were anticipating a celebration when he scored his eighth goal of the campaign, although 'keeper Michael Wakefield would be disappointed that he allowed Gellatly's 20-yard drive to creep inside his near post.
Dan Sullivan nearly added a second from even further out but his effort went just past the far post.
Both sides found the tacky surface a hindrance to good football but Lingfield, and in particular striker Danny Gillard, were always a threat.
The visitors started the second half better than Wasps and although Whibley was rarely forced to make saves, the hosts found it difficult to relieve the pressure as Lingfield dominated the midfield exchanges.
Sub Craig Abbott headed straight at Whibley then Aaron Courtney dragged a shot across the face of goal which only needed a touch to find its way into the net.
But just when it looked as if Wasps would see the game out, Courtney ran at the heart of the home defence and slipped a pass to Perkins who produced an excellent finish, sparking joyous scenes on the visitors' bench. It was no more than Lingfield deserved but surely both clubs will be celebrating at the end of the season.
Grinstead went within one win of securing promotion after seeing off promotion rivals Peacehaven. Victory over local rivals and fellow promotion contenders Lingfield at East Court on Easter Monday (ko 11am) will ensure promotion back to Division One in manager Steve Norris' first full season in charge.
Peacehaven are one of only two teams to beat the Wasps this season and for long spells they showed why as they caused Grinstead numerous problems after taken a 31st minute lead. However Grinstead as they have done on numerous times this season dug in and secured victory with two goals in the last ten minutes. [Match photos]
Norris kept faith with the side the drew with Lancing mid-week with Dave Gellatly continuing to play up front alongside Tom Saunders.
Grinstead did start the more brightly of the two sides and had two chances inside the first twenty minutes to take the lead. Dan Sullivan was denied by the post when keeper Owen Fisher fumbled his near post shot but the best chance of the half for Grinstead fell to Tobi Hutchinson. Marc Pelling's through ball for once breached the off-side trap, but with just Fisher to beat Hutchinson fired over from close range.
Following this Peacehaven started to take contol and they took the lead just after the half hour mark. Richie Watton had already missed a good chance but capitalised on a mistake from Lee Whibley, who spilled a shot from Craig Hall, and Watton made no mistake from six yards.
After the break it was still Peacehaven who bossed the game with Simon Bailey controlling things in the centre of the park. Watton had two long range shots palmed away by Whibley as they searched for the second goal while Grinstead struggled to get a foothold in the game.
Norris made a double change with attacking intent with Ben Burns and Simon Tadman replacing Marc Pelling and Gellatly as they looked to get back in the game but it was still Peacehaven who provided the major threat.
Two clearances however proved to be the turning point of the game. First Paul Dudson saw his difficult chance cleared off the line by Adam Dart and then with Grinstead pushing for the equaliser Watton unmarked at the far post beat Whibley but captain Drew Cooney managed to get back to clear the danger.
With ten minutes to go and against the run of play, Grinstead were awarded a lifeline; Saunders was brought down in the box and referee Nigel Baker had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Mannie Neville confidently struck home the penalty.
Grinstead tails were up and just two minutes later they were in front. Substitute Burns found some space in the box and he drilled home a well struck left foot shoot that had Fisher well beaten.
Peacehaven rallied but rarely threatened after going behind and the three points were Grinstead's.
On a windy night at Lancing, Grinstead had to settle for a draw against a good Lancing side who have yet to be beaten at Culver Road this season.
Wasps fell behind to a Rob Patridge goal after 10 minutes when Whibley hesitated in coming out for a through ball but goals from Marc Pelling and Michael Belli put the visitors deservedly in front at half time with goals inside two minutes around the mid-way mark of the half. Grinstead although kicking into the wind controlled most of the half but chances for Tom Saunders and Dave Gellatly weren't converted.
Despite having the wind in their favour in the second half Grinstead produced a disappointing second half performance which allowed Lancing back in the game. Belli did hit a thunderbolt from 20 yards with the keeper totally beaten but his shot came off the crossbar and that would have killed the game off. However the ever dangerous Rob Patridge equalised for Lancing 4 minutes from time after a good one-two with Adam Burton had opened up the Grinstead defence. Grinstead did respond but were unlucky when Adam Dart's attempt which seemed destined to give Wasps back the lead hit a defender on the back and was then cleared. Two points dropped rather than one gained.
Wasps played some of their best football for weeks on Saturday but struggled to create clear-cut chances, particularly in the first half when Dan Sullivan hit the roof of the net with a cross-shot and Ben Burns fired just over on the turn with their best efforts.
Heath set themselves up for a draw and seldom ventured forward, although Paul Walsh fired an early chance straight at Whibley.
Wasps showed more urgency in the second half with Mannie Neville increasingly influential in midfield.
Belli saw his shot tipped away by Baker and the keeper then produced an outstanding double save to palm out Dave Gellatly's header and then block the follow-up effort.
By now Saunders was operating up front with Tobi Hutchinson with Gellatly tucked in behind the front two but Grinstead continued to be frustrated by a blanket defence and Baker's bravery.
Sullivan put a free header wide from four yards and Baker again denied Gellatly twice in three minutes, palming his volley to safety before making a brave save at his feet after Gellatly had surged into the six-yard box.
But just when it appeared the breakthrough would never come, Saunders - who had made a big difference when he came on - broke Heath's hearts and put Wasps a step closer to promotion.
Wasps were staring at only their third defeat of the season at the break after a dismal first-half where they conceded possession too easily, made mistakes at the back and lacked their usual creativity.
Sidlesham went in front after 15 minutes when Drew Cooney lost possession and the ball was quickly played forward to Lee Mullen whose shot from just outside the box crept inside Lee Whibley's left-hand post.
Whibley had already turned an effort from Max Delahunty over the bar and Grinstead were nearly caught out again by another long ball which was played back to Mullen from near the bye-line before his shot was deflected for a corner.
But on 43 minutes it was 2-0. A cross from the right which was left to bounce inside the box and Delahunty pounced to beat an exposed Whibley.
At the other end, Sidlesham keeper Ben Hitchman made just one save when he denied Dave Gellatly after he'd shrugged off a defender to get his shot away.
Initially, at least, Wasps struggled to do much better in the second half despite switching to 4-3-3 but they got a foothold in the game after 56 minutes. Sullivan's cross came off Cooney to leftback Adam Dart and the defender showed good control before firing past Hitchman from the edge of the box to register his first goal of the season.
With the wind behind them Wasps finally got a measure of control but they still struggled to create clear openings, although Dart did have the ball in the net but was deemed offside.
Mark Hillen came on to make his first appearance since rejoining the club from Lingfield with eight minutes to go and it was the midfielder's pass which led to the equaliser. Hutchinson timed his run to perfection and produced a cool finish on the angle.
We had got out of jail - but they are nothing if not resilient when not playing well as a record of just one defeat in their last nine league games suggests.
WASPS missed the chance of a first-ever appearance in the County League Cup final despite producing one of their best performances of the season in the semi at Three Bridges.
The only thing missing against first division Ringmer were goals as Grinstead squandered a host of chances while their opponents demonstrated the required ruthlessness in front of goal.
Praise from his opposite number Steve Johnson will have been little consolation to manager Steve Norris afterwards, but he will have taken some pleasure from the way Grinstead took the game to their opponents and kept them on the back foot for long spells.
Wasps made the worst possible start - falling behind after three minutes. Jack Johnson threaded the ball through to Marc Whiteman with Wasps appealing for offside and when the flag was not raised Whiteman - a former trainee at Manchester United - shot confidentally past Lee Whibley.
Wasps were fortunate not to fall further behind when Danny McLaughlin planted a free header wide from six yards and they were guilty of showing Ringmer too much respect early on.
But gradually Michael Belli and Dave Gellatly began to dominate in midfield and with Tom Saunders and Ben Burns lively up front Wasps began to threaten...
Gellatly's pass released Dan Sullivan who shot inches past the far post, Drew Cooney was just off target from 20 yards and Saunders had a shot cleared off the line from close range.
Wasps deserved to be level at the break but with ten minutes of the re-start their task was made even harder. McLaughlin burst into the box but his pullback deflected off a defender into the path of Joe Dryer who made no mistake from 12 yards with his left foot.
Still Grinstead came forward and Belli had a goal disallowed before Ringmer clinched their place in the final when Johnson again set up Whiteman whose quality strike from the edge of the box was his 33rd goal of the season.
Wasps refused to give up and it is credit to them that they still came forward to get the consolation goal which was the least they deserved. But Burns, twice, Gellatly and sub Simon Tadman were all denied by a combination of heroic defending in the six-yard box and the acrobatics of Ringmer goalkeeper Joe Adams.
It just wasn't Wasps' night - but the management will be looking for more of the same when the promotion campaign resumes at Sidlesham on Saturday (3pm) when the side is likely to be unchanged with Mannie Neville still on holiday.
Norris brought Elvis Lynn into central midfield for his first start of the season and was pleased with his performance.
Wasps started strongly and both Saunders, restored to the attack in place of Liam Bull, and Ben Burns squandering good chances.
Grinstead's best opening of the half came on 25 minutes when Storrington struggled to deal with Tobi Hutchinson's left-wing cross and Dan Sullivan's shot and Lynn's follow-up header were both cleared off the line.
Three minutes before half-time Burns hit the post from the rebound after goalkeeper Gary Elliott had kept out Saunders' shot. But Wasps had struggled to get their passing game together on the bumpy pitch and Norris switched to a 4-3-3 formation for the second half.
The breakthrough came on 66 minutes when a fiercely struck shot from Dave Gellatly was only partially cleared to Saunders whose close-range shot arrowed into the far corner.
Gellatly went close to a second and Norris gave youth-teamer Alex Thompson his first taste of first-team action for the last 15 minutes on the left-hand side of midfield.
Storrington worked hard but rarely tested Whibley until the 84th minute when he pulled off a decent save from Adam Palmer's shot.
Pottage have improved since shipping in ten goals at East Court in August and entertained the leaders on the back of an excellent 1-1 draw against Peacehaven - one of only two teams to beat Grinstead this season - last week.
And they created two decent chances in a disjointed first half with substitute Michael Onions making space before shooting straight at Lee Whibley before Jack McNabb's powerful effort was deflected for a corner.
Grinstead struggled to get their passing game going while the narrowness of the pitch negated the threat of their wide men, but Neville did go closest to breaking the deadlock before the break when Liam Bull's header found the midfielder whose volley was cleared off the line.
Wasps showed more urgency after the break and made the crucial breakthrough on 54 minutes. It was a well-worked goal too with Ben Burns, starting his first game since November, laying Adam Dart's cross into the path of Dan Sullivan who calmly drove his right-foot shot past goalkeeper Andy Smith and in off the far post.
Belli's surges up the right flank gave Wasps more of a cutting edge in the second half while Nick Sullivan, making his first-team debut after coming on as a 70th-minute substitute, conjured up some precious space to get off a shot which Smith did well to parry. Burns then saw a free-kick from the edge of the box dip just over the crossbar.
Pottage threw men forward late on and although there were a few alarms in the visitors box, Whibley was only forced to make routine saves.
A minute from time Grinstead made the game safe. Belli won the ball back on the edge of the box with a bone-crunching tackle and found Nick Sullivan who was hauled down by Paul Clarke. Neville calmly converted his 15th goal of the season from the spot to take Wasps another step towards a return to the top flight.
Goalkeeper Lee Whibley had his quietest afternoon of the season on Saturday with Southwick happy to get men behind the ball and deny Grinstead space, especially after they lost main striker Dean Venton to injury early on.
Wasps struggled to get their wide players into the game and created little in the first half, their best chance falling to Liam Bull on 11 minutes after good work by Mannie Neville. Bull's effort was goalbound - but hit team-mate Tom Saunders and was a sign of the frustration to come for the visitors.
Bull shined another effort wide and Michael Belli, as industrious as ever, nearly got on the end of a couple of things but it was pretty uninspiring stuff.
Wasps introduced Ben Burns as a withdrawn third striker with 30 minutes to go and after Neville had a goal disallowed for offside the substitute set up Belli on 79 minutes but he dragged his shot on the turn wide of the target. Adam Dart was also off target late on but it would have been harsh on hardworking Southwick had Wasps sneaked a win.
Grinstead made the perfect start and were in front after just 32 seconds when Goldsmith made his only error of the game when he allowed Liam Bull's 25 yarder to bounce over his dive.
Down were level within four minutes when Wasps failed to clear a corner and Adam New pounced from close range. But a minute later the home side were back in front when Tobi Hutchinson's left-wing cross picked out Belli in the box and his confident finish was too good for Goldsmith.
Wasps had a lot of joy in wide areas throughout and they broke on 16 minutes to stretch their lead. Belli and Tom Saunders exchanged passes and when Saunders crossed to the far post Hutchinson arrived to head home from close range.
Goldsmith kept Down in the game with superb saves from Bull and Saunders before Bull's long-ranger cannoned back off the post to Mannie Neville but he skied the rebound over.
The visitors began to get back into the game just before half-time and New forced a good low save from Lee Whibley at his near post and he palmed out a stinging shot from ex-Wasp Paul Otway seven minutes after the break.
But they were killed off by a fourth goal on 53 minutes when Saunders' purposeful run and shot was parried by Goldsmith to Belli who snapped up his second of the game from close range.
Game over and although Gareth Neathey could have got a second with 17 minutes left, Wasps were always comfortably in control.
Norris said: "It is hard to pick out individuals because everyone played well but Michael Belli showed that he is coming on leaps and bounds, Tom Saunders worked his socks off and Dave Gellatly had his best game for a while." [Match photos courtesy of Meridian Sport]
Saturday's attendance of 132 was the best in the league but those expecting another comfortable East Court afternoon for the leaders were given a jolt by a spirited Midhurst side.[Match photos courtesy of Meridian Sport]
The visitors got the ball forward quickly to Ryan Seacombe, who was a constant threat up front with his strength and pace.
Tony Stephens put Midhurst ahead on 28 minutes, latching on to a long pass and lobbing Lee Whibley when the keeper hesitated about coming for the ball and ended up badly positioned.
Wasps only threatened in the five minutes before half-time when Adam Dart and Tobi Hutchinson went close before Neville cracked a 20-yard shot against the crossbar with Burt for once beaten.
Neville levelled on 57 minutes thanks to some good work by substitute Simon Tadman, who had come on for Bull. He got to the by-line and pulled his cross back to Neville who volleyed into the far corner.
The odds at that stage would have been on a Grinstead win, but four minutes later they conceded a poor second goal. Too many defenders got attracted to the near post by a free-kick and Seacombe was left in space to score easily.
Wasps continued to probe away and Neville levelled on 79 minutes with his 17th goal of the season. Hutchinson, who has got so many assists this season, delivered another excellent cross from the left and Neville bravely got between two defenders to head past Burt.
Michael Belli had a late chance to win it but dragged his shot wide of the target.
Norris was pleased with the performance of new boy Liam Bull, although he added that the striker needs more games to get match fit.
He profited from a free header after eight minutes to convert Tobi Hutchinson's cross and put Grinstead ahead.
But the home side, who still harbour promotion ambitions despite their mid-table position, worked hard to get back into the game.
And they were rewarded after 75 minutes when Jamie Culahane beat Lee Whibley with a superb strike from 35 yards.
Five minutes from time, with Wasps hanging on to a point, Tommy Levitt found space to lob Whibley from just inside the box.
And the home side made the game safe in injury time when Richie Wotton was pulled down by Danny Wackett in the box and converted the penalty himself.
Although a disappointing result, Wasps are still in a great position with games in hand on all their promotion rivals. But Saturday offered proof, were any needed, that in this division you have to work hard to earn the right to play your football. Norris is confident, however, that his side can bounce back against Midhurst.
He added: "When we have had setbacks we have normally responded although Midhurst will be tough opponents again on Saturday."
Seaford were the first side from the section to beat Grinstead when they knocked them out of the Division Two Cup in September and a repeat looked on the cards for an hour on Saturday.
Mark Woodward (26) and Tom Callaghan (58) put them in charge and it could have been worse with Seaford also hitting the woodwork while Callaghan forced Lee Whibley into an excellent save.
But the comeback began on the hour when Tom Saunders rounded the goalkeeper and slotted home his 16th goal of the season from an acute angle.
Neville got his first four minutes later and then waltzed through as the home side tried to play offside before picking his spot to put Wasps 3-2 in front on 68 minutes.
Simon Funnell stole ahead of his marker to convert Tobi Hutchinson's cross four minutes later and the transformation was complete.
Terry Chapman reduced the deficit in the 88th minute but by then Seaford were down to ten men after their leftback was sent off for picking up a second yellow card.
Neville completed his hat-trick in the last minute from the spot after a foul on Saunders.
An already slippery pitch at the Parish Field was made more treacherous by driving rain but Grinstead never looked like relinquishing control after taking a 24th-minute lead when Dan Sullivan blasted a free-kick from 25 yards past goalkeeper Will Toal and into the top left-hand corner.
Sullivan and Danny Wackett came closest to extending the lead before half-time and although Westfield were more of a threat either side of the break, goalkeeper Lee Whibley only had to make two saves to deny Duncan Jones and Peter Baker.
Westfield's cause worsened after 68 minutes when David Miller was shown a straight red card for a two-footed lunge at Miles Neville.
And within three minutes Wasps had made the game safe with a second goal. Good interplay created space in the six-yard box for Tobi Hutchinson whose right-foot shot sped past Toal.
The home side were down to nine men on 76 minutes when substitute Chris Smith, who had only been on the pitch for five minutes, was sent off for swearing at referee Barry Crowhurst.
Grinstead got their third in the 78th minute when skipper Dave Gellatly found the top left-hand corner from the edge of the box and the only surprise was that Wasps failed to score further goals as they opened up a weary Westfield side at will.
Steve Norris said: "I was expecting a positive reaction to the Lingfield defeat and got exactly that. In hindsight losing a game might have done us good because it reminded the players that they have to work hard in every game. Seaford on Saturday will be another tough match and we will need to show the same application and commitment."
Lingfield were quicker out of the blocks on Boxing Day and were ahead in the 13th minute. Danny Gillard's fierce shot was parried by Lee Whibley but straight to Danny Jones who netted from an acute angle.
Lingfield could easily have extended their lead as Wasps struggled to find their usual fluency, but the leaders are nothing if not resilient and they drew level in first-half stoppage time.
Dan Sullivan's corner was met by a powerful header from Stuart Hardy against his former club - the defender's first goal since returning to Grinstead for a third spell.
Both sides had spells of pressure after the break but Lingfield got the important second goal on 69 minutes when Jones produced another clinical finish from inside the box.
Wasps enjoyed their best spell in the closing 15 minutes and twice hit the woodwork. Tom Saunders' shot and a header by Cooney both beat home keeper Michael Wakefield but came back off the post.
Wasps went ahead after 19 minutes. Belli beat two players down the right to send Dan Sullivan clear and his near post cross was dummied by Ben Burns, allowing Tom Saunders to sweep in his 15th goal of the season.
The Marigolds relied on a more direct approach and were level on 31 minutes when Howard Neighbour's shot bounced in front of Lee Whibley, who may have gone to ground a fraction early, and went in.
But two goals in four minutes before the break put Grinstead in charge.
Hutchinson made it 2-1 with a stunning strike when he met Sullivan's deep cross with a perfect volley which flew past the motionless Dean Fuller and into the top corner.
Hutchinson then turned provider for Dave Gellatly when his pass released the midfielder to run past the defence before rounding Fuller and tapping home.
Littlehampton found Wasps in resilient mood during their good spells in the second half and the visitors always looked capable of scoring again on the break.
They stretched their lead on 76 minutes. Saunders beat two players before finding Sullivan whose cross was met by a powerful header from Hutchinson into the bottom corner.
Substitute Simon Tadman was brought down on 88 minutes and Mannie Neville made no mistake from the spot then Sullivan got a goal his performance deserved, lobbing Fuller from fully 30 yards after Neville's pass had created the space.
Jimmy Swain got a consolation second for the Marigolds deep into added time from the spot after a harsh handball against Belli.
Wasps earned the praise of Worthing boss Alan Pook for their display and the manner in which they played football throughout the match. Steve Norris had to make a number of changes in his line up and Aaron Denver made his first start coming in at right back with Stuart Hardy slotting in at left back to replace the injured Adam Dart. Michael Belli replaced Mannie Neville who came off early on in the match on Saturday with a groin strain.
Grinstead soaked up some early pressure from their Ryman League opponents and successfully kept them at bay until the 26th minute when a cross from the right was met by Terry Dodd who beat Marc Pelling and Lee Whibley to the ball and slotted it home. Grinstead fought back and put the home side under pressure for the last ten minutes of the first half. Stuart Hardy came the closest to grabbing an equaliser when he saw the Worthing keeper Rikki Banks out of position and his long range effort beat Banks but just scraped past the upright.
Worthing's second goal after 76 minutes was bizarre to say the least. Whibley lost control of a ball that had been played across to him and a Worthing attacker pounced on it, appeared to be slightly held back by Whibley as he tried to recover, but the referee played advantage and with an empty net, the attacker hit the post. The referee then awarded a free kick and booked the Grinstead keeper. The resultant free kick was well blocked but the loose ball fell to Jamie Brotherton who found the back of the net.
Grinstead progressed to the semi-finals of the John O'Hara cup with a hard fought victory over First Division Hailsham.[Match photos]
This was Grinstead's twelfth successive victory in all competitions and it was a true test of their credentials against a young but very talented Hailsham outfit. If they are to get promoted this season on this performance they proved they could more than hold their own in the top flight of Sussex football next season.
Grinstead made one change from last week, with Dave Gellatly returning from injury and suspension replacing the injured Drew Cooney which meant Danny Wackett was moved to centre-back and Stuart Hardy to right back.
Both sides were very evenly matched and the game could have gone either way but Grinstead are clearly playing with supreme confidence at the moment and their desire to win eventually saw them through.
They fashioned their first opportunity after ten minutes when Tobi Hutchinson floated over a left wing cross which just eluded Dan Sullivan at the far post. Five minutes later they had their best chance of the half when another teasing Hutchinson cross was headed back across goal by Marc Pelling at the far post, but Gellatly from just 6 yards out headed disappointingly over.
Grinstead at this stage were reasonably comfortable but as the half progressed Hailsham started to fashion some chances mainly through the pace of Dan Leach who is currently on loan to Hailsham from Conference South outfit Eastbourne Borough. On three occasions his pace took him clear of the Grinstead defence but each time his final shot lacked conviction and did not trouble Lee Whibley in the Grinstead goal.
Hailsham went closest five minutes before the break when midfielder Simon Stevens hit a great shot from the edge of the box which had Whibley well beaten but fortunately for Grinstead hit the underside of the bar before being cleared to safety.
Grinstead made a strong start to the second half and Huthcinson went close with a drive from the edge of the box which flew over but on 67 minutes they were ahead.
Adam Dart started a sweeping move from his left back position and a neat passing move involving Burns and young Michael Belli eventually saw the ball moved to Tom Saunders unmarked 10 yards out who had time to pick his spot past the exposed Russell Tanner. It was a goal of pure quality with quick incisive one touch passing that cut open the Hailsham defence.
Following this Hailsham poured forward looking for the equaliser but Grinstead's defence held firm with Pelling marking the dangerous Leach out of the game apart from on one occasion when Whibley was called upon to make a close range save with his legs.
With Hailsham pushing forward they were leaving gaps at the back and a quick counter attack on the stroke of full-time gave Grinstead their two goal advantage. Dart who had a magnificent second half broke down the left and floated over a pin-point ball to Saunders who hit a cracking first time volley past Tanner for his fourteenth and probably best goal of the season.
The game ended on a sour note however when whilst Grinstead players were celebrating the goal a skirmish erupted on the halfway line which eventually involved most of the players and coaching staff from both sides. Once it was sorted out referee Neal Wallace brandished red cards for Matt Smith of Hailsham and Dart, which spoilt another great performance from the full-back.
However this shouldn't detract from another good Grinstead performance who will now be looking forward to their semi-final tie at home to either Hassocks or Ringmer some time in the New Year.
Rydon man of the match - Dave Gellatly
Team: Whibley, Hardy, Dart, Neville(Belli32), Wackett, Pelling, Sullivan, Gellatly, Burns, Saunders, Hutchinson: Subs not used: Zimmatore, Funnell, Day
Wasps were in control from the start against Mile Oak, although the visitors showed more attacking ambition than some of the recent visitors to East Court.
Ben Burns and Tobi Hutchinson had already gone close when Saunders put them ahead on 16 minutes from another Hutchinson assist - a left-wing cross which Saunders guided beyond Oak goalkeeper Danny Stenning with a looping header.
Stenning came to his side's rescue when he dived full length to turn Adam Dart's shot round the post after a typically strong surge by Grinstead's left back. But from the corner Wasps doubled their lead, Saunders applying a close-range finish for his 12th of the season after a scramble in the six-yard box.
Scott Carden had Oak's best first-half chance only to direct his header over but Wasps made the game safe two minutes after the break with a superbly-worked goal. Hutchinson and Dart combined down the left to rip the visitors' defence apart and Burns tapped in Dart's cross for his ninth goal of the campaign.
Dart cleared Steve Porter's free-kick off the line as Wasps tempo dropped and Carden pulled one back in the 88th minute after good work by Titus Paterson.
But midfielder Michael Belli scored his first goal at senior level a minute later to round off a good afternoon's work by Grinstead. Having gone close earlier, the 18-year-old converted Dan Sullivan's cross from close range to make it 4-1.
LEAGUE points were not at stake but Wasps served notice to one of their promotion rivals that they are going to be a hard side to stop in their current mood.
The scoreline suggests otherwise, but Wasps were always in control despite having to come from behind.
A side showing four changes to the team which had beaten Broadbridge Heath 1-0 last Tuesday were still getting their bearings when Stuart Hardy, moved from the centre of midfield to rightback, was outpaced by Gary Norgate in the ninth minute and he slotted a low shot beyond Lee Whibley.
Wasps regrouped and were quickly in control. Michael Belli got on the end of Tobi Hutchinson's free kick but was denied by a fine save from Stuart Burt.
The equaliser arrived after 18 minutes. Dan Sullivan's pass was brought under control by Aaron Zimmatore and he gave Burt no chance with an emphatic finish.
Zimmatore and the more experienced Simon Funnell linked up well together in attack while Belli's energy and crisp passing kept Midhurst on the back foot.
Wasps nearly went in front when Richard Foyle, supporting the attack from leftback, exchanged passes with Zimmatore only to fire wide of the target.
The second half followed a similar pattern. Zimmatore saw his shot charged down by Burt after a good move down Grinstead's right and the front two combined again on 59 minutes to create the winner. Zimmatore's pass found Funnell whose shot was blocked by Burt. The ball came back to Funnell and his second effort was handled by Scott Dormer. It looked an instinctive reaction by the Midhurst defender, but the officials had no doubt and Mannie Neville scored his eighth goal of the season from the penalty spot.
Midhurst pushed forward in search of an equaliser and twice went close. Dan Bassil's shot was blocked by Whibley and Norgate volleyed over from a good position late on.
But Wasps always looked capable of scoring again and Sullivan rattled the post with an 89th-minute free kick as they ended the game in control.
WASPS made it 12 league wins out of 12 with a hard-fought success at Broadbridge Heath.
Steve Norris's men have opened up an eight-point lead at the top of County League division two thanks to a goal from Tobi Hutchinson midway through the second half.
It was one of Grinstead's least convincing performances of the season so far and the home side, whose manager Mark Wright was on the coaching staff at East Court a decade ago, would have some justification in feeling that his hardworking side deserved to be the first team to take points off his old club.
Heath certainly set their stall out to try and frustrate Wasps, employing a five-man defence and getting players behind the ball every time the visitors were in possession.
As a result, Wasps struggled to create much, particularly in a dire first half when Lee Whibley had to make the only save of note in the 34th minute when Chris Hughes beat the offside trap and squared to Ross Dance whose close range effort was blocked by the Grinstead keeper.
The visitors were getting frustrated in their attempts to create anything but the second half was an improvement as Heath commited more men to the attack and space began to open up.
The home side had appeals for a penalty turned down after 49 minutes for handball by Drew Cooney while Wasps finally registered an effort on target six minutes later when Stuart Hardy met Hutchinson's corner with a header which Ashley Comper smuggled off the line.
Whibley made a crucial save on 64 minutes when Jamal Sultan got past Adam Dart and his well-struck shot was heading for the top corner until Whibley turned it over the bar at full stretch.
Just how important a save it was became apparent six minutes later when a moment of quality unlocked the home defence. Jamie Fiveash bundled over Ben Burns 20 yards out and Burns' free-kick beat goalkeeper Joe Comper and bounced back off the post to a grateful Hutchinson who tapped in his first goal since the sides had shared 11 in a Senior Cup tie a month ago.
Tom Saunders and Drew Cooney nearly added to the lead but Wasps had to defend diligently in the last ten minutes to protect their advantage.
Norris said: "It was an ugly win, we had to battle hard against a decent side and fortunately Ben produced a moment of quality for the free-kick. Just how good a win it is will become evident when they play some of the other sides at the top because they are capable of taking points off other teams."
Southwick's 4-5-1 formation frustrated Wasps in a quiet first half at East Court during which both sides struggled to create chances.
Ben Burns went closest for the home side with a 30th-minute free-kick from the edge of the box which beat keeper Chris Kelsey but came back off the post.
Southwick also hit the woodwork in a rare attacking foray when Dean Lipscombe's centre eluded team-mate Jordan Saunders but came back off the far post.
Grinstead needed patience and when they finally broke through in the 56th minute it was route-one stuff. Lee Whibley's clearance was flicked on by Stuart Hardy and Saunders raced clear before producing a confident finish from an acute angle.
With Southwick forced to commit more men to attack gaps began to appear in their defence and Burns was denied by the woodwork again when his close-range header struck the post.
Mannie Neville, subdued by his recent high standards, fired over after good combination work by Saunders and Burns but Wasps made the game safe in the 78th minute. Tobi Hutchinson produced another superb left-wing cross after a neat exchange with Burns created the space and Saunders buried a close-range header.
And Dan Sullivan got Wasps' third with five minutes left when his free-kick from 20 yards flew past Kelsey for his fourth of the season.
With Dave Gellatly (dead leg) joining skipper Drew Cooney on the sidelines, Norris drafted in Stuart Hardy for his first game since his return to East Court and that allowed Mannie Neville to occupy a more advanced midfield role.
After a quiet opening Wasps took a 12th-minute lead. Ben Burns scored for the fifth successive game when he turned his marker on the edge of the box following a quickly-taken throw in by Tobi Hutchinson and his powerful shot found the bottom right-hand corner.
With Neville pulling the strings in midfield and the front two a constant threat, Wasps began to dominate. Saunders was betrayed by a poor first touch after Neville's searching pass had put him clear but the home side only had to wait until the 19th minute for their second. Burns fired a trademark free-kick from 20 yards out which goalkeeper Gary Trott could only parry as far as Neville who side-footed home his seventh goal of the season.
A brilliant move nearly brought Grinstead a third goal when Hardy's cross-field pass released Neville whose right-wing cross was side-footed onto the crossbar by Hutchinson.
A minute later Trott kept out Dan Sullivan's volley and such was their momentum Grinstead could probably have done without half-time.
Nevertheless, they had stretched their lead four minutes after the break. Adam Dart's pass down the left released Burns and his low cross was swept past Trott by Saunders, who joined Burns on the eight-goal mark.
It all looked so comfortable with Wealden unable to muster a shot on target. But they should have pulled a goal back when Steve Brownley headed over from six yards and they did reduce the deficit on 70 minutes when Chris Morrow got on the end of Steve Davis's free-kick to head powerfully past Lee Whibley.
Eight minutes later, as Wasps appealed in vain that Davis's cross had gone out of play, Richard Foyle's clearance fell to Darren Beard who made no mistake from 12 yards.
And the visitors nearly ended Wasps' perfect league record when Peter Christodolou headed over from a great position with four minutes to go.
That would have been a travesty given Wasps' dominance for the first hour but Norris will have drummed home the message about maintaining concentration and discipline for the full 90 minutes.
GRINSTEAD had made the perfect start with a goal after four minutes.
Saunders was fouled 25 yards out and Ben Burns' free-kick flew into the top
corner with goalkeeper Kusha Movaffagh helpless. Burns has now scored in his
last four games.
Wasps were the better side for the rest of the first half and Lee Whibley
did not have to make a serious save.
But the Grinstead No.1 was called into action after the break when Rye upped
the tempo. Whibley made two superb stops, one to deny Shaun Loft when the
Rye striker for once got free of Marc Pelling, who had another excellent
game in the Wasps' defence.
Whibley then beat out a well-struck volley from Marc Gall and for 20 minutes
Wasps had to stand firm defensively.
But as Rye pushed forward in search of an equaliser they left gaps at the
back and Dan Sullivan was inches away from scoring after a four-man move
ended with the midfielder shooting just past the post after Dave Gellatly's
pass set him up.
Wasps made the game safe when Gellatly's pass released Tobi Hutchinson as
the home defence appealed in vain for an offside flag. Hutchinson lobbed the
keeper and Saunders made sure because the ball would probably not have
crossed the line.
WASPS go into November as one of only two teams in the country still boasting a 100 per cent league record.
But manager Steve Norris admitted his side were fortunate to secure a ninth straight win on Saturday.[Match photos]
It looked like being a comfortable afternoon when first-half goals from Ben Burns and Dave Gellatly put Grinstead in control.
Tom Saunders missed a great chance just after coming off the bench to score a third and moments later Liam Keith reduced the deficit.
And Seaford almost got the equaliser they felt they deserved in the dying minutes when Archie Macabi rounded Lee Whibley but hit the side netting.
Norris said: "It was one of our least convincing performances and Seaford could easily have picked up a point. But I am not complaining. It is a sign of a good team when we can not play that well but still pick up a victory."
Grinsteadıs best player was central defender Marc Pelling. The 19-year-old, who has come through the youth ranks at East Court, won everything in the air and was composed with the ball at his feet.
Norris added: "Marc was exceptional and we needed him to be at times. The other positives were that we scored two excellent goals and when we had to we defended well as a team."
Norris sprang a surprise by leaving joint-top scorer Saunders on the bench where he was joined by Stuart Hardy, a week after his return to the club.
But Seaford made the brighter start and it was a surprise when Wasps took a 27th-minute lead. As the visitors appealed for offside, Burns timed his run to perfection as he races onto Dan Sullivanıs pass and rounded goalkeeper Lamin Faal before scoring his sixth goal of the season and third in as many games.
Five minutes later Wasps punished poor marking to make it 2-0. Drew Cooney was able to nod Tobi Hutchinson's corner into the six-yard box and Gellatly joined three team-mates on six goals with a powerful header.
Macabie gave Wasps a warning with a free header which Whibley turned round the post but the game's defining moment came on the hour. Just two minutes after coming on, Saunders was clear on goal from Mannie Neville's through ball but Faal pulled off an excellent save.
Two minutes later it was 2-1. Scott Dartnell's pass allowed Liam Keith to exploit some alarming gaps in the home defence with a shot past Whibley from the edge of the box.
Tom Callaghan thought he had equalised only to be penalised for a foul on Whibley while Faal made an excellent save to keep out Sullivan's free-kick.
It was too close for comfort at the end and Wasps were grateful to have overcome another tricky hurdle in their promotion bid.
Wasps went back to the top of County League division two after maintaining their 100 per cent record with an eighth successive win.
And their hopes of a return to the top flight received a further boost when boss Steve Norris confirmed afterwards that he had signed Stuart Hardy.
Storrington played their part in an entertaining 90 minutes at East Court and Lee Whibley had to make two excellent saves in the space of three second-half minutes to deny Richard Ayres and Sam Witherden.[Match photos]
"They were the best Storrington team I have seen and will definitely take points off other teams this season," said Norris. "They tried to play football which helped us but I always felt we had another gear to find if we'd needed too."
Wasps went ahead after 17 minutes when Neville's flick into the box found Burns and he gave Gary Elliott no chance with a rising volley to register his fifth goal of the season.
Neville scored for the third successive game four minutes later, receiving a pass in space from Burns which he confidently fired past Elliott.
While Storrington looked lively up front they were also vulnerable at the back and Elliott made a full-length save to turn Burns' volley onto the bar just before the break.
Those two Storrington chances were a warning though and Grinstead needed the security of a third goal in the 64th minute when Simon Funnell took a pass from Burns in his stride and although his shot was blocked, Gellatly was on hand to sweep the loose ball into the net for his fifth of the campaign.
Adam Palmer got a deserved consolation for Storrington in the 79th minute after Whibley had spoiled his afternoon by spilling Witherden's free-kick but Wasps were comfortable winners.
Norris picked out the performances of Dan Sullivan, who was impressive in the centre of midfield, Adam Dart and Ben Burns but was delighted with another solid team display.
PROGRESS to the second round of the Sussex Senior Cup - and a trip to first division Rye - was about the only comfort boss Steve Norris could glean from the match game.
Wasps should have put the game to bed without the need for an additional 30 minutes. They led 3-1 with six minutes to go only to concede two sloppy late goals.
In extra-time they twice led by two goals at 5-3 and 6-4, only to concede again with Chris Hughes' late penalty making the last five minutes more uncomfortable than they should have been for the visitors.
As the scoreline suggests, the defensive work by both teams left a lot to be desired with Grinstead keeper Lee Whibley responsible for two of the goals. Consolation for him, and Norris, was that it did not occur in a league game. It was a rare off day for Whibley.
Norris said: "It was like a schoolboy's game at times. For long periods they seemed to be playing four up front and that left us with lots of space to exploit. You have got to be happy with scoring six goals away from home but it wasn't one of our best defensive performances that's for sure."
Norris made one change to the team which had maintained our 100 per cent league record against Littlehampton the previous week with Danny Wackett, who has just become a father, making way for Richard Foyle.
But Mannie Neville, Dave Gellatly and Adam Dart were all suffering from infections and the latter two were both substituted in the second half.
Midfielder Neville scored his fourth goal of the season after 12 minutes but within a minute Ross Dance had levelled.
The visitors went back in front on 43 minutes when Dan Sullivan found the target with a cracking strike from 20 yards and when Tobi Hutchinson headed Simon Funnell's cross into the net with 11 minutes to go that looked to be that.
Wasps went looking for more goals instead of shutting up shop and were punished. Hughes made it 3-2 on 84 minutes when he robbed substitute Blair Cooney before firing past Whibley and then the keeper had a moment to forget four minutes later when he tried to dribble the ball outside the box and lost possession to Sultan Jamal who scored the simplest of equalisers to take the match into extra time.
But with Funnell using all his experience to pull the home defence out of position, Wasps were soon back in control - or so it seemed.
Sullivan netted his second cracking long-range strike of the day and then Ben Burns notched his first goal since returning to the side following injury, cutting inside two defenders before finishing expertly to make it 5-3.
Heath, however, kept plugging away. Ross Cambridge made it 5-4 in the 112th minute after Whibley dropped a routine ball into the box only for substitute Simon Tadman to restore Wasps' two-goal advantage with his second in successive games when he ran at the heart of the home defence before applying a cool finish.
Hughes gave Heath hope when he converted a late penalty after Drew Cooney was harshly penalised for a foul on the edge of the box with no Heath player appealing.
As well as their six goals, Wasps also hit the woodwork four times through Saunders, twice, Burns and Marc Pelling as the scoreline threatened to match that in Paris later on in the day.
"It could have been 10-9," admitted Norris. "I have stressed all along that promotion is the priority for us this season and maybe the players got the impression that we can just take it a bit easier in the cup games.
"That is not the case - wins in any competition breed confidence and we will have to play a lot better in our next two games in the league and I am confident we will."
WASPS produced a superb second-half fightback to maintain their 100 per cent league record in an East Court thriller.[Match photos]
Trailing 2-0 after five minutes against high-flying Littlehampton, they turned it round with three second-half goals - the winner coming from young defender Marc Pelling two minutes from time.
Steve Norris's side stay second in County League division two after their seventh straight win - and Norris felt justice was done when Pelling bravely got on the end of Tobi Hutchinson's corner to power a close-range header past James Everett from inside a crowded six-yard box.
He said: "I was proud of every one of the players. We made a terrible start but the commitment and energy we showed to turn it round against one of the best sides we will play this season was very satisfying."
Littlehampton began the day three points and two places below second-placed Grinstead and after five minutes it looked likely that they would make up that ground.
They went in front after just two minutes when Wasps failed to clear a corner and Howard Neighbour's shot took a huge deflection off Drew Cooney as the Wasps' skipper tried to block it and the ball flew into the bottom corner.
Three minutes later Wasps failed to deal with Ryan Hudson's corner and Barry Pidgeon gave Lee Whibley no chance with a free header at the far post.
It could have been worse with Neighbour forcing Whibley to turn his header over the bar and Adam Dart making a timely intervention in the six-yard box when Stuart Sells looked set to score. For 15 minutes, Littlehampton looked as if they might score every time they crossed the halfway line.
Grinstead weathered the storm, however, and gradually began to put some moves together although the closest they came to a first-half goal was when Danny Wackett's clearance from ten yards inside his own half sailed over Everett but drifted a couple of yards wide.
Whatever Norris told his troops at half-time soon had the desired effect. Within two minutes of the re-start Tobi Hutchinson picked out Mannie Neville's late run into the box and the midfielder side-footed in his cross from close range for his fourth goal of the season.
Wasps could easily have been level in their next attack when Pelling headed just over before Dan Sullivan's half-volley was cleared off the line.
The visitors stood firm but the tackle count rose and when Dave Gellatly was booked for a foul on Richard Brown, Littlehampton boss Trevor Waller was so incensed that he was sent to the stands by referee David Barnard after a heated exchange on the touchline.
Norris sent on Simon Tadman and the move paid off when he equalised with a glancing header from another superb Hutchinson cross.
With Littlehampton defending so deep they invited pressure although there was an element of controversy about Wasps' winner. Tom Saunders' header appeared to have cleared the bar without a deflection from Everett, but the referee awarded a corner and Pelling did the rest as a breathless 90 minutes ended with a suitably dramatic finale.
STEVE Norris praised the patience of his side after they maintained their 100 per cent league record with victory over stubborn Lancing.
It looked like being a frustrating afternoon for Wasps until Simon Funnell scored his second goal of the season 15 minutes from time to lift Grinstead into second place in County League division two. Significantly perhaps, it was also their first clean sheet for seven games.
Norris said: "In the first 30 minutes we played our best football of the season and if we had scored then it could have been a difficult afternoon for Lancing. But we had to be patient and it was good to see that we didnıt panic. We kept plugging away and in the end we got what we deserved, although Lancing made it very hard for us and showed that there are no easy games in this league."
They dominated possession for long spells but despite carving out several good chances, Lancing goalkeeper Richard Whitington was not seriously extended in the first half. He dealt comfortably with Funnellıs 30-yarder while Tom Saunders, Funnell and Mannie Neville were all off target with their efforts from inside the box.
Grinstead had lots of possession but their build-up often lacked the necessary urgency, allowing Lancing to get men back in numbers.
Whitington was more busy in the second half. Saunders and Neville had already wasted good openings when he made a double save in the space of seconds, tipping Dave Gellatlyıs 63rd-minute header over at full stretch before making a brave save to deny Neville from the resultant corner.
Adam Dart did not get enough contact on Dan Sullivanıs cross six minutes later when he was left free at the far post and Gellatly produced a great volley from outside the box which flew over.
It was not all one-way traffic though. Grinstead goalkeeper Lee Whibley only had to make routine saves but he should have been tested when Mark Saxby fired wide from the edge of the box after good work on the left by substitute Steve Palmer.
Just when Grinstead looked to have run into a yellow and blue wall they broke the deadlock. Tobi Hutchinson won the ball inside a crowded box and found enough space to thread the ball across the face of goal where Funnell was waiting to side-foot home.
In the closing stages Gellatly and substitute Aaron Zimmatore should have made it 2-0 but Lancing nearly equalised in the last minute when a corner fell to Tom Gurney 12 yards out but his tired effort cleared the bar.
WASPS gave County League leaders Wick a run for their money at Crabtree Park before exiting the FA Vase.
Boss Steve Norris was pleased with their performance - and was happy, too, that there were no more additions to a lengthening injury list.
He had nine players unavailable on Saturday but a re-shuffled side could have earned a replay had they taken their chances.
Norris said: "Against a top Division One side I was proud and delighted with how we played. They are going to be one of the best four teams in the league this season and it showed we are not far off in what we are trying to achieve."
Wasps could have taken the lead after just two minutes. Dave Gellatly, who had an outstanding game at the heart of a five-man midfield, picked out Tobi Hutchinson with a cross from the right which Hutchinson headed over the target.
Then Grant Rigler missed an even better chance when he got through with only goalkeeper David Leaver to beat, only to fire wide.
Wick made Wasps regret those misses with two goals midway through the half from Scott Murfin and Paul Jones, the second after the visitors failed to clear a corner.
But in the second half Grinstead again created openings and should have pulled a goal back when Hutchinson hit the post.
Murfin's second gave the scoreline a flattering look and Wasps did score with 15 minutes left when substitute Elvis Lynn capitalised on a mix-up in the heart of the home defence to lob in his first goal of the season.
As well as Gellatly, Adam Dart was a towering influence in the heart of a new-look back four and Richard Foyle did a good job in midfield.
WASPS are up to second in the table after recording a fifth straight Division Two win over their local rivals. But victory came at a cost with further injuries disrupting the squad.
Danny Wackett lasted less than a minute before going off with a groin strain. His replacement, Chris Day, hobbled off with an ankle injury in the second half while strikers Tom Saunders and Simon Funnell also picked up knocks.
Wasps are involved in FA Vase action at Wick on Saturday and boss Steve Norris will hope to have a few of his injured players available for the next league game on September 29 against Lancing at East Court.
The game itself was often scrappy and Wasps were never allowed to settle into their passing game for long periods by a hardworking Crawley Down side.
The visitors were ahead after four minutes when, with his first touch after coming on, Day got on the end of Lee Sullivan's inswinging corner to head in his second goal of the season.
Wasps were dominant early on but the home side began to claw their way back into the game and it was no surprise when Mark Saunders equalised on 38 minutes when he cut in from the right and beat Lee Whibley with a low, angled drive into the far corner.
But Grinstead regained their advantage within four minutes of the re-start when Mannie Neville picked his spot from close range after Crawley Down had failed to clear Ben Rainbow's long throw.
The second half followed a similar pattern to the first with Wasps' early dominance gradually being eroded with the final ball often a disappointment. But while the hosts enjoyed plenty of possession they rarely troubled Whibley, although Mannie Neville did well late on to block a goalbound shot from James Upton.
Upton was one of eight players - including three from Grinstead - facing their old club so perhaps it was not a surprise that the match was no classic, despite an excellent playing surface.
Strikers Funnell and Saunders were starved of decent service but in midfield Neville, Gellatly and Sullivan all worked hard while Marc Pelling and Day offered impressive protection to Whibley at the back.
With Matt Bradford and Ben Burns not too far away from returning and Drew Cooney available again on Saturday week, Norris will soon have plenty of options although he must long for the day when he has a fully fit squad at his disposal. Only then, perhaps, will the Grinstead supporters see what their side is capable of.
WASPS maintained their 100 per cent league record after a late goal from Tobi Hutchinson settled an entertaining encounter at Mile Oak on Saturday.
Hutchinson showed great composure when he won the ball on the edge of the box with six minutes left, sidestepping two challenges and goalkeeper Adam Laundon before firing home.
It was not a vintage display by Steve Norris's side. A hot afternoon and bumpy pitch made it difficult for Grinstead to play their passing game but, having twice thrown away the lead, Norris was happy enough with a fourth league win which lifted his side into fifth place in Division Two.
He said: "We made it hard work for ourselves at times but we scored three really good goals and I thought we finished strongly and deserved to win."
Grinstead were able to field a much stronger side than the one knocked out of the Division Two Cup by Seaford the previous week with Danny Wackett, Adam Dart, Ben Rainbow, Tom Saunders and Simon Funnell, who was making his debut, all in the line-up.
And they got off to a great start with a goal after five minutes. Funnell found Hutchinson on the left and his cross reached Dan Sullivan on the right-hand side of the box whose finish from an acute angle was an outstanding piece of skill.
The lead lasted just four minutes. Steve Porter's header found Paul Eaton in a great position and he got above Marc Pelling to head in what was, from a defensive perspective, a soft equaliser.
Oak's direct tactics and hardworking front-runners made it uncomfortable for Grinstead at times but the visitors carved out some decent chances, the best a header from Saunders after good work by Hutchinson which drifted wide.
But Funnell capped an impressive debut by restoring the lead after 36 minutes. The former Brighton striker turned just inside the box and his powerful low shot went through Laundon's legs and into the net.
Lee Whibley saved well from Tony Burnett while Funnell went close at the other end but Oak started the second half more positively and took just three minutes to equalise.
Breaking quickly after Wasps had lost possession at their own free kick, Eaton got clear down the right and his cross was easily converted by Scott Carden from close range.
Given the heat it was no surprise that the tempo dropped for a while. Wasps had plenty of possession and always looked dangerous in wide positions, particularly through Sullivan.
They began to get on top in the last 20 minutes with Laundon pulling off a brave save from substitute Grant Rigler who then headed wide from Sullivan's delivery.
But Hutchinson produced a great finish to win it and put Wasps in good heart for Wednesday's (Sept 19) local derby at Crawley Down.
Drew Cooney completes his three-match ban in that game and now only Ben Burns, Andy Turner and Matt Bradford are still injured although Ben Rainbow (ankle) picked up a knock on Saturday.
WASPS are out of the Division Two Cup after a late goal condemned them to a second successive defeat.
A disappointing game looked to be heading for extra time when Seaford won it with nine minutes to go. Steve Peacheyıs corner was flicked on by Adam Kneller and substitute Scott Stepney beat Lee Whibley from six yards.
To make matters worse, Wasps had Richard Foyle sent off in the last minute for the second of two fouls, both of which referee Barry Cox deemed bookable offences.
And midfielder Andy Turner joined a growing injury list in the first half when he limped off with a badly twisted knee after a collision with Ben Dartnell.
Wasps were without Adam Dart, Danny Wackett, top scorer Tom Saunders and Ben Burns while Drew Cooney and Ben Rainbow were suspended.
The absence of four first-choice defenders gave opportunities to Chris Day, Marc Pelling and Kevin Wright and the new-look back four did a decent job in a game where neither side threatened too much.
Turner's injury meant another re-shuffle with Simon Tadman, who started up front, switching to right midfield and Zac DeCambre partnering Tobi Hutchinson up front.
But Wasps struggled to create a great deal although there was no lack of effort from the likes of Dan Sullivan on the left and Mannie Neville, who had another impressive game in central midfield.
Dave Gellatly had their best first-half effort but dragged his shot wide after good work by Hutchinson but Grinstead never really dominated a Seaford side anxious to arrest a run of four straight defeats for any length of time.
The second half was a poor spectacle with both teams lacking a cutting edge but Seafordıs goal came ironically after the visitors had enjoyed their best spell.
Sullivan and DeCambre combined for the former to fire in a shot which Seaford goalkeeper Lamin Faal saved well then Sullivan's cross found Hutchinson in space for once ten yards out and his shot hit the base of the near post before Faal was able to gather.
Referee Cox's decision-making baffled both sides and hardly contributed to a free-flowing spectacle but after a disappointing afternoon Grinstead were just relieved that league points were not at stake.
The visitors created the better chances throughout and went ahead in the 12th minute when a simple long ball by defender Jono Richardson left the home defence flat-footed and Scott McDonald lobbed Lee Whibley with ease.
McDonald could have added a second but headed over an empty net from Shaun Loft's cross which Whibley mis-judged.
Wasps' best moment of the first half came when Rye keeper Harry Killick made a sprawling save to keep out Andy Turner's free-kick.
Norris clearly had words at half-time because his side began the second half strongly. Killick denied Saunders but the striker beat Killick to a cross on 51 minutes to head the equaliser.
But Wasps had surrendered the initiative again within two minutes when Duncan McArthur threaded a pass into the path of James Body who made it 2-1 with a firm shot past Whibley.
Marc Pelling and Dan Sullivan picked up yellow cards as Wasps chased an equaliser but Rye should have got a third when Loft's pass picked out McArthur but he shot into the side netting.
WASPS grabbed a last-minute winner for the second successive game as they progressed into the third round of the John O'Hara League Cup at East Court.
Neither side was at full strength with Wasps missing six players: defenders Matt Bradford and Danny Wackett, midfield pair Tobi Hutchinson and Andy Turner and strikers Ben Burns and Simon Funnell.
But once again the strength in depth in boss Steve Norris's squad was evident as they came from 2-1 down to win it with two goals in the last 15 minutes from Dave Gellatly.
The only disappointment for Norris came when leftback Adam Dart joined the injured list midway through the first half.
After playing up front in last Friday's league win over Wealden, Simon Tadman reverted to his normal wide-right role and he could have put Wasps in front on 12 minutes only to shoot wide from the edge of the box with only keeper Kirk Richie to beat.
Richard Foyle's volley and a header from Gellatly were also off target but Redhill had their moments too and Lee Whibley saved at full stretch to keep out Matt Males' 25-yard drive.
The game came to life eight minutes after the break when Dan Sullivan's quickly-taken free kick found Mannie Neville in space on the right-hand side of the box and his powerful shot flew into the corner.
But Redhill were level seven minutes later. Whibley came to try and claim a long throw into the box but failed and Luke Jones' looping header dropped into an empty net.
The first division side went ahead after 72 minutes when Aaron Knight's excellent left-wing cross picked out Jody Ricketts who picked his spot from six yards.
Wasps could have thrown in the towel but they are made of sterner stuff these days and were level within three minutes.
Sullivan, who had another excellent game on the left of midfield, let fly from 25 yards and when Richie failed to hold on, Neville squared to Gellatly who finished comfortably from close range.
And the midfielder struck for the fourth time this season a minute from time, lashing a volley through a crowd of players after Sullivan's mis-hit corner had somehow found its way across the six yard box.
WASPS made it three league wins out of three after Tom Saunders snatched a dramatic injury-time winner.
Saunders pounced to nod the ball over the line when Wealden goalkeeper Simon Davey failed to hold Dan Sullivan's inswinging corner.
It was a crucial win against one of the teams likely to challenge Grinstead for promotion from County League division two this season.
And it left boss Steve Norris delighted after one of the best performances by his side since he took over as manager nearly a year ago.
He said: "From 1-11 I thought we were exceptional. The work-rate was good, we defended well as a team and I felt the longer the game went on that we might nick a goal.
"We have set ourselves a very high standard with that performance and one I hope we are able to maintain throughout the season."
Norris made two changes to the team knocked out of the FA Cup by Herne Bay 72 hours earlier with Simon Tadman making his first start of the season in attack and Mannie Neville returning in midfield after injury.
Grinstead were still without Ben Burns, Simon Funnell, Matt Bradford and Tobi Hutchinson though but their performances offered more evidence of the strength in depth available to Norris.
Lee Whibley was the busier of the keepers in a high-tempo first half where both defences worked hard to cancel out their opponents' attack.
He blocked two efforts from Danny Curd and another by Lee Howard while Saunders had Wasps' best opportunity on the stroke of half-time when he found a yard of space but shot just past the far post.
The second half was much more open, particularly in the last 20 minutes when both sides began to tire and the game got very stretched.
Saunders directed a free header from Adam Dart's cross over from 12 yards, Andy Turner warmed Davey's hands with a 25-yarder and Tadman, who grew in confidence as the game wore on, directed a header straight at the keeper from another good Dart set-piece delivery.
Wealden had their moments too with the dangerous Wes Tate close to adding to the six goals he has already registered this season with a shot which hit the side netting before Whibley kept out another Curd effort.
Neither side deserved to lose but Wasps - and Saunders in particular - made it a great night for their travelling supporters with his last-gasp goal.
WASPS' hopes of an extended run in the FA Cup are over for another year.
Kent League Herne Bay were deserved winners of Tuesday's replay at East Court against a Grinstead side without five first-team regulars.
Matt Bradford, Ben Burns, Mannie Neville, Tobi Hutchinson and Simon Funnell were all absent through injury but Grinstead acquited themselves well without creating too many clear-cut chances.[Match photos]
Herne Bay took a controversial 25th-minute lead from the penalty spot.
Richard Foyle appeared to have won the ball cleanly when he tackled Aaron Fitch, but the referee pointed to the spot and after prolonged protests, Martin Chandler beat Lee Whibley.
Wasps levelled four minutes after the break when Bay keeper Jack Relo brought down Tom Saunders and Saunders stepped up to score his fourth of the season from the spot.
But Wasps were only level for four minutes.
Chris Southan guided a close -range header past Whibley and a minute later Chris Harvey capitalised when Adam Dart missed his clearance to fire an unstoppable shot past the Grinstead goalkeeper.
Substitute Simon Tadman went close after coming off the bench with 20 minutes to go, but a resolute Herne Bay side were deserved winners in the end.
INJURIES to Matt Bradford and Tobi Hutchinson took some of the gloss off a battling performance by Wasps in the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup.
Central defender Bradford is likely to be missing for a month after injuring his ankle while Hutchinson is out for 7-10 days with a dead leg.
Despite those setbacks, Wasps acquitted themselves well against their Kent League opponents and boss Steve Norris felt they deserved the replay at East Court.
He said: "It was a good performance, we showed real battling qualities. Herne Bay were physical and robust which is what we expected but we stood up to them well, although the replay will be just as tough. Losing Matt and Tobi is a blow - it will be a minor miracle if they make the replay."
Both sides passed the ball well despite the poor surface at Winch's Field but chances were rare - although after conceding six goals in two league games Steve was delighted his side kept a clean sheet.
Bradford limped off after just five minutes following a hard but fair challenge by Luke Harvey, with Richard Foyle taking his place.
Danny Wackett switched to central defence alongside Drew Cooney and had a fine game with keeper Lee Whibley only forced into one first-half save when he kept out Harvey's drive which might have sneaked inside the post.
At the other end, Tom Saunders and Ben Burns offered more evidence that they are building a good understanding while in midfield Mannie Neville had another assured game.
Wasps created their best opportunity with ten minutes remaining when Saunders' shot from 30 yards was heading for the top corner until Bay keeper Jack Delo tipped it over at full stretch.
Norris added: "Neither side deserved to lose. Defensively we looked very solid even when Matt went off. We've got the squad which can cope with injuries this season and that makes a big difference."
Dan Sullivan will be added to the squad for the replay and is expected to make his debut on the left-hand side of midfield.
Struggling Pease Pottage were no match for a rampant Grinstead side even though Steve Norris's men played for an hour with ten men.
Defender Drew Cooney was sent off when he reacted to an off-the-ball challenge by pushing an opponent and Steve Baker showed him a straight red which means an automatic three-match ban.
Grinstead's squad is better equipped this season to cope with this sort of setback but it also means that players who miss games through suspensions might find it hard to get back in the side.
Wasps were already 3-0 up after getting the perfect start with a goal after 18 seconds through Andy Turner, who was unmarked at the far post when Tobi Hutchinson left three defenders in his wake before providing an inch-perfect cross.
Hutchinson, who had recovered from an ankle injury to take his place in the line-up, got his first goal for the club on 18 minutes. Turner fed Dave Gellatly and his cross was met with a first-time shot from Hutchinson which flew into the net.
Pottage's night got even worse 11 minutes later when Paul Clarke could only turn Hutchinson's cross into his own net with Tom Saunders lurking.
Despite losing Cooney, Wasps continued to play some terrific attacking football on a perfect surface and stretched their lead just before the break when defender Matt Bradford, who was making his first start of the season, galloped forward and released midfielder Gellatly who finished coolly to register his second goal of the campaign.
Steve Tasker pulled one back on the stroke of half-time with a terrific shot from 20 yards which goalkeeper Lee Whibley, a spectator for much of the first half, could do nothing about.
But it did little to alter the pattern of the game. Grinstead continued to dominate after the break with six more goals including a hat-trick for the impressive Saunders.
Strike partner Ben Burns had already made it 5-1 with his second of the season - a superb shot on the turn which flew inside the far post.
Not to be outdone, Saunders raced onto Adam Dart's 51st-minute pass to open his account for the club. He had a second 12 minutes later after Burns set him up and completed a 14 minute hat-trick with a sidefoot finish from close range after good work on the left by Dart and substitute Kevin Wright.
Richard Foyle got in on the act in fortuitious fashion on 70 minutes when the substitute's mis-hit volley looped over the keeper and Burns got his second and took Grinstead into double figures when Wright's pass released him ahead of a tiring defence and he rounded the goalkeeper to score.
Consolation for the visitors came with two late goals from David Labranche - both well taken efforts from the edge of the box - but they were outplayed.
The home side were warmly applauded off by their supporters at the end. Sterner tests await Wasps this season - starting on Saturday in the FA Cup at Herne Bay - but the signs are encouraging.
Grinstead: Whibley, Wackett, Dart (sub: Day 67), Neville, Bradford, Cooney, Turner(sub: Foyle 67), Gellatly, Burns, Saunders, Hutchinson (sub: Wright 60): Not used : De Cambre, Owens (gk)
SUBSTITUTE Chris Day was an unlikely match-winner as Wasps began the new season with a thrilling win over promoted Rustington at East Court on Saturday. [Match photos]
Despite leading 3-1 with an hour played, it looked as if we would have to settle for a point.
But in injury time, Drew Cooney headed Andy Turner's corner back into the danger area and Day showed the prowess of a striker to turn and volley the ball through a crowd of players and past goalkeeper Andy McCarthy - much to the relief of his team-mates and boss Steve Norris.
"It was a great game for the supporters but not for managers," said Steve. "We made some basic errors which cost us goals and our defending does need to improve.
"But there were lots of positives as well, not least that we shared the goals around. At times we played some lovely football and if we had taken one of the chances we created when it was 3-1 then the game would have been over.
"We didn't and it looked like a draw but Chris did so well. If we can cut out the errors we have definitely got a chance of doing something this season."
Steve gave debuts to four of his summer signings but Tobi Hutchinson was taken off at half-time with an ankle injury after a heavy challenge from Richie Hellen.
Ross Adams punished Grinstead with a close-range opener after 13 minutes when he was allowed too much time and space to fire past Lee Whibley.
Wasps responded positively however, and three goals in 13 minutes put them in control at half-time.
Cooney showed his value at set pieces by getting on the end of Turner's 32nd-minute corner to set up Dave Gellatly who scored from close range.
Ten minutes later Gellatly turned provider and set up Ben Burns who produced a cool finish and on the stroke of half-time a quickly taken free-kick caught Rustington napping and midfielder Mannie Neville celebrated his debut with a close-range goal.
Burns was twice denied by McCarthy at the start of the second half which seemed to give the visitors fresh heart.
Sean Duffy pulled one back after 63 minutes when he lobbed keeper Lee Whibley and 12 minutes later McCarthy made a fantastic one-handed save to keep out Gellatly's close-range shot after a sweeping Wasps' move.
But as the heat began to take its effect and the game got stretched Rustington appeared to have salvaged a point when Duffy set up Lee Gibbs to make it 3-3 - only for Day to have the last word.
MATT Bradford made his first appearance of the season as Wasps lost this their third pre-season friendly to their newly promoted first division hosts.
Boss Steve Norris was satisfied with his side's performance after they came from 2-0 down and could easily have drawn or even won the game.
With goalkeeper Lee Whibley unavailable, Norris gave two youngsters, Scott Owens and Danny Staples, a chance to impress between the sticks but Owens could do little about Saints' eighth-minute opener. Ian Beads' shot was parried by Owens but the rebound fell straight to Scott Harris who netted.
Tobi Hutchinson, partnering Tom Saunders again up front, had a goal disallowed following Danny Wackett's free kick and Hutchinson put another chance over after good work on the left by Mannie Neville.
Wasps fell 2-0 down just before the break when Harris got his second after a double save by Owens.
Staples, 16, took over at the interval and Grinstead pulled a goal back after 49 minutes when Saunders scored his second pre-season goal with a neat side-foot finish from Neville's low cross.
Hutchinson thought he had equalised when his effort appeared to have bounced in off the underside of the bar after 62 minutes but the linesman ruled that it had not crossed the line.
Staples made a good late save when he tipped a shot over the bar for a corner by which time Norris had made five more substitutions including a first run out of the season for Kevin Wright.
Adam Dart scored after seven minutes with a wonderful strike following a throw in.
Tom Saunders had his effort cleared off the line following a good cross from Tobi Hutchinson on the left. Just before the end of the first half the Bridges keeper brought off a great save from Tobi Hutchinson which looked to be going in the top corner after some good interpassing between Richard Foyle and Simon Tadman on the right flank.
Grinstead were playing the ball around well and deserved their 1 - 0 lead at half time.
Wasps had a couple of early chances in the second half. A nicely flighted ball from the left was just too high for Kevin Wright who couldn't make a clean header with his first touch within a minute of coming on as sub. A couple of minutes later, Marc Pelling's header just went over the bar following a free kick taken by Andy Turner.
Tiredness crept in during the last 20 minutes with this being only Grinstead's second pre-season outing with the previous match being their win over Haywards Heath on Thursday. Bridges scored twice within as many minutes during the last eight minutes thanks to two huge deflections.
WASPS kicked off their pre-season friendlies with an unltimately comfortable win over spirited third division hosts.
Boss Steve Norris fielded six of his seven new signings with only striker Simon Funnell missing. In Funnell's absence, Tobi Hutchinson was paired up front with Tom Saunders who has become Grinstead's seventh pre-season signing.
Danny Wackett and Chris Day played for the first hour at the centre of defence while another new face Dan Sullivan operated on the left.
In midfield, Mannie Neville made his first start alongside Dave Gellatly, operating in front of the back four and allowing Gellatly to push forward and support the attack.
A small pitch and gusty wind were hardly ideal conditions and Wasps struggled to get their passing game going early on, falling behind after 18 minutes when Lee Whibley was beaten by a tremendous strike from 30 yards.
But slowly Grinstead got to grips with their task and they levelled six minutes later.
Sullivan did well to keep the ball in play down the left and his low cross was met by Saunders, who peeled away from his marker before firing into the bottom corner.
Neville and Gellatly began to control midfield and Neville almost put his side ahead when his 43rd-minute header was cleared off the line.
Norris made his first change after 49 minutes when Bobby Buckingham replaced Day. Buckingham operated at rightback allowing Marc Pelling to switch to the centre of defence alongside Wackett.
On the hour Elvis Lynn and Simon Tadman came on for Andy Turner and Jez Tobin in midfield.
It was Tadman's first competitive action since he broke his leg in April 2006 and he gave the attack some real impetus.
Wasps began to dominate and they went ahead after 70 minutes. Gellatly found Tadman and continued his run into the box to meet Tadman's driven cross and find the net from close range.
Wasps were awarded a penalty five minutes later for handball, but the referee changed his mind and gave Grinstead a free-kick 20 yards out which Gellatly drove over the bar.
Hutchinson, Saunders and Tadman were giving Heath's defenders plenty of problems by now and Saunders hit the post with a left-foot drive.
But Wasps got a third in the 89th minute when Gellatly's pass picked out Hutchinson and his low cross was side-footed home by Tadman.
This was an encouraging performance by a new-look side with all the newcomers looking the part. Norris was without Matt Bradford, Ben Burns, Drew Cooney and Adam Dart as well as Funnell which will make his job of picking the side for the league campaign tough, although the boss would want it no other way.
