Wasps finished the season by extending their unbeaten run to six games with a hard-fought draw against this season's County League runners-up Peacehaven. [Match Photos]
Joel Greaves and Miles Neville were both missing from the side which secured first division safety with Saturday's 3-2 win over Selsey while Jamie Banasco-Zaragoza returned in goal and Lee Granger made his debut at left-back.
Most of the goalmouth action came in an entertaining first half. Luke Piscina hit the post with a 20 yarder early on but the visitors responded strongly. Tom Burton headed wide from close range and Banasco-Zaaragoza made an outstanding save to keep out Clive Snell's close range shot.
But the hosts went behind in the 17th minute when their defence failed to deal with a routine ball down the middle and Wes Millis raced through before firing into the far corner.
Banasco-Zaragoza made another good save from Ashley Jones' header but Wasps levelled on 25 minutes when Jones handled Kieran Wilson's cross inside the box and Piscina scored his 17th goal of the season from the penalty spot.
Wasps dominated the rest of the first half and could have gone in front. Matt Crane's header hit the underside of the bar before being scrambled away, Jamie Evans kept out Lucas Mann's 25 yard drive and Evans made another good stop to deny David Major.
The second half was a drab affair and when Wilson went off on the hour Wasps lost a lot of their attacking momentum. Their best chance came when Dave Gellatly surged into the box but dragged his shot wide but at the other end Snell directed a free header wide of goal and Snell was denied by the woodwork.
Grinstead boss Tony Beckingham said: "It was nice to end the season with a decent result against a good side. We have done superbly in the last month to make sure we are still in this division next season. The players deserve every credit.
"We have a lot to do this summer to make sure we improve next season. The County League is very tough and there are no easy games but I definitely feel we belong at this level."
Wasps secured another season of first division football after they came from 2-0 to clinch victory with an injury-time goal.
Tony Beckingham's side will finish the season in higher place and more points than a year ago when they won on the last day of the campaign to stay up.
It will give Beckingham, whose side have won five of their last eight games and only lost once during that time, something to build on although Beckingham is also aware that the squad will need strengthening in the summer if they are to avoid another relegation battle next season.
One player he will be keen to keep is striker Joel Greaves, whose two goals earned Wasps only their fourth home league win of the campaign.
Grinstead made a terrible start, conceding after just two minutes. Goalkeeping coach Tony Prime, forced into action and the ninth keeper Wasps have used this season, was powerless as two Rob Wimble efforts hit the bar and when his defence failed to clear Scott Dormer scrambled the ball home from close range.
Grinstead were soon on the offensive themselves but it looked like being a frustrating afternoon as Lucas Mann fired wide with only keeper Ryan Chard to beat, John Sinclair hit the bar from a header and Steve Causon's header was kept out by a fingertip save from Chard.
Selsey doubled their lead in the 36th minute when more untidy defending was punished by Matt Collino but within a minute Greaves had bulldozed his way past two challenges before firing a shot between the keeper's legs to make it 2-1.
It was just the tonic Wasps needed and they started the second half on the front foot. Luck again seemed to be against them when Greaves hit the bar with a header but they levelled after 61 minutes. Marc Pelling headed down Luke Piscina's free-kick and Mann slid in at the far post to score.
A draw would have been enough to keep Wasps up but to their credit they pushed for a winner. So too did Selsey and in the last 20 minutes there were scares at both ends. Chard made a superb reflex save to keep out Sinclair's shot while substitute Callum Britton headed over at the other end.
But in a dramatic finale Wasps won it in injury time when substitute Michael Belli headed another Piscina free-kick into the six yard box and Greaves turned to volley into the top corner before being engulfed by his delighted team-mates.
Grinstead: Prime; Crush, Crane, Pelling, Miles Neville (sub: Belli 45); Sinclair, Causon, Piscina, Wilson; Greaves, Mann. Unused subs: Abbott, Gellatly, Mannie Neville, David Major.
Grinstead ought to have secured safety with this match but they squandered several chances and were punished by an equaliser ten minutes from time.
Lucas Mann headed Drew Crush's cross against the crossbar in the seventh minute to set the tone for an impressive performance by the home side.
Luke Piscina missed from inside the six yard box and had another chance just before the break after a mistake by defender Lee Jules, but his chip was gathered at full stretch by goalkeeper Nick Maynard.
But Wasps deservedly broke the deadlock four minutes after the break when Piscina turned inside the six-yard box to beat Maynard with a right-foot volley after United had failed to clear a corner.
Maynard kept Eastbourne in it with superb saves from Mann, Piscina and then John Sinclair. The ball fell to Mann but if anything he struck his shot too well and it crashed back off the bar.
Wasps were made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal when substitute Joe Haffenden rose to head home Ben Billings' cross from the left.
It was the only time that Danny Harwood, the eighth keeper Wasps have used this season, was troubled. Tony Beckingham's hardworking team again defended well, kept the ball moving in midfield and always had willing outlets up front in Mann, Piscina and Keiran Wilson.
Mann was inches away from winning it in the last five minutes, first when Maynard smothered the ball at his feet and then when a defender cleared Piscina's cross off his toes in the six-yard box.
The game at Middle Road, played in summer sunshine and on a rock-hard uneven pitch was never going to be a classic and so it proved.
Wasps had to give a first-team debut to Ben Abbott, who has performed consistently for the reserves this season, in goal because of injury to Liam Lyndsay but the sixth keeper they have fielded this season had little to do against a Shoreham side with nothing to play for and little motivation as a result.
There was little activity at the other end either in the first half and it wasn't until the 19th minute before Wasps genuinely threatened when skipper Dave Gellatly played a good ball for the overlapping Drew Crush who surged forward and his shot went just over the bar.
Wasps created a couple of glorious chances just before the break. On 41 minutes Keiran Wilson's free kick was headed down by Marc Pelling and Lucas Mann was inches away from making contact.
Luke Piscina then linked up with Joel Greaves and ended a powerful surge with a shot which home keeper Michael Hunter tipped over for a corner.
The visitors' greater desire for a result was again evident in the second half and they should have gone in front in the 65th minute. Pelling again headed down inside the area to Piscina but his header from six yards drifted wide.
Greaves and Piscina both went close and mounting Grinstead pressure was finally rewarded ten minutes from time when Piscina took a short corner from Dave Gellatly in his stride and whipped a dangerous ball across the face of the goal which Lee Denyer could only turn into his own net.
Wasps held on comfortably enough and although it wasn't pretty it was still a resilient performance by a side who have kept clean sheets in four of their last six games, always a good base from which to win matches.
BOSS Tony Beckingham believes Grinstead can avoid a bottom-three finish after winning back-to-back league games for the first time this season.
Matt Crane's second-half volley settled a scrappy encounter at Mill Road as Wasps built on last week's confidence-boosting 3-2 home win over Shoreham.
Beckingham said: "We have kept three clean sheets in our last five games and won three of those matches and you can see the confidence building all the time. The players now go into every game believing they can get a result.
"When I came to the club in February people might have expected a quick fix to our problems but myself and the coaching staff knew it would take time.
"We'd take fourth bottom at the end of the season now but if we finish this year strongly it will give us something to build on for next season."
Wasps had to make one enforced change at Arundel after Steve Causon was delayed when his car broke down but it didn't seem to affect their rhythm and they created the better chances in a low-key first half when both sides seemed inhibited by a rock-hard pitch which made good football difficult.
The visitors' best chance came on 25 minutes when Mannie Neville headed wide from six yards after Lucas Mann had sent over an inviting cross. Another good move involving Mann and Kieran Wilson would have resulted in a fabulous goal but Joel Greaves just failed to get a decisive touch in the six-yard box.
Arundel were kept at arm's length and Wasps finally broke the deadlock in the 69th minute. Matt Crane headed a corner from Miles Neville goalwards which Marc Pelling and a defender contested with the ball coming back into the path of Crane who scored his fifth goal of the season with a well-executed volley into the top corner.
Greaves was denied a second late on when his shot hit the post but Wasps were worthy winners.
Grinstead: Lyndsay, Crush (sub: Causon 80), Miles Neville, Sinclair, Crane, Pelling, Wilson, Gellatly, Greaves, Mannie Neville, Mann: Unused sub: D Major
WASPS are out of the relegation zone for the first time since January after strikers Lucas Mann and Joel Greaves combined to get the goals which sunk Shoreham at the GAC Stadium.
Mann scored twice and Greaves the other as Grinstead moved above Pagham and Hailsham and out of the County League first division's bottom three.
Wasps thoroughly deserved their win. Mann had already squandered two openings when he only had Shoreham keeper Michael Hunter to beat when he broke the deadlock in the 21st minute.
Greaves got behind the visitors' defence to pick out Mannie Neville with his cross and Neville headed it back across goal to Mann who made no mistake from close range.
The game was scrappy for long spells but the visitors created little until the 65th minute when they conjured up a shock equaliser when Ryan Bradley converted Owen Callaghan's cross from close range.
But Wasps were back in front four minutes later. Mann, who had just gone close again, was found by Kieran Wilson on the left and his first-time shot flew past Hunter into the bottom corner.
Greaves made the game safe in stoppage time with a fierce drive into the top corner after good work by Drew Crush.
There was still time for Bradley to score an outrageous second for the visitors when, straight from the re-start, he spotted goalkeeper Liam Lyndsay off his line and lobbed the youngster from fully 50 yards out.
But Grinstead saw the game out comfortably enough and head to Arundel on Saturday (3pm) looking to build on their second win in four games.
WASPS did everything but the most important thing at Crabtree Park on Saturday and paid the price with a costly defeat in their battle to avoid the drop.
They created four guilt-edged chances against their fifth-placed opponents but failed to take any of them and were punished in the last 16 minutes by two Wick goals.
Assistant manager Ken Thurgood said: "Their bench said we should have been 4-0 up before they scored and couldn't believe the position we are in but they sound like hollow words when you have lost despite playing so well.
"We set ourselves up to be hard to beat and I couldn't see us losing the game and if we had taken one of those opportunities we would have gone on and won comfortably.
"It is disappointing but we have six games left, four of them at home, and the spirit is still very good. We are still confident of getting out of the bottom three but we need to take our chances in games when we are on top."
Thurgood, in charge because boss Tony Beckingham was on holiday, had top scorer Luke Piscina and striker Joel Greaves back but elected to stick with the 4-5-1 formation which had earned Wasps a point at Crawley Down on Monday.
It succeeded in blunting Wick's attacking edge in a poor first half. On the half hour mark, Lucas Mann won a race with keeper Alex Bryant to Mannie Neville's pass and when they collided Mann prodded the ball goalwards along the line but saw it come back off the post. He also needed treatment for the knock but was able to continue.
Bryant made a good save from Neville's header just before the break but the game only came to life in the second half. Mann blasted over from 12 yards when a free-kick fell at his feet in the 56th minute and six minutes later had an even better chance after Dave Gellatly's pass found him but he shot disappointingly wide.
Wasps squandered another great chance in the 69th minute when Greaves cross found Neville in space four yards out but he somehow blazed over and then three or four Grinstead players had a stab at burying the ball from inside the six-yard box after a powerful surge by Greaves but it would not go in.
The least it looked as if Wasps would leave with was a point but those missed chances came back to haunt them in the 76th minute when George Gaskin beat Liam Lyndsay with a low shot from the edge of the box which was Wick's first effort on target.
Bryant made another good save to keep out Mann's header but six minutes from time substitiute Mitchell Hand made the points safe with a shot which went in off the underside of the bar.
Grinstead: Lyndsay, Crush (sub: D. Major 85), Miles Neville (sub: Piscina 66), Causon, Pelling, Johnston, Wilson, Gellatly, Greaves, Mannie Neville, Mann. Unused sub Banasco-Zaragoza.
Suspended Luke Piscina was joined on the sidelines by John Sinclair, Joel Greaves, Dave Waters, Mark Pelling, Michael Belli and Michael Cramp while Liam Baitup, Danny Powell and Dean Brown have all left the club in the last few days.
In came Scott Johnston and Mile Neville from Saturday's team and the two youngsters did well to restrict Down's dangerman Tony Reid, who has scored 23 goals this season, to just one sight of goal in the match.
That came in the tenth minute when he latched onto a long ball and lobbed goalkeeper Liam Lyndsay but his effort landed the wrong side of the upright.
That was the highlight of a dire first half with neither side able to get any momentum with a swirling wind and bumpy pitch not helping either.
The game improved after the break. On 56 minutes Down winger Lee Wood's cross picked out the unmarked Matt Beeston at the far post but he stabbed his shot wide.
Grinstead responded when Mannie Neville's header from David Major's deep cross was pushed round the post by Shayne Goldsmith. Then on 62 minutes Major's pass released Dave Gellatly on the left but his first-time volley was inches off target.
The normally reliable Sam Cane missed Down's best opportunity, firing wide of an open goal when Reid inadvertently set him up but Matt Crane thought he had won it 20 minutes from time for Wasps when his looping header, from another testing set-piece delivery by Major, hit the crossbar.
A draw was a fair result but after losing both previous encounters with their local rivals, Grinstead were probably the happier of the two teams with the outcome.
In a clash of two of the bottom three sides Lucas Mann had two goals disallowed in the first 15 minutes, both for contentious offside decisions but Wasps continued to pose more of a threat against opponents lacking in confidence with Dave Gellatly and Mann both testing Pagham keeper Wes Hallett before half-time.
The crucial goal came on 53 minutes when Greaves did well to create space for a cross from the right which Neville headed firmly past Hallett for his third goal of the season.
His previous goal had come in Wasps' last away win at Crowborough on November 3 and he nearly created a second with 14 minutes to go with a great pass to Mann who turned inside his marker and forced another good save out of Hallett.
Wasps defended too deeply in the closing stages for the liking of their anxious supporters but they hung on for what could turn out to be a crucial win.
Grinstead: Lyndsay, Crush, Wilson, Causon, Crane, Pelling (sub Johnston 74), Major D (sub Rigler 85), Gellatly, Greaves, Neville, Mann. Unused sub: Ben Abbott.
In-form Three Bridges hammered Wasps 7-3 in treacherous conditions thanks to a hat-trick from Dean Wright, who scored his goals in the last 25 minutes, Lee Carney (2), an own goal and Dean Carden.
The only consolation for Grinstead was a two-goal debut by former Lingfield striker Joel Greaves, who has joined the club from Ryman League Thamesmead Town.
Luke Piscina scored his 16th of the season from a free-kick, also in the second half, but goalkeeping coach Tony Prime had to replace Jamie Banasco-Zaragoza in the first half after the keeper injured his knee when he collided with the post as he tried to prevent Bridges' second goal.
Lucas Mann had an early chance for Wasps after a slip by Joey Aquilina, but after 14 minutes Lee Carney played a ball out wide to Ashley Dugdale, whose cross-shot went in off defender Dave Waters.
Ten minutes later Joel O'Hara set Dugdale free again, this time the low cross being parried only for Lee Carney to slip home the loose ball.
Substitute keeper Tony Prime was called into early action when he held a low drive from George Hillier, while another Dugdale cross ended with an acrobatic overhead kick by O'Hara that sailed just over.
Right on half-time an angled shot by Hillier spun off Prime and was lashed over the line from close range by Dean Carden.
The second half started with Waters heading just wide from a free kick, before Joel Greaves pulled a goal back from the penalty spot after 48 minutes.
Fox then had to hold a good strike by John Sinclair as Grinstead suggested a comeback for the second time this season, but within four minutes of replacing Hillier, Dean Wright laid the ball off for Carney to finish clinically.
Two minutes later Carney returned the compliment with a neat chip over for Wright to clip home, and after 78 minutes Wright dug the ball out of his feet to notch his second and Bridges' sixth.
A foul by Dan Bates resulted in an 83rd minute free-kick that Luke Piscina fizzed through the wall and in.
A minute later Joel Greaves burst through and scored, despite being outnumbered, to make the scoreline look semi respectable, until in injury time, Carden's cross was met by a diving header by Wright for the young striker's hat-trick.
WASPS remain rooted to the bottom of the first division after a controversial second-half penalty condemned them to a fifth defeat in six games under new boss Tony Beckingham.
On a dramatic night at The Oval, the game was stopped for 32 minutes in the second half after Eastbourne right-back James Bywater suffered a horrific broken ankle after an innocuous challenge from Lucas Mann, until two weeks ago a team-mate of Bywater's before his move to Grinstead.
The game did not finish until 10.20pm but the drama did not end at the final whistle as Wasps' defender Dave Waters was sent off after picking up his second yellow card of the night along with United's goalscorer Danny Andrews.
Waters had been booked for protesting about the 70th minute spot kick that settled the contest when skipper Dave Gellatly was penalized for bringing down Shane Saunders on the edge of the box. No one, least of all Saunders, could believe it when referee Steve Roots pointed to the spot and Andrews sent Jamie Banazro-Zaragoza the wrong way from the penalty.
Ironically, the goal came just when Wasps were enjoying their best spell of the game although on the balance of play the visitors could not complain that the best side won.
Eastbourne struck the woodwork four times, the first occasion after just 20 seconds through Steve Dallaway's header. Brad Manton's 20 yarder struck the post before the break and twice after the re-start sub Joe Haffenden was twice denied by the upright.
Banasco-Zaragoza had an inspired night in goal for Grinstead with some fine saves, the best two to deny Manton as the visitors' goal often led a charmed life.
Wasps fared a little better in the second half when they switched to 4-4-2 but the absence of Mannie Neville, John Sinclair and Drew Crush meant Wasps lacked bite in midfield and United's impressive pace and movement meant they were on the back foot for long spells.
Neither side seemed able to concentrate on the game after the unfortunate injury to Bywater but to compound Grinstead's disappointment following another defeat is the knowledge that they will lose Waters for one game at a crucial stage of the season.
Wasps play two crucial home games in the space of four days which could have a big bearing on their survival prospects. Three Bridges visit the GAC Stadium on Saturday (3pm) and Peacehaven are their visitors next Tuesday (7.30pm).
THE complimentary post-match words of Whitehawk manager Darren Freeman would have carried extra resonance had Wasps been able to take a point off the County League leaders on Saturday.
Instead, Grinstead slumped to the bottom of the first division after a fourth defeat in five since new boss Tony Beckingham took over.
Beckingham warned that it would take a while for his new-look side to settle down and there have definitely been signs of improvement since he was appointed.
But games are running out for Grinstead to save themselves although the evidence suggests that, if they can stop conceding scruffy goals, they can still climb clear of trouble with eleven matches and 33 points still up for grabs.
Whitehawk offered free admission on Saturday to drum up interest ahead of their FA Vase semi-final this weekend but the 100-plus crowd would have been forgiven for wondering what the fuss was about in a quiet first half when the best chance fell the visitors way.
After just three minutes Lucas Mann fed Michael Belli and the right-back beat his marker and put a cross onto Dean Brown's head. But Brown, making his full debut, could only direct his header at Stuart Anderson who tipped it over at full stretch.
Other than that Wasps kept their opponents at arm's length and added to their growing frustration a minute after the break when Mann was fouled 20 yards out and Luke Piscina's superbly struck free-kick arrowed into the top corner.
That stung Hawks into a response with Darren Freeman hitting the bar and seeing another effort saved at full stretch by Jamie Banasco-Zaragoza. The keeper has impressed since joining Wasps but he was at fault after 64 minutes when he mis-judged the flight of a corner and dropped it at the feet of defender Jay Head who scrambled in the equaliser.
When Scott Kirkwood made it 2-1 with a shot through a crowded box six minutes later normal service appeared to have resumed but Piscina deservedly drew his side level with a stunning shot from 25 yards on 77 minutes, after good work by Mann, for his 15th goal of the season.
But resilient Whitehawk weren't finished and substitute Marc Whiteman beat Banasco-Zaragoza eight minutes from time when he shot through a crowded area.
It was harsh on Grinstead and Freeman was impressed with their performance and predicted that they would soon start to climb the table.
Wasps' plight at the foot of the County League intensified as Down followed up last month's cup win over the local rivals with a hard-earned victory at the GAC Stadium.
But Tony Beckingham's men were entitled to feel both aggrieved and frustrated in equal measure after losing to two second-half goals.
The opener was extremely controversial when referee Neal Wallace awarded a corner, over-ruling his much better positioned assistant who had flagged for a goal kick. Nick Sullivan's corner bobbled in the six yard box before Sam Cane applied the final touch.
Wasps thought they equalised in the 69th minute when Dave Gellatly flicked on Kieran Wilson's corner and Marc Pelling fired goalwards. The defender had almost turned in celebration when goalkeeper Shayne Goldsmith pulled off an unbelievable reflex save to turn the ball over for a corner.
Goldsmith made another key stop to again deny Pelling and Wasps must have sensed it wasn't going to be their night when the normally reliable Dave Gellatly failed to hit the target from 12 yards, slicing a right-foot shot wide after being left unmarked.
Down rubbed it in deep into injury time when Tony Reid walked the ball into an empty net after Grinstead had thrown everyone, including goalkeeper Jamie Banasco-Zaragosa upfield to attack a late corner.
Down played with the confidence of a side looking forward to their first cup final as a senior club next month and who came into the on the back of a goalless draw with leaders Whitehawk.
Goldsmith was well protected by his defenders but Wasps still carved out the best chances in a first-half delayed for eight minutes after assistant John Hitchcock pulled his hamstring and had to be replaced by Andy Presland, a qualified referee.
Liam Baitup forced a full-length save from Goldsmith and then Wasps saw strong appeals for a penalty waved away after Lucas Mann went down at the end of a mazy run.
Their best chance came in the 42nd minute when Kieran Wilson surged down the left and crossed to Baitup but his side-foot effort was geaded off the line.
Grinstead secured a vital three points to move off the bottom of the table as they swapped positions with Mile Oak. [Matchday photos] It was manager's Tony Beckingham's first win in charge of the team and indeed it was Grinstead's first win of the year the last victory coming way back on the 12 December against Hailsham.
It was Grinstead's biggest match of the season as they look to avoid the drop. A defeat would have set Grinstead cast further adrift at the bottom of the table and Beckingham's attacking line up indicated Grinstead would go all out for the win.
He employed a 4-3-3 formation with new signing Lucas Mann spearheading the attack alongside Liam Baitup and Luke Piscina. It was also the first time that the home crowd would have seen ball playing centre-half Dave Waters and central midfielder Mike Azzopardi who both impressed particularly with their ball retention and their eye for a pass.
It was Grinstead who made all the early running as they looked to take the game to their opponents. Drew Crush was denied by a goal-line clearance after he met Azzopardi's corner with a firm header and then moments later Piscina's drive from the edge of the box was tipped round the post at full stretch by Oaks' keeper Aaron Stenning.
It was all Grinstead at this stage and Baitup and Mann combined well but Mann's shot from the edge the box was straight at Stenning. Grinstead kept pressing but it took a stunning goal to give the lead. A free-kick some 30 yards out was tapped to Piscina who struck a great drive into the top corner leaving Stenning with no chance.
Mile Oak looked most dangerous from set pieces and they gave Grinstead a warning on 32 minutes when centre-half Steve Porter had a free header 8 yards out but he headed well over.
Skipper Dave Gellatly was playing his first game under the new manager and he marked this with another good goal. Baitup was the provider with a neat lay off on the edge of the box and Gellatly drilled his shot just inside the post past the outstretched Stenning.
Credit to Mile Oak as for the first 15 minutes of the second half they put Grinstead under considerable pressure without ever threatening Jamie Banasco-Zaragoza in the Grinstead net but just as it looked like they could snatch a goal Grinstead scored the third in virtually their first meaningful attack of the half. It was another classy finish. Mann capped his debut when he latched onto the ball on the right hand side of the area and from an acute angle coolly slotted past Stenning.
The game was now virtually over as a contest and the game then became a bit scrappy not helped by the fussy referee. Grinstead's performance was marred however when Piscina was sent off for foul and abusive language. It was borne out of frustration when the referee got himself in the way of a tackle between Piscina and Mile Oak's midfielder Peter Martin. For some reason the referee gave a free-kick against Piscina which clearly frustrated the Grinstead striker.
Grinstead tried to shut up shop but they were undone by a corner which was eventually bundled over the line by substitute Mark Aylett but they saw out the game without any further scares.
Grinstead: Banasco-Zaragoza, Crush (Brown 80), Wilson, Azzopardi, Waters, Pelling, Sinclair, Gellatly, Piscina, Baitup (Belli 76), Mann (Granger 71). Subs not used: Burns, Prime
WASPS were beaten at third placed Peacehaven, losing narrowly 2-1 after what Tony Beckingham described as "a dreadful" refereeing decision which saw Peacehaven awarded a penalty.
New signings Liam Baitup, Dave Waters and Jamie Banasco-Zaragoza made their Grinstead debuts with Michael Azzopardi playing his second game since joining.
Michael Belli had given Wasps a first half lead but the hosts drew level from a corner when the ball was adjudged to have crossed the line. Keeper Jamie Banasco-Zaragoza was booked for contesting the decision.
Things got worse for Wasps when a foul was awarded against Michael Belli for what certainly looked like a clean challenge just inside his own half. From the free kick a Peachaven forward clipped the back of Luke Piscina's heel and went down. To everyone's amazement, the referee pointed to the spot and Lee Newman put the home side ahead.
Ben Burns had a great opportunity to level the game but hit his shot straight at keeper Jake Buss.
Peachaven were awarded another penalty late on which was blasted wide.
Wasps were without several players including top scorer Ben Burns, Simon Funnell, skipper Dave Gellatly, Mannie Neville and the suspended Matt Crane at Selsey where they lost despite taking the lead.
New boss Tony Beckingham said: (Reserve team manager) "Phil Major picked the side for me because I had not seen quite a few of the players before and there were lots of positives.
"But we made a couple of basic errors for their first two goals by giving away cheap possession and because of recent results you can see that confidence has taken a knock.
"I only had one fit forward so we played 4-5-1 and Luke Piscina ran his heart out for us and John Sinclair in midfield was awesome and won a lot of tackles."
Beckingham gave a debut to goalkeeper Sidney Anguiley, who has played Ryman premier for Waltham Forest this season, but he was at fault for Selsey's second goal in first-half injury time when Matt Collino's drive squirmed past him.
Wasps had taken the lead when Selsey defender Matt Lee deflected Michael Belli's cross into his own net but Andy Brown equalised and Lewis Hamilton made it 3-1 with a superb volley before Michael Belli got a second for Wasps with his first goal of the season 13 minutes from time.
Beckingham said: "We showed great spirit to get back to 3-2 and I couldn't fault our work-rate but the dressing room is quiet, which is not unexpected because of the results, and we need to work on that to create a buzz.
"It's a challenge but I am looking forward to it and to be honest I would rather be in this position coming into the job with something to play for than stuck in mid-table and I'm sure we can get ourselves up the league."
Grinstead: Anguiley; Miles Neville (sub: Cooney 65), Cramp, Pelling, Johnston; Crush (S. Major 70), Sinclair, Wilson, Azzopardi (Powell 75), Belli; Piscina.
Grinstead's season slipped to a new season low after their fifth defeat in their last six league games, combined with other results, left them propping up the County League Division One table.
They still have games in hand over the teams around them but whilst those sides are picking up points Grinstead have taken just one since mid December and unless their form improves relegation is now a distinct possibility.
They also finished the game with ten men after goalkeeper Liam Lindsay, who was done such a good job since coming into the side earlier this month, brought down Ben Vassallo when he was through on goal and received his marching orders.
Boss Steve Johnson stuck with the 3-5-2 formation that was so effective in last week's goalless draw against Hassocks. However second-placed Chichester were a much different proposition and very lively going forward and they soon highlighted the big gaps that Grinstead were leaving in the wide areas through the dangerous Joe Briggs and Adrian Brockway.
Time and again Wasps were cut open by the long diagonal ball to the flank that Luke Piscina was operating in an unaccustomed wing-back position.
Chichester started the brighter and Ben Vasallo should have done better when he got free of the Grinstead back line. Briggs headed well over when well placed at the back post and Shawn Benjamin's well struck volley from a corner flew just over.
Against the run of play, though, Grinstead took the lead on 18 minutes when a flighted Ben Burns corner was met with a firm header by defender Matt Crane from the centre of the penalty area past the stranded keeper Ben Hitchman. It was Crane's fifth goal of the season but more significantly he is the only player to score for Grinstead in 2010 which highlights their worrying problems in front of goal.
It never looked like that one goal was going to be enough for Wasps and after the returning Dan Powell wasted a good opportunity from a Simon Funnell through ball Chichester started to turn the the screw and they got their equaliser on the half-hour mark. It came from another corner which Briggs floated to the tall striker James Temple whose flicked header found Benjamin unmarked at the back post to tap home.
Eight minutes later Chichester went in front when Temple got free down the left and squared the ball back to Vasallo who after having his initial shot charged down calmly slotted past the exposed Liam Lindsay.
Grinstead at this point were being cut apart and only a double save by Lindsay from Temple prevented them going further behind before the break.
With three minutes to go before half time manager Steve Johnson made a surprise tactical substitution, taking off Piscina and replacing him with youngster Sam Fildes.
Chi were still dominant at the start of the second half and Vasallo should have made more of a mistake by Marc Pelling and he was also wasteful when Scott Johnston let him have a free run of goal. Vassallo was having a field day but luckily for Grinstead he wasn't having a good time in front of goal and Lindsay saved from another one of his effort's and a combination of Funnell and Drew Crush on the goal line ensured Wasps remained in the game.
It looked to be a case of when not if Chichester were going to increase their lead but when Blair Cooney replaced Dan Powell and Grinstead went to four at the back they suddenly became the better team and as the game progressed looked like they could snatch an equaliser.
Burns twice managed to get some space behind the Chichester defence and although his first shot went horribly wide he then hit a well-struck volley which curled just wide of the far post.
Fildes then went close with a back-post header from Dave Gellatly's cross and then they were denied by the sort of bad luck that often happens when you are down near the bottom when Burns' free kick was palmed away by Hitchman and somehow eluded the three Grinstead players who were looking for the rebound.
Wasps continued to push as Chichester appeared to tire but then in the last minute Vassallo, who was two yards offside, was brought down by the unfortunate Lindsay who was shown a straight red for a professional foul.
Grinstead stopped their run of five straight league defeats, but had to settle for a goal-less draw against mid-table Hassocks despite dominating for long periods of the game at the GAC Stadium.
Before their enforced extended break because of bad-weather postponements goal-scoring wasn't a problem for Wasps but with confidence low they are struggling to break down opposition defences at the moment and now haven't scored more than once in any of their last eight league and cup games.
Manager Steve Johnson welcomed back Luke Piscina, John Sinclair and Mike Cramp to the side and opted to go for a 3-5-2 formation that helped Grinstead dominate, particularly in the midfield areas.
They were on top throughout but despite this domination struggled to break through a resolute Hassocks rearguard. They did, however, look dangerous throughout from set-pieces and with a bit more luck they could have snatched the goal their endeavour deserved.
Skipper Dave Gellatly volleyed over from close range early on and from the resultant corner Marc Pelling headed off-target when well placed. Another corner moments later ended in Gellatly's shot from the edge of the box being deflected just wide and this time it was Ben Burns who wasted his headed opportunity from the corner.
Grinstead were well on top but were served a warning when after a mix-up in their defence allowed Sam Jeremiah to get in a shot on goal which Liam Lindsay was equal to.
Piscina was back to his pre-Christmas form and he went close on the quarter-hour mark but his well struck shot at the near post was parried way by Jack Simpson in the Hassocks goal.
The rest of the half saw Grinstead pressing without ever threatening to take the lead and they didn't work keeper Simpson enough despite all their possession and it took until a couple of minutes before half time before they threatened again when Burns volleyed over from a good Piscina cross.
Hassocks had a great opportunity to snatch the lead in the first minute of the second half. James Laing looked suspiciously offside but he rushed his shot straight at keeper Lindsay.
Piscina was always Grinstead's best hope of a goal and moments after Laing had gone close. A strong run down the left ended with a shot straight at Simpson and then on 53 minutes he had Grinstead's best opportunity of the match. His pace got him free of the Hassocks defence but with just Simpson to beat he was denied by a brilliant one -handed save.
For most of the rest of the second period the game mirrored the first half. Wasps continued pressing but time and again they were let down by their final ball and often by a lack of numbers in the penalty area and they were nearly dealt with the ultimate sucker punch late on.
As the home side committed more men forward they became more and more exposed to a counter-attack. Gellatly had just gone close with a stinging volley when, following a quick break, Jeremiah's lob from the edge of the box hit the roof of the net with Lindsay beaten.
Then in a dramatic climax, and with the very last kick of the game, Dan Jacques saw Lindsay off his line and from 35 yards his lob hit the underside of the bar and bounced on the line as the referee blew the final whistle for what would have been an undeserved Hassocks victory.
So our wait for a first division win over the Robins goes on but there was still plenty to encourage Steve Johnson after recent form and results that perhaps we have turned the corner.
Grinstead: Lindsay, Cramp, Wilson, Johnston, Pelling, Sinclair, Crane, Gellatly, Burns (sub: Fildes 85), Piscina, Crush. Subs not used: Johnson, Taylor
THERE have been a few dispiriting occasions at the GAC Stadium down the years but Wednesday night has to be up there among the worst of them.
This was the opportunity for Wasps to start climbing the table again against a side bottom of the league, albeit enjoying their best run of the season so far with seven points from their previous three games.
Grinstead supporters who braved the sub-zero temperatures were hoping to see virtually the same side that had battled for 120 minutes, 75 of them with ten men, before losing to Shoreham on penalties 4 days earlier produce a similar level of endeavour and commitment. They were to go home disappointed.
With all due respect, you look at Crowborough's best side compared to ours and there aren't too many of their players you would swap for ours but they looked more up for it from the start although there had been precious little activity in either goalmouth until the 23rd minute when Crows took the lead.
Bobby Buckingham failed to clear Dave Adams' cross from the left and when it fell to ex-Wasp Tom Saunders he cleverly chipped the ball to the far post where Sam Carrington got above the defence to head home.
Liam Lindsay pushed out a 20-yarder from Thom Newell a few minutes later and we didn't threaten their goal until the 38th minute when Si Funnell's free kick from the left eluded everyone and flew just past the far post.
It seemed to galvanise us though and Drew Crush should have equalised when Liam's clearance found him clear of the defence but Crushy dragged his shot wide of the far post.
Si's set-pieces were our best hope of a goal and after Matt Crane had headed his cross straight at Rob Gordon we found a way back into the game on 43 minutes when an inswinging corner was missed by Gordon and Crane turned it over the line, although Sam Reid might have got a touch.
Suddenly there was a bit of a spark about us but it was extinguished all too quickly as Marc Pelling's clearing header skimmed off his bonce and Sam Carrington nipped in, rounded Liam and scored from a tight angle.
Steve Johnson introduced Sam Fildes, Dave Gellatly and Neil Taylor in the second half and by the end we were playing 3-4-3 but Crowborough got a third goal on 66 minutes which was conceded far too easily from a Grinstead perspective. Gordon's clearance down the left touchline released Newell in loads of space and Carrington didn't have too many defenders for company either when he despatched his team-mate's pull-back past a helpless Liam.
We had a go in the last ten minutes when Gordon pushed out Craney's header, Si headed wide from a good cross by Keiran Wilson and Crushy's looping header hit the bar but the visitors thoroughly deserved their win.
GRINSTEAD: LINDSAY, WILSON, BUCKINGHAM, SCOTT JOHNSTON (SUB: TAYLOR 71), PELLING, NEVILLE, CRUSH, JACK JOHNSON (GELLATLY 71), FUNNELL, CRANE, BELLI (FILDES 62).
WASPS regained some lost pride despite going out of the RUR Cup in a penalty shoot-out at the GAC Stadium. Photos courtesy of Mike Dinsdale.
Despite being forced into numerous changes due to unavailabiltiy Grinstead gave a spirited and comitted display after being reduced to ten men just before half time when Matt Crane was sent off and were it not for the performance of Shoreham keeper Michael Hunter they would have been celebrating a place in the last eight.
John Sinclair, Martin Cramp, Luke Piscina, Simon Funnell and Dan Powell were all absent along with boss Steve Johnson, who was committed to a family gathering in Bristol, so injured skipper Dave Gellatly ran the team.
Grinstead gave a debut for 18 year old youth team goalkeeper Liam Lindsay and he gave an assured display with some good saves, including a penalty stop, and generally safe handling.
Michael Belli and Bobby Buckingham made their first starts of the season and on this basis should be pushing for regular first team places. Scott Johnston was also recalled and he gave an outstanding display alongside Marc Pelling in the heart of the home defence.
It was Shoreham who did most of the pressing after a quiet start. Lindsay was called into action after 10 minutes when he tipped over a speculative shot from Rob Boddy. The pressure increased on Wasps with James Rhodes appearing to have the freedom of the park and he went close when he headed over unmarked a back post.
Grinstead slowly got into the game and started to exert thier own pressure. Hunter was forced into tipping over Ben Burns' inswinging free kick and Jack Johnson saw his shot form the edge of the box deflected into the keeper's arms.
The hosts were dealt a blow when they went down to ten men on the stroke of half time. Matt Crane was pulled back by Dan Jordan and in his frustration appeared to kick Jordan on the ground. Jordan made the most of it and although none of the officials seemed to witness the incident Crane received a straight red which will mean a suspension.
The incident seemed to galavanise Grinstead and in the second half they were the side who looked the most likely to win and were it not for Hunter that would have been the outcome.
Burns was first to be denied when his crisp left-foot shot was tipped round the post. Moments later Drew Crush was denied after a sweeping Grinstead move brought the best out of Hunter.
Belli was also denied after a trademark driving run ended in his near-post shot being kept out by Hunter's legs and in the 90th minute substitue Sam Fildes saw his stinging shot from the corner of the penalty are palmed over by Hunter.
Grinstead continued to press in extra time. Crush was denied when Hunter was finally beaten but his shot hit the post. Shoreham did create their own chances however and they had the ideal opportunity when they awarded a penalty after Rhodes went down very easily from a Pelling challenge. Boddy took the penalty but he didn't strike it particularly well and Lindsay dived to his left to keep it out.
The game was streched at this point as both teams searched for that elusive goal and the impressive Mannie Neville was also denied by Hunter and then right on full time Lindsay had to be alert to keep out anther Rhodes effort.
The match went to penalites and Grinstead got what they didn't deserve as both Crush and Belli had their kicks saved by Hunter and Shoreham confidently scored the four kicks they took to progress.
Nevertheless it was a much improved performance by Wasps.
Grinstead: Lindsay, Wilson, Buckingahm (sub: Fildes 81), S. Johnston, Pelling, Neville, Crush, J. Johnson (sub: Major 63), Burns (sub: Jacobs 104), Belli, Crane. Sub not used: Gellatly.
Wasps crashed out of the John O'Hara League Cup after a defensive horror show against their local rivals.
Grinstead totally dominated the opening half hour but missed some gilt-edged chances. Matt Crane saw one header cleared off the line and then, from another Simon Funnell corner, headed over from two yards while Shayne Goldsmith produced a superb save to keep out Mannie Neville's header.
But when Crane failed to clear Tony Reid's pass on the edge of his penalty area in the 28th minute, Nick Sullivan nipped in and finished expertly and the floodgates opened.
Martin Jacobs was beaten from 35 yards by Dan Sullivan's free kick five minutes later and in the 38th minute Reid made it 3-0 with a shot under the goalkeeper's despairing dive.
Shellshocked Wasps conceded a fourth on the stroke of half-time when Jacobs failed to claim a corner and the unmarked Sam Cane stopped to head home at the far post.
The visitors again dominated territorially at the start of the second half but there was no way back and as they pushed more men forward in search of a goal or two Crawley Down exposed their defensive frailities with three further goals.
Reid got his second with a great finish from Mark McGibbon's right-wing cross (72) before waltzing through to complete his ha-trick 11 minutes from time.
There was still time for Nick Sullivan to hook in a close-range seventh in the 88th minute as Wasps conceded seven goals for the second time this season.
Grinstead: Jacobs, Cramp, Wilson, Crane, Pelling, Sinclair, Neville (S. Johnston 61), Piscina, Burns (J. Johnson 61), Crush (Taylor 77), Funnell.
Wasps slumped to a third successive league defeat which leaves them just a point clear of the relegation zone in Division One.
With boss Steve Johnson absent for personal reasons, assistant Paul Thomsett took charge and saw his side defeated after conceding two goals in the first half and failing to convert a number of chances after the break.
Wasps were again some way short of full strength with Ben Burns, Simon Funnell, Mannie Neville and Danny Powell missing while goalkeeper Matt May did not arrive until after kick off because of his new job working as a physio with Millwall.
But Thomsett refused to use that as an excuse. He said: "It was hugely disappointing. The pitch wasn't the best and our attitude in the first half let us down. We couldn't play our normal football but it was the same for both sides and we failed to adapt.
"We improved in the second half and should have taken something from the game. They gave man of the match to their goalkeeper which tells its own story but we still finished with nothing."
Nick Kerly's scrambled close-range goal gave Oak a 29th minute lead which they doubled in the 38th minute when Aaron Ransom beat keeper Martin Jacobs from fully 30 yards with the keeper stranded off his line.
Kerly squandered an excellent chance to score a third when he missed from point-blank range but Wasps should have got back into the game just before the break when Aaron MacMillan seized on a defensive mistake by Nick Lansdale but fired wide of an open goal.
Thomsett read the Riot Act at half-time and Crane, again operating as an emergency striker, produced a neat finish after good approach play to pull one back.
But just as they had in their defeat at Hassocks last week, Wasps squandered some excellent chances to equalise with Crane, MacMillan and skipper Dave Gellatly all guilty.
Thomsett added: "Steve is as disappointed as I am and I hope the players are. With the squad we have we should not be in this position. There is still plenty of time to turn things round - we still have 19 league games to play which is half of the season - and there is no doubt that not playing for five weeks did not do us any favours.
"But there has to be a collective responsibility to improve and we are looking for a proper response from the players this week."
Grinstead: Jacobs, Cramp (sub Cooney), Taylor, Johnson, Pelling, Sinclair, Wilson, Gellatly (sub: Crush), Piscina, Crane, MacMillan (sub: Fildes). Sub not used: May
WASPS remain uncomfortably close to the County League relegation zone after defeat at The Beacon in their first Division One game for five weeks.
The visitors controlled possession for long spells but they lacked a cutting edge in the final third.
Neither 15-goal top scorer Ben Burns or Simon Funnell were available so manager Steve Johnson pushed Matt Crane up front alongside Aaron MacMillan.
The pair worked hard but Wasps failed to test Hassocks' keeper Joel Harding enough considering the possession they had and when they did his handling was faultless.
MacMillan was denied a stonewall penalty mid way through the first half when he was brought down just inside the box having beaten his defender and through on goal but the referee saw nothing wrong with the challenge.
The only goal came after just six minutes when a corner was flicked on by Spencer Slaughter and Phil Gault stole in unmarked to beat Matt May from close range.
May was a spectator for most of the first half while his opposite number made excellent saves from Drew Crush and Dave Gellatly, who both let fly from outside the box.
There were plenty of other near misses as well, with John Sinclair side-footing over from 10 yards out and Luke Piscina dragging his shot wide of the post but the final ball often let Grinstead down and the pattern continued in the second half.
Hassocks soaked up the pressure reasonably comfortably and were a threat on the counter-attack and May made excellent saves to keep out Slaughter's header before he denied Gault who had got clean through.
Crush and MacMillan both came off with injuries so youth-team striker Sam Fildes made his debut for the last 20 minutes but Wasps could have played until midnight and not scored.
Grinstead: May, Cramp, Wilson, Neville, Pelling; Sinclair, Crush (sub: Taylor 43), Gellatly, Piscina; MacMillan (Fildes 68), Crane.
WASPS bowed out of the Senior Cup at Middle Road on Saturday, cursing a disallowed goal in a hard-fought third round tie against the Musselmen.
In their first game for more than five weeks, a bright start by the visitors looked to have been rewarded in the sixth minute when Dave Gellatly surged down the left, shrugging off a defender before finding Simon Funnell whose header beat keeper Michael Hunter.
There were few complaints from Shoreham players but much to the disappointment of the visitors, the assistant ruled the ball had crossed the goal line before Gellatly had crossed.
Funnell nearly 'scored' again on 15 minutes when John Sinclair finished off a sparkling move with a cross which the former Brighton striker could only side-foot over.
Wasps could have been excused rustiness after their long lay-off but they were bright and purposeful until the 29th minute when Ben Bradley proved too quick for Matt Crane before coolly lobbing Matt May.
It was just the tonic Shoreham needed and they dominated the rest of the first half.
It was much more even after the break with May making two good saves as Wasps struggled to regain their earlier fluency against a solid home defence.
Boss Steve Johnson brought on Dan Powell and Aaron MacMillan with 18 minutes remaining and in the closing stages Wasps went close to grabbing an equaliser.
Luke Piscina was inches off target with a powerful drive from just inside the box, Powell forced an excellent save out of Michael Hunter from his well-struck shot and in stoppage time John Sinclair saw his close-range effort deflected for a corner.
Johnson said: "Losing any game is disappointing but getting 90 minutes under our belt will do us good. The performance was decent and it shows how well Shoreham defended to keep a clean sheet against us."
Grinstead: May, Cramp (sub Taylor 80), Wilson, Crane, Pelling, Sinclair, Mannie Neville (MacMillan 72), Gellatly, Piscina, Funnell (Powell 72), Crush.
BOSS Steve Johnson admits Tuesday's league defeat was one of the most frustrating experiences of the season after his side dominated for long spells but ended up losing for only the second time in their last ten games.
Johnson brought back John Sinclair in place of Scott Johnson in the only change to the team which had beaten Hailsham last Saturday but after a bright start they fell behind in the ninth minute when Matt May could only punch a corner from Jake Forward as far as defender Matt Carruthers who fired home from close range.
May made a great save to deny Geoff Pitcher and much of Wasps' early promise fizzled out while they found Saints' goalkeeper Simon Lehkyj's handling almost exemplary in the freezing conditions.
The home side doubled their lead in the 48th minute when Jamie Weston and Pitcher combined to play in Sam Palmer who beat May with a low, angled drive.
But the Grinstead keeper was a spectator for the rest of the half as the visitors pushed forward. Johnson threw defenders Matt Crane and Kieron Wilson up front for the last 20 minutes and the pressure finally paid off when Drew Crush scored with a 20 yard drive which went in off both posts in the 80th minute.
A minute later Dave Gellatly had a great chance to equalise when he went clean through but his right-foot shot went wide.
Wasps forced a succession of corners at the end but the home side held on to complete the double over Grinstead.
Johnson said: "We gave away a couple of soft goals which we tend to do but we had enough chances to have got something from the game. It was a very frustrating night because we ought to have least taken a point home with us."
DAN POWELL became the third Grinstead player to score a hat-trick this season as Steve Johnson's side finally won a home league game.
It is 27 matches and 15 months since Wasps last triumphed in the County League at the GAC Stadium but they thoroughly deserved to end that grim record as they completed a Division One double over Hailsham.
Johnson said: "I'm delighted that we've finally put that one to bed. Apart from giving away a daft penalty we were on top for most of the game and Dan took his goals really well. The aim now has to be to go on a long unbeaten run in the league at home. It is something the players are desperate to achieve and our supporters deserve it."
Powell replaced Simon Funnell up front while Johnson brought in his namesake Scott and Marc Pelling to the defence as he made three changes to the team which had drawn 2-2 with high-flying Wick the previous week.
It was soon apparent that Hailsham were not going to offer the same sort of challenge even though new boss Kenny McCreadie, back at the GAC Stadium just two weeks after stepping down as coach to embark on his second spell as manager, had clearly fired his side up.
Powell opened his account in the 14th minute when he took a pass from Mannie Neville in his stride and rounded the goalkeeper before slotting home.
But within two minutes Hailsham levelled when Matt Crane needlessly brought down Tyler Goatcher. Ryan Alexander's penalty was parried by May but Calum O'Reilly reacted quickest to equalise, although he had encroached into the box before the spot kick had been taken.
Neville hit the post from close range and Wasps' overall dominance was rewarded just before half-time when Powell latched onto a defensive mistake to score easily.
Wasps put the game to bed with two goals in 15 second-half minutes. Piscina finished off excellent work by Dave Gellatly to make it 3-1 with his 12th goal of the season on 55 minutes before Powell completed his hat-trick with a penalty into the top corner after Tom Riddiford brought down Aaron MacMillan.
Stuart Lewis scored a second for the visitors following a goalmouth scramble and although Wasps didn't always look impenetrable at the back they carry a terrific goal threat these days and MacMillan should have scored a fifth late on only to fire wide of the target after going clear.
Nonetheless they have scored 65 goals in league and cup this season.
Team: May, S.Johnston (sub: Taylor 66), Wilson, M.Neville, Crane, Pelling, Crush, Gellatly, Piscina, Powell (sub: Crane 88), MacMillan.
Boss Steve Johnson praised his side's resilience after they twice came from behind to earn a deserved point against third-placed Wick.
Despite heavy rain the two teams produced a superb advert for County League football and if Wasps had shown more composure in a thrilling finale, when both sides were looking for the winner, that elusive home league victory would have been theirs.
Johnson's decision to send defender Matt Crane up front for the last 20 minutes paid off within seconds. Crane, making his first appearance since September after a spell with Ryman League Chipstead, picked up possession in midfield and advanced before hitting a stunning 30 yard drive into the top corner which made it 2-2.
But in his eagerness to get the winner Crane collided with team-mate Danny Powell in the six yard box when Powell seemed certain to head in Luke Piscina's cross.
Piscina also saw his shot turned onto the post by Wick goalkeeper Alex Bryant but it was Matt May at the other end who saved a point for Wasps with three reaction saves in injury time to deny Scott Murfin.
Johnson said: "It was a great game and we matched a very good side in all departments.
"Wick bossed the first half but the second was very even. We had that great chance to win it then Matt made three great saves in seconds to save a point. A draw was a fair result, neither side deserved to lose."
Wick had taken a 22nd minute lead through George Gaskin's close range effort as Grinstead appealed unsuccessfully for handball in the build-up.
The visitors, beaten only three times in the league this season, were the better team at that stage with Daren Pearce dominant in midfield and Murfin, arguably the best striker in the league, a threat up front with his pace and movement.
But Wasps got back into the game a minute before half-time when MacMillan punished a rare mistake by Pearce to advance before firing a low shot into the corner.
Wick regained the lead on the hour through Murfin's penalty but Grinstead were on top for long stages in the second half and fully deserved Crane's cracking leveller.
Wasps made a storming start against Redhill and were ahead after seven minutes when Luke Piscina netted for the third successive game, beating goalkeeper Andrew Greaves at the second attempt after his first effort was blocked.
Dave Gellalty had already hit the post and Greaves saved superbly from Piscina when he was clean through but Grinstead were punished for those misses when Lee Radford's cross was headed past a helpless Matt May in the 37th minute to make it 1-1.
John Sinclair and Aaron MacMillan both tested Greaves at the start of the second half but a pacy Redhill outfit were a threat too and on 57 minutes they caught Wasps on the break following a Grinstead corner when Josh Bonnet's pass released Marcus Elliott to make it 2-1.
The game looked to be over five minutes later when the impressive Bonnet again gave May no chance after a turn and shot from inside the box.
But Wasps were thrown a lifeline in the 78th minute after a handball in the box and Piscina made no mistake from the penalty spot.
And they levelled two minutes later when a Neil Taylor throw-in found Sinclair on the edge of the box and his deflected shot beat Greaves to make it 3-3.
However there was still time for one more defensive lapse from the home side as Jon Difford was left unmarked to head in a corner to score what proved to be the winner.
Team: May, Cramp (sub: Cooney 45), Wilson, Scott Johnston, Pelling, Sinclair, Crush, Gellatly (sub: Jack Johnson 67), Piscina, Neville, MacMillan (sub: Taylor 74).
Grinstead's fine cup from continued in what was ultimately a comfortable victory over second division Oakwood in the 3rd round of the John O'Hara League Cup.
This was Grinstead's first clean sheet in all competitions at home this season which coincided with the debut of new goalkeeper Matt May. Although he was only called into action on a few occasions he organised his back four and controlled his area which gave confidence to the relatively inexperienced back four that Grinstead fielded.
The first half was disappointing and not helped by a very fussy referee who seemed to stop play for the smallest contact.
Grinstead went closest on 15 minutes when Mike Cramp's free kick from just inside his own half floated over Oakwood keeper James Shaw and hit the base of the post before being hacked to safety..
Oakwood were the better side in the first half and played some attractive football but never looked like penetrating Grinstead's back line in which Scott Johnston was again impressive. May was called into action just past the half hour mark when Tom Tolfrey found space on the right hand edge of the box, but May was equal to his well struck effort.
Oakwood again started the better at the start of the second half but slowly Grinstead began to find some form and started causing Oakwood problems.
John Sinclair went close on 64 minutes when he burst inside the box, but again Grinstead were denied by the woodwork when his shot took a deflection. Two minutes later though Grinstead were in front. Luke Piscina cut in from the left and past his marker and fired a well hit shot just inside the keeper's near post. Six minutes later it was 2-0. Piscina again picked the ball up on the left, shrugged off the attentions of his marker Dan Attwater and beautifully curled a shot into the far corner.
Oakwood were aggrieved that a foul should have been awarded and their protests ended with Mark Holmes being sent off for foul and abusive language.
Credit to Oakwood as they still tried to play football and they were denied by May who produced a good stop from Tobrano Manrusso who had breached the Grinstead defence.
Grinstead put a seal on the victory in the last minute. Aaron Macmillan, who had just missed a good chance, following some good work from Dave Gellatly, was first to react to a low cross form Piscina and he flicked the ball over keeper Shaw.
Team : May, Cramp, Taylor (sub: Cooney 86), Neville, Pelling, Johnston, Crush, Gellatly, Piscina, Sinclair, MacMillan. Subs not used: Jacobs, Wilson
WASPS' wait for a league win at home now stretches back 14 months after they twice failed to hold onto the lead against a lively Ringmer side at the GAC Stadium.
Boss Steve Johnson was without his suspended top scorer Ben Burns and midfielder Dave Gellatly, who had been injured in training, but Grinstead still carved out enough chances to have ended their home hoodoo.
The pitch was in excellent condition despite heavy rain in the 48 hours before kick-off and while a gale-force wind spoiled the spectacle somewhat both sides tried to play attractive football.
Grinstead went ahead after 13 minutes when Aaron MacMillan scored against his old club.
Racing onto a long ball forward from Mannie Neville, he rounded brother Ryan - Ringer's right back - before lashing a powerful shot into the top corner.
But the lead lasted just two minutes. Jon Marzeti's cross found Aaron Hasan unmarked six yards out and he headed home with keeper Martin Jacobs rooted to his line.
Ringmer had the elements behind them in the first half and could have gone ahead in the 20th minute when Mark Price skipped past two challenges but failed to test Jacobs.
Then Jo Jo Tubon broke into the box but his shot was hit straight at the Grinstead keeper.
Wasps regained the lead with a superb goal from midfielder Drew Crush eight minutes after the break. Mike Cramp broke down the right and his cross was met with a powerful header from the edge of the six-yard box by Crush which flew into the net.
But again Wasps conceded a poor goal, a trait which is undermining their good work at the other end of the pitch. Joe Dryer's cross should have been meat and drink for Jacobs because it had so little pace but the keeper inexplicably dropped it at the feet of Darren Lok who couldn't believe his luck as he tapped it into an empty net.
Johnson brought on Dave Major and Blair Cooney and they both played significant roles in the closing stages as Wasps pressed for a winner.
First Major was denied by a last-ditch tackle from MacMillan when he seemed certain to convert Mannie Neville's cross then in the 89th minute Cooney released MacMillan down the right but with two unmarked team-mates in the six-yard box he went for glory and shot well over the target.
Wasps' best player was arguably young defender Scott Johnson who made his first appearance of the season in the heart of the defence.
WASPS' boss Steve Johnson was delighted with the performance of his under-strength side after they overcame a potentially tricky cup hurdle to make it six wins from their last seven games.
Goals from Luke Piscina and Ben Burns - his 15th of the season - were enough to secure a home tie against Shoreham in the third round of the RUR Cup at the Sportsfield on Saturday.
Aaron MacMillan, Jack Johnson, Simon Funnell and Danny Powell were all injured and Mannie Neville unavailable and Wasps' woes worsened after ten minutes when Danny Wackett limped off with a thigh problem.
But Grinstead showed their strength in depth to win with a goal in each half while a clean sheet was another bonus for Johnson.
He said: "Littlehampton had some good youngsters but I never felt it was a game we were going to lose.
"We were solid and the clean sheet was important. Martin Jacobs had a good game in goal and Blair Cooney, who came on when Danny went off, was excellent at centre-half."
Wasps broke the deadlock in the 39th minute when David Major, who was making his first start of the campaign after some impressive reserve-team displays, got past his marker and fired in a cross which Piscina reacted to first to stab home his seventh of the campaign.
Burns made it 2-0 on 59 minutes, latching onto a pass down the inside left channel from Dave Gellatly before unleashing a powerful shot into the top corner.
Wasps have now scored 26 goals in their last seven matches with Burns contributing seven of them.
Johnson added: "I'm delighted for Burnsy. At the moment when he gets a yard of space in the box he looks like he is going to score or at least get a shot on target but he is getting some good service from the midfield as well."
Team: Jacobs; Cramp, Wackett (sub: Cooney 12), Pelling, Wilson; Major (sub: Taylor 77), Sinclair, Crush, Gellatly; Burns, Piscina.
BOSS Steve Johnson made a successful return to his former club as Grinstead secured their fourth away win of the season to climb to 12th in the County League table, their highest position of the season so far.
Johnson left Crowborough last season and joined Wasps shortly afterwards and he would have enjoyed the performance of his side who came back strongly after going behind to Chris Ransome's well-taken strike from an angle after 23 minutes.
Aaron MacMillan and Danny Powell had already gone close and Wasps deservedly drew level in the 27th minute when midfielder Drew Crush's deflected shot from 25 yards wrong-footed Crowborough keeper Ben Head.
It was no surprise when Wasps went in front six minutes later with a superbly worked goal which began when Marc Pelling's pass found Powell in space on the right and his first-time cross was swept home at the far post by Mannie Neville.
Powell and MacMillan's dead-ball delivery was a constant threat and when MacMillan floated in a free-kick from the left in the first minute of the second half Ben Burns flicked it into the roof of the net to make it 3-1.
Burns drilled a shot inches wide before scoring his second and 14th of the season in the 63rd minute after Crows failed to clear goalkeeper Martin Jacobs' clearance and Burns turned 12 yards out to fire past Head.
WASPS' boss Steve Johnson saw his side edge this Sussex Senior Cup goal-fest and admitted: "It wasn't good for my health!"
Grinstead will visit County League leaders Shoreham in the third round after they gained sweet revenge for their opening-day 7-1 drubbing at Chichester in the league.
It provided great entertainment for the GAC Stadium crowd but was a more fraught experience for those on the bench with Johnson's opposite number Adie Girdler banished to the stands for comments he made to the referee.
Johnson said: "It was a fantastic game but it nearly gave me a heart attack! We have scored 20 goals in our last five games and to get six against a very decent side is excellent but defensively we have to do a lot better as a team."
Johnson a made surprising change to the side by playing Simon Funnell in a unaccustomed midfield role but it proved a master stoke as Funnell scored two and created three of the Grinstead goals.
It was Chichester who struck the first blow after 10 minutes. They had already gone close twice through James Archer and James Ford but Callum Cutler made no mistake when he latched onto a cross field ball by James Temple and coolly lobbed Martin Jacobs in the home goal.
Grinstead snatched an equaliser just three minutes later. Luke Piscina dummied his marker on the edge of the box and fired a left foot shot under Chichester keeper Greg Forster.
Things then remained relatively quiet until Drew Crush put Grinstead ahead on 29 minutes, which sparked a remarkable spell of five goals inside 11 minutes. Crush took his goal expertly with a lovely flicked header from a Funnell free-kick that went in off the far post.
Three minutes later Chichester were level, a floated corner was flicked on by Temple and Shawn Benjamin had the simple task of tapping home from close range.
In the next five minutes Grinstead gave themselves a two goal cushion as another Funnell free kick was headed home from close range by Piscina and moments later Funnell hit a sweet free kick from the edge of the box that gave Forster no chance.
Grinstead then had a loud shout for a penalty when Jack Johnson appeared to be hauled down by Forster before Grinstead again failed to deal with another set piece which resulted on Lee Mullen firing home from the edge of the box to reduce the deficit just before half -time.
The second half was just as entertaining and had as much incident. Funnell got his second of the game when he got on the end of a sweet Ben Buns' lay-off and calmly slotted past Forster.
Johnson then made a double change, replacing both his strikers with Aaron Macmillan and Danny Powell.
Chichester made their life even harder for themselves when Cutler was sent off for swearing at the referee but as often happens this affected the team with the extra man and within ten minutes the visitors had got themselves level.
Temple got their fourth with a free header at the far post following a cross form the right and then another set-piece caused panic in the Grinstead defence and substitute Alex Brown fired past Jacobs from close range.
Grinstead weren't to be denied though and with 15 minutes to go they got the goal which proved to be the winner. Funnell crossed to MacMillan at the far post and from a very acute angle he somehow floated his shot inside the far post when it appeared to be drifting wide.
For the last ten minutes Grinstead, having made all three substitutions, were virtually down to ten men with Funnell and Johnson both picking up knocks but they defended well to protect their lead.
Team: Jacobs, Cramp (sub: Pelling 66), Wilson , Neville, Crush, Sinclair, Johnson, Gellatly, Burns (Powell 56), Funnell, Piscina (MacMillan 56) Sub not used. Taylor
TOP scorer Ben Burns was sent off after an altercation with one of his own team-mates as understrength Wasps defeated second division opposition for the second Saturday running.
The problems had piled up for manager Steve Johnson even before Burns was sent off midway through the second half following a tussle with Dan Evans. The referee confirmed afterwards that Burns saw red for violent conduct and the 12-goal striker now faces a three match ban.
Wasps' preparations had been thrown into disarray when Marc Pelling pullled out in the morning because of flu, Aaron MacMillan had a car accident on the way to the game and Jack Johnson broke down on the motorway.
Dave Gellatly and Kieran Wilson played despite suffering from a virus while Martin Cramp struggled on despite aggravating a calf problem early on.
Coach Paul Thomsett, 42, was forced to don his boots for the first time this season in defence and did a decent job according to Johnson.
Fortunately, winless Midhurst did not offer too much of a threat and Grinstead defended the lead given to them after 10 minutes by Luke Piscina quite comfortably.
Ironically, Burns was involved in the build-up when he cut inside from the left and left his marker struggling with a neat turn before driving a low cross into the six-yard box which Piscina finished well.
Piscina was left to plough a lone furrow after Burns was sent off and although Martin Jacobs made a couple of decent saves in the second half Wasps kept their hosts at arm's length.
Johnson said: "You have to be very careful with what you say to your team-mates and I told Dan Evans as much. Nevertheless I hope Ben has learned his lesson. It was a stupid thing to do, especially with the problems we already had. Ben apologised at half-time but our top scorer is going to miss three games and that is something we could have done without.
"Bearing in mind everything that went on we did well to get a result. Midhurst worked hard and if they keep playing like that they will get off the bottom of Division Two. We were patched-up big time and it wasn't pretty but we're through to the next round."
He added: "I want there to be a bit more commitment, especially from the players who are not in the first-team squad.
"The first team is not a closed shop. The squad has improved from last season but I want to see more players pushing for a first team place and creating competition for places."
WASPS' inconsistency continued when local rivals Lingfield did the league double over them at Godstone Road.
Boss Steve Johnson had hoped that successive wins for the first time this season would provide the platform for a long unbeaten run.
And although Grinstead were always a threat going forward their familiar falibilities at the back were exposed by the home side.
Johnson was without several key personnel including flu victim Luke Piscina, Simon Funnell and Danny Powell, who hurt his hamstring after his two-goal debut against Little Common last Saturday.
But Johnson refused to use that as an excuse. He said: "We were poor which was disappointing after two good performances.
"The goals we gave away were soft and although there were times when I thought we could get back into the game we kept shooting ourselves in the foot."
Grinstead started brightly with Dave Gellatly testing Adam Woodward early on but Lingfield broke effectively after ten minutes and George Fenwick picked out the unmarked Andrew Dalhouse inside the six-yard box and he finished confidentally.
Wasps continued to look lively going forward with Drew Crush heading over and 12-goal Ben Burns seeing his free-kick from 25 yards held by Woodward.
But three minutes before half-time Charlie Corneille was left unmarked to score via the inside of the post from Joel Hughes' right-wing cross.
The game was effectively settled six minutes after the break when John Sinclair's tug on Dalhouse's shirt was spotted by the referee and Steve Cant made it 3-0 from the penalty spot.
Crush pulled one back after 70 minutes with a far-post header from Dave Gellatly's cross and for a spell Wasps threatened further goals.
But a second penalty, conceded 11 minutes from time by substitute Danny Wackett who brought down Hughes, saw Joel Greaves give Martin Jacobs no chance from the spot.
A more accurate reflection on the scoreline was provided by Mannie Neville who made it 4-2 with an injury-time header from Keiran Wilson's corner but the points were already in the bag for Lingfield.
A second hat-trick of the season for Ben Burns and two on his debut for Dan Powell ensured Grinstead's progress to the second round of the Sussex Senior Cup, although initially it wasn't as comfortable as the scoreline suggests.
The game was switched to the GAC Stadium due to problems with Little Common's pitch but Wasps' indifferent home form suggested this wasn't necesarily an advantage and after eight minutes the visitors went in front when centre-half Andy McKay was left unmarked at a corner to head home from six yards.
Little Common had already tested keeper Martin Jacobs and he had to be at his best again to deny the prolific Lewis Hole from close range as the second division side dominated the early stages.
However, against the run of play, Grinstead equalised in fortuitous circumstances. Dave Gellatly's corner from the left was swung into the near post and Little Common skipper Chris Steward could only divert it into his own net. It was the breakthrough Steve Johnson's men needed and they went on to dominate the rest of the half.
Drew Crush volleyed just over on 31 minutes before Grinstead took the lead. Common keeper Richie Gray made a complete hash of a clearance and it fell to Burns on the edge of the box who displayed great confidence to chest the ball down and volley it past Gray.
Little Common didn't lie down though and their lively attacking trio still caused the Grinstead defence plenty of problems and they found themselves back on level terms ten minutes into the second half when a set-piece undid the home side again. Another corner was headed back across goal by Brad Poole and Adam Fisher nodded home from close range.
It didn't stay that way for long though as just a minute later Grinstead were awarded a penalty. Having just come on as substitute, Dan Powell was taken out by a rash challenge from Gray and Burns stepped up to slot home the resultant spot kick.
Grinstead were back in the ascendancy and they continued to pour forward looking for more goals. Burns went close again before he completed his hat-trick on 66 minutes when he cut inside from the right and shot inside Gray's near post. Burns, who now has 12 goals this season, is playing his best football for the club and on this form is proving difficult for any defence to handle.
Following Burns' hat-trick it was now Powell's turn to take over. The new signing from Tonbridge Angels looks a real asset to the squad on this evidence. He scored his first on 79 minutes when he headed in Jack Johnson's floated free-kick and then right on the stroke of full time showed great pace to latch on to a long ball and great composure to round the keeper and slot into an empty net to put the seal on an impressive victory.
Steve Johnson and Paul Thomsett made a successful return to their former club as Wasps bounced back superbly after last Saturday's disappointing home loss to Pagham.
The boss altered Wasps' shape by deploying a 4-3-1-2 formation and it stifled the hosts as well as enabling the visitors to create opportunities to record a more convincing win.
Johnson said: "I had a bit of a go after last Saturday and the lads responded with a superb performance. I just wish we could produce a few more displays like that at home where we create chances but just don't stick them away."
A third win of the County League season - all away with 14 goals scored - was never in doubt once Aaron MacMillan had profited from a collision between goalkeeper Sean McFadden and a defender to score in the ninth minute.
Tom Swancott had earlier hit the post for the home side but McFadden was the busier keeper in the first half, the best of his saves denying MacMillan, one of three ex-Ringmer players in the Grinstead side, a second goal against his old club.
But another Ringmer old boy settled Wasps by making it 2-0 straight after the break with a well-struck shot squeezing inside McFadden's near post.
Now the visitors took complete control. Luke Piscina made it 3-0 with a shot from 25 yards after 50 minutes and ten minutes later Ben Burns took advantage of woeful marking to score his ninth goal of the season.
Jo-Jo Tubon did pull one back but Charlie Marshall came off the bench to score his first senior goal to complete a satisfying evening for Wasps.
Johnson praised John Sinclair and Marc Pelling for their performances in the heart of the defence.
Grinstead's poor home results continued with a disappointing defeat to fellow strugglers Pagham.
Recent home performances have been better than the results suggested and Grinstead went into the game confident of securing victory but apart from a 20 minute spell in the second half Grinstead never produced anything like their best form.
Preparations weren't helped by the 4 changes manager Steve Johnson had to make from last weeks starting eleven and this clearly hampered their first half performance as they struggled to make any impression on the Pagham defence.
Pagham themselves weren't much more dangerous but did create two opportunities inside the first 20 minutes but replacement keeper Martin Jacobs was equal to the close range efforts from Ryan Cox and Brett Forden.
It took Grinstead 45 minutes to have their first shot on target but Luke Piscina's well hit shot from distance was straight at Wes Hallett in the Pagham goal
Things could only get better and Grinstead slowly started to exert some pressure as the second half progressed without ever hitting thier best form.
Pagham operated a very well disciplined offside trap but Grinstead started to breach this particularly down the flanks and in turn started creating chances.
Si Funnell had the first chance during their good spell when he spotted Hallet of his line but his attempted lob drifted just wide. Hallet then produced the save of the match and possibly of the season, Funells free kick from the right was met firmly by Drew Crush just 6 yards out but somehow Hallet managed to keep it out with an outstretched left arm before the ball was hacked away to safety.
It was an inspired moment by Hallett and not the first time this season when the opposition keeper has produced moments of magic to deny Grinstead.
Grinstead well now well on top, Jack Johnson showed good skill on the edge of the box before scuffing his shot disappointingly wide and then Grinstead produced their best move of the match which resulted in their best chance. Piscina and Johnson combined well down the left, Johnson crossed to Mannie Neville 6 yards out with the goal gaping but he somehow shot over.
Johnson was then denied again by Hallett with 15 minutes remaining when he met Keiran Wilson 's cross but Hallet got down swiftly to his left.
There was only one side in it at this stage but Grinstead were then hit by a sucker punch. A long ball over the top breached the Grinstead off-side trap, Ryan Cox latched onto, his looping shot left Jacobs motionless, it cannoned off the crossbar and Brett Forden was first to the rebound and he headed into the empty net.
There was still time to get back into the game but Grinstead never threatened again as Pagham grew in confidence and as Grinstead pushed forward Pagham sealed victory in the closing moments when substitute Michael Frangou beat the offside trap and slotted past Jacobs.
Team: Jacobs, Cramp, Evans, Neville, Pelling, Wackett, Johnson, Crush (Gellatly 67), Wilson, Funnell, Piscina. Subs not used: Marshall, Taylor
Grinstead's FA Vase campaign came to an abrupt end against big spending Whitehawk.
Boss Steve Johnson felt Wasps were the better side for the first 30 minutes but in the end their visitors' strength in depth proved decisive. The Hawks have assembled a squad full of experienced Ryman and Conference standard players while their first goalscorer James Fraser joined from League One outfit Bristol Rovers on the eve of the game.
Johnson said: "We can have no complaints about the result but they were never five goals better than us. But money buys you the sort of quality they had. We were on top until they scored but we were outplayed in the second half.
"They told us where we are as a side although no side in this league should be able to touch them if they keep that squad together."
Whitehawk are one of the favourites to win the competition this season and they showed enough to suggest they could go a long way.
Johnson named an unchanged team and it was Grinstead who made all the early running and were unfortunate not to take the lead.
After just two minutes John Sinclair shot from the edge of the box flew just wide as Grinstead showed some early intent. Jack Johnson then saw his header from the edge of the box hit the roof of the net.
Grinstead went closest midway through the half when Simon Funnell curled a lovely free kick from the edge of the box, Whitehawk keeper Stuart Robinson was motionless but unfortunately for Grinstead the ball hit the underside of the crossbar before being hacked to safety.
Moments later Funnell sprung the offside trap but his left foot effort went wide of the far post.
Whitehawk hadn't threatened at all but out of the blue went ahead in fortuitous circumstances with eight minutes of the half remaining. Keiran Wilson's attempted clearance cannoned off a team-mate straight into the path of James Fraser and he gratefully hit a powerful shot into the top corner, giving Ray Collier no chance.
Grinstead still had time to carve out another opportunity but Luke Piscina was denied by the outstretched arms of the impressive Robinson.
Whitehawk turned up the pace in the second half and demonstrated some quality finishing.
Again it was Funnell who went close early on when his chip had Robinson back peddling but he managed to tip the ball over the bar when he looked beaten. Moments later Whitehawk increased the lead and Grinstead had a mountain to climb. The free-scoring Josh Jones picked up the ball about 20 yards out and although he didn't strike it sweetly his shot beat Collier who was scrambling to his left.
Whitehawk then scored a further three goals in just over ten minutes. Substitute Wes Tate latched onto a cross from the left and spun his defender before firing home, Jones got his second when he spotted Collier off the line and floated in a lovely chip and fellow substitute Matt Geard produced an almost identical goal just two minutes later.
Grinstead were shell shocked but the kept going to the end with Ben Burns denied by Robinson while Piscina hit the outside of the woodwork.
Grinstead had the perfect springboard when they went ahead after only four minutes. A quickly taken free kick by Simon Funnell was floated into the path of Ben Burns and with the confidence of a man in form he turned and struck a great left foot effort past the outstretched arm of Ben O'Conner in the Arundel goal for his eighth goal of the season.
There was only one side in it for the next 40 minutes. Burns' shot inside the box was well smothered by O'Connor and he was also equal to Funnell's deft lob from the edge of the box. Luke Piscina hit the side netting before a superb five-man move ended with Aaron Macmillan's shot scraping the top of the woodwork.
Jack Johnson then had a glorious chance to extend the lead after Burns had teed him up but he shot agonisingly wide of the far post and just before half time Piscina again was denied by a smart save from O'Connor.
It was as one-sided a half as you could get but crucially Grinstead didn't extend their lead when on top and Arundel came out a different side in the second half and didn't allow Grinstead to get into their stride.
Two goals around the hour mark and suddenly Arundel were in the ascendancy and both were relatively soft goals from a defensive point of view. Mannie Neville failed to deal with a long ball through the middle, Grinstead had plenty of opportunities to clear but the ball eventually ended up at the feet of Matt Axell whose well-hit shot crept inside the post despite Ray Collier getting a strong hand to the effort.
Moments later it get worse for Grinstead when Matt Huckett weaved his way past some half-hearted challenges and slotted under Collier at the near post.
Johnson's response was to immediately haul off centre backs Neville and Drew Crush to be replaced by Mark Pelling and Danny Wackett.
Grinstead huffed and puffed to get back in the game but never showed the fluency of their first-half performance. MacMillan, twice, and Sinclair all had half chances but never threatened O'Connor but then with three minutes to go Grinstead got the bit of luck their overall performance deserved.
Piscina drove across the edge of the Arundel penalty and let fly with a left foot shot that took a wicked deflection of Arundel's Jason Wimbleton and nestled into the bottom corner.
There was still time for a late scare when a mistake from Pelling allowed Scott Tipper a run on goal but Collier was alert to the danger and he produced a good save to ensure Grinstead a point.
WINS over our local rivals always have to be enjoyed but Tuesday's success at the Jubilee Field, which gave our league position a timely boost, was particularly special as we came from 2-0 down.
Luke Piscina had already been denied by Joe Comper with Ben Burns' effort to force the ball in scrambled off the line when Bridges took a fourth-minute lead. George Hillier had too much time and space in the box to beat Ray Collier.
Four minutes later Hillier couldn't believe his luck when he was again left unmarked and suddenly we found ourselves 2-0 down with a mountain to climb.
Jack Johnson replaced Piscina who picked up an injury midway through the half and it was the midfielder who gradually sparked us into life.
Drew Crush, also unmarked, was denied by Comper and although Ray Collier made a good save from Nathan Davis we were starting to take control and just before the break Aaron MacMillan chested the ball into Burnsy's path and he beat Comper with a well-struck left-foot volley.
Bridges' defence looked shaky but the pace of Davis caused us problems all night and perhaps the turning point came nine minutes after the break when the Bridges' striker again got clear but saw his shot rebound off the underside of the bar and into Collier's grateful arms.
Dan Evans' shot skimmed the top of the bar and Johnson got in behind the home defence only to be let down by a poor touch after Si Funnell had set him up.
But the equaliser finally came six minutes from time when Drew Crush got between two defenders to meet Si's corner with a firm header that gave Comper no chance.
It was no more than we deserved but better was to come. On 89 minutes Keiran Wilson threaded a pass into Burnsy's path and he produced an excellent finish to put us in front.
Then in the third minute of stoppage time Ben completed his hat-trick, clipping his shot over Comper who had rushed off his line trying to clear a through ball.
An impressive comeback by the Wasps and an entertaining night for the large contingent of Grinstead supporters.
Following the departure of Matt Crane to Chipstead and the non availability of Marc Pelling, Danny Wackett came back after seven games out with knee and hamstring injuries to partner Drew Crush in the heart of Wasps' defence at Hartley. Wasps had to come from behind after Ray Spence had capitalised on a misunderstanding at the back to round Ray Collier and put his side in front.
In an entertaining game Luke Piscina's pace was a constant threat and both he and Ben Burns could have equalised in the first half.
Wasps had a chance to draw level ten minutes after the break when Piscina was brought down in the box but Simon Funnell saw his penalty saved to his right by goalkeeper Aiden O'Mahoney.
But the equaliser came midway through the second half. Piscina's corner was headed back across goal by Funnell and when O'Mahoney fumbled Burns bundled in his fourth goal of the season.
The winner came three minutes into extra time when Piscina linked up with Dan Evans down the left. Evans passed to Sinclair just inside the box and his side-foot finish from 15 yards flew into the top corner.
Johnson said: "We didn't play particularly well but I never felt we would lose, even when we went behind. We created quite a few chances but what pleased me most was our fitness. We were much stronger than them in extra time which is down to the hard work (coach) Ken MacCreadie has done with the players in terms of fitness."
THE road to Wembley reached a dead end for Wasps on Saturday after a soft second-half goal condemned them to defeat in the first qualifying round.
Mike Huckett got the winner for the Ryman League side after 52 minutes when Grinstead goalkeeper Ray Collier could only fumble a looping header he ought to have caught comfortably in off the underside of the bar.
It was harsh on Grinstead who created the better opportunities and both managers were in agreement that the least Wasps deserved was a replay.
Manager Steve Johnson said: "We felt really deflated afterwards. We were on top for a good part of the game and in the last 20 minutes we battered them.
"Ray hardly had a save to make but we conceded a very soft goal and couldn't get the equaliser. It was a good performance - YMCA will feel that they got out of jail."
With defender Martin Crane back after suspension only the injured Dave Gellatly and Michael Cramp were missing for Wasps while in contrast the home side, who were promoted from the County League last season, were severely understrength.
It made for an open game although the finishing on both sides was a let-down.
Wasps looked to get their creative midfielders Jack Johnson and Luke Piscina on the ball as much as possible and Johnson was involved in Wasps' best moments in the first half. After 13 minutes his cross found Ben Burns whose shot was smothered by Tom Rand in the home goal. The pair combined again to create a chance for Simon Funnell four minutes later but his effort went wide.
Tom Manton had two decent opportunities at the other end but going behind seemed to spark Wasps into life in the second half.
Five minutes after the goal Burns combined with Piscina but he failed to trouble Rand. He did better on 73 minutes with a header which had to be tipped over and a minute later substitute Aaron MacMillan threaded a lovely pass into Funnell's path but the luck was with Rand who ended up sitting on the ball when Funnell shot between his legs.
Charlie Marshall, making his first team debut from the bench after some good performances in the reserves, then combined with MacMillan to present Piscina with a great chance but ex-Wasp Drew Cooney got across to make a last-ditch tackle.
In a storming finish Rand made another save from Crane's header but Wasps ran out of time.
A goal from Drew Crush 11 minutes from time secured a thoroughly deserved 1-0 win at Chessington & Hook in this 1st Round Qualifying of the FA Vase.
Ben Burns, who has been in good form in recent games, created the goal with a cross with his weaker right foot and Crush arrived late from midfield to head powerfully home from close range.
It was no more than Wasps deserved having created a number of chances and hit the woodwork twice.
Crush went closest in the first half when he headed Burns' free kick against the bar after Crush, Luke Piscina and John Sinclair had all tested Chessington goalkeeper Mark Daniels.
It was a similar story in the second half with Piscina a constant threat with his pace and trickery and the midfield largely dominant.
Simon Funnell's volley missed the target by inches and Piscina missed another chance before the goal. A minute later Wasps should have sealed their victory when Piscina's pass released Funnell but the striker's shot hit the inside of the post.
Ray Collier made two good saves when the game was goalless but the closest the hosts came was in the 85th minute when Reece Jackson's free-kick hit the bar.
Boss Steve Johnson said: "It was a good win. I told the players beforehand that if we competed with them physically we would win the game because I feel at the moment there are goals in the side.
"Ray Collier made a couple of saves but they didn't really hurt us and we could have had a few more goals."
Two goals in the space of of five minutes just before half-time was enough to consign Grinstead to their fifth defeat of the County League campaign in this hard fought local derby at Kilnbrown.
Once again Grinstead were unfortunate not to have least come away with a point. In the first half they dominated but were made to pay when their possession didn't result in goals and Redhill took full advantage.
Manager Steve Johnson said: "We didn't play well enough over the 90 minutes to win the game but I felt with the possession we had that we were worth a point.
"Our league form is a concern and although I'm sure we will soon get on a run and climb the table there is room for improvement."
Grinstead had to make do without Matt Crane, who started a two-game suspension, and Mannie Neville, who had a heel injury, but thier reshuffled defence were untroubled early on as Grinstead had the lions share of possesion.
John Sinclair had the first chance on 12 minutes when he found himslef unmarked from a Keiron Wilson cross but his volley looped well over. Shortly after Simon Funnell hit a fierce shot from the edge of the box that Chris May in the Redhill goal saved comfortably.
Grinstead then had loud claims for a penalty turned down after Ben Burns was tumbled over and moments later Burns was released by Funnell but he shot straight at May when well placed.
It only appeared a matter of time before Grinstead took the lead but they suffered a blow when skipper Dave Gellatly had to go off with ankle ligament damage and Redhill took full advantage although it took a moment of brilliance to break the deadlock.
Grinstead had ample opportunity to clear their lines before eventually the ball was only half cleared and Leon Dussard hit a volley from 25 yards out that flew into the top corner.
Suddenly Redhill looked dangerous and just four minutes later they doubled the lead. A well worked move ended with Lee Radford crossing to Andew Dalhouse who made no mistake with a free header six yards out.
It could have been worse as Redhill continue to pile forward and Ray Collier saved with his legs when Marcus Elliot got behind Grinstead's defence.
Grinstead searched for a goal to get them back into the game and after en even start to the second half they pulled one back thanks to the in-form Burns. Luke Piscina played a reverse pass into the path of Burns and he hit a powerful left foot shot that May couldn't stop depsite getting a hand to it.
Grinstead hoped to kick on from here but never rearly threatened to grab the equaliser their first half performance deserved and the closest they came was thorugh headers from Piscina and substitute Blair Cooney that weren't troubling keeper May. Indeed it was Redhill who nearly extended thier lead on the stroke of full time when Eliott was foiled by a smart save from Collier.
Boss Steve Johnson praised his players strength of character after they came from 2-0 down to become the first Grinstead side to progress to the first qualifying round of the FA Cup.
An ultimately comfortable win over their Combined Counties League opponents has earned Wasps a trip to Ryman League Horsham YMCA on Saturday week.
Johnson said: "I told the players beforehand that they would be lively and come flying at us but we didn't switch on and found ourselves 2-0 down. But we got a goal back just before half-time and in the second half we played really well. But the lesson is that we can't afford to give teams starts because we won't always be able to recover from them."
Grinstead should have been buzzing after beating Hailsham 5-1 in midweek but they started tentatively and fell behind in the 26th minute when a free kick from the right found defender Mike Blount who was unmarked at the far post and had time and space to fire past Ray Collier.
Grinstead hadn't threatened at all up to this point, but Johnson made a positive change when he moved Jack Johnson up front alongside Ben Burns and Luke Piscina and suddenly Wasps became a threat.
Burns scuffed a shot straight at keeper Chris Foster following good work from John Sinclair and from Burns' corner on the left Matt Crane's header flew just over.
An equaliser looked imminent but instead Wasps fell further behind to a wonder goal. A free kick was cleared straight to right back Tom McGarry and from fully 30 yards out his first-time volley flew straight into the top corner with Collier motionless.
It was a moment of brilliance that could have dented Grinstead's confidence but they continued to push forward and after Piscina and Burns both went close they halved the deficit with the last kick of the first half when Johnson hit a crisp volley inside the far post from a tight angle for his first goal for the club.
After an early scare at the start of the second half when Dan Evans cleared Martin Girling's effort off the line after he had sprung the offside trap it was Grinstead who took control.
Piscina deservedly scored his first of the season on 57 minutes when he wriggled free of his marker and shot under keeper Foster. Fifteen minutes later and Foster failed to hold onto Drew Crush's close-range header and Crush lashed in the rebound for score his first goal in Grinstead colours.
The home side were now enjoying themselves and their superior fitness was taking its toll on Cove who couldn't respond to going behind. Burns, who had a particularly good second half, stung the hands of keeper Foster before he put the match out of Cove's reach five minutes from time.
It was Grinstead's best goal of the match as Burns recieved the ball on the edge of the box, turned sharply and blasted a brilliant left-foot effort past Foster to put the seal on a superb second-half team performance.
Grinstead: Collier, Wilson , Evans, Crane, Neville, Crush, Johnson (sub: Pelling 79), Gellatly, Burns (Taylor 88), Piscina, Sinclair. Subs not used: Jacobs, Cramp.
WASPS chalked up their first County League win of the season at the Beaconsfield after an impressive performance against Hailsham.
The winning margin could have been even greater with Luke Piscina twice and John Sinclair both hitting the post in the second half while Wasps had two efforts cleared off the line.
Manager Steve Johnson said: "I said it would take time for the side to gel but we are seeing evidence of that now. Apart from a ten minute spell when they scored we were in total control and played some great football."
Johnson's decision to switch to 4-4-2 was vindicated with both his front men on target.
Ben Burns put Grinstead ahead on 13 minutes with a superb finish as he curled a shot beyond Mark Oldroyd inside the far post from the right-hand side of the box.
Wasps deservedly doubled their lead after 50 minutes when defender Matt Crane headed home Piscina's corner and Sinclair struck the post moments later.
Wasps switched off on 61 minutes and allowed Scott McDonald time to round Ray Collier and pull one back.
But nine minutes later Piscina led a counter-attack before unselfishly finding Simon Funnell who produced a superb finish over the keeper to restore Wasps' two-goal lead.
Piscina was twice denied by the woodwork in the closing stages while Funnell had a shot cleared off the line.
But John Sinclair made it 4-1 on 76 minutes with a smart finish from Martin Cramp's right-wing cross and substitute Dan Evans rounded off an impressive performance with a close-range finish four minutes from time after Piscina had again been the creator.
Title favourites Whitehawk consigned Grinstead to their fourth consecutive league defeat but there were positive signs from a spirited Grinstead performance.
The Hawks are the league's big spenders this season with a side littered with players of Ryman League and even Conference experience but for long periods Grinstead matched their opponents and it was only their lack of cutting edge in the final third that made the difference.
Grinstead made two changes from the disappointing midweek result against Lingfield with debutant Drew Crush making his debut in midfield and Danny Wackett replacing Martin Crane, who was unavailable, in the heart of the defence.
Johnson opted for a 4-5-1 formation and it was highly affective in stunting Whitehawk's attacking threat for much of the game. However, lone striker Luke Piscina was often isolated as the Grinstead midfield struggled to give him the required support.
Wasps had the first sniff of a chance after six minutes when a cross from the left found Piscina unmarked but his first touch was too heavy.
Whitehawk had most of the possession but rarely threatened and a shot on the turn from the lively Wes Tate which flew just wide of the far post was they most they offered going forward.
Grinstead suffered a blow with eight minutes of the half remaining when goalkeeper Ray Collier had to go off after suffering concussion in an accidental clash with Matt Geard. He was replaced by goalkeeper Martin Jacobs and his first action was to pick the ball out of the back of the net.
Tate made a strong run into the area and although he was eventually tackled, the Grinstead defence failed to clear their lines which allowed full back Danny Bird to hit a crisp volley inside Jacobs' near post.
More men were committed foward by Wasps in the second half and Dan Evans saw his attempted lob drift just wide of the far post. Grinstead slowly started to exert more pressure but they were dealt a sucker punch with 20 minutes to go.
Tate's pace again caused problems and he wriggled clear of Matt Crane and crossed for substitute Marc Whiteman who had a simple task of scoring from six yards.
Girnstead kept probing for openings and with four minutes remaining should have pulled a goal back. Piscina crossed to Crush but he screwed his shot wide from close range.
There were some promising signs from Grinstead but the second game in a row where they have failed to force the opposing keeper into a meaningful save, something they will need to improve on if they want to start to climb the table.
Wasps' poor start to the season continued with a third consecutive league defeat against local rivals Lingfield.
Grinstead named an unchanged line up from the side that comfortably beat Feltham in the FA Cup on Saturday but they never hit the form they showed then.
To be fair Lingfield were a much more difficult opponent and on this display will prove a difficult side to beat. They were very well drilled outfit who didn't let Grinstead settle into any pattern for the 90 minutes and with the strength and pace of their two forward men will also cause many defences problems this season.
It was a game of very little quality - a typical local derby in fact. Lingfield were very direct in their approach but disappointingly Grinstead's passing was poor for most of the evening and as the game wore in they resorted to a more direct style.
Few chances were created in the first half hour. Ray Collier was troubled by a long free kick which he ended up tipping onto the crossbar and at the other end a confident Dave Gellatly brushed off the attentions of his marker but shot disappointingly wide.
Lingfield did look the more threatening however and centre half Dave Waters headed wide from close range following a corner before they take the lead just past the half hour mark. Grinstead allowed too much time for Ricky Spain to fire in a shot from the edge of the box, Collier appeared to have saved the effort but he allowed the ball to trickle free and Joel Hughes was on hand to tap into an empty net.
Lingfield were still the better side as the second half progressed but they were kept at bay by some resolute defending from Mannie Neville and Matt Crane who both had excellent games. Neville denied Josh Greaves with a sliding goal line clearance after his pace and power had got him free of the Grinstead defence.
Grinstead hadn't troubled the Lingfield keeper all night but they increased their attacking options when they replaced Jack Johnson and Dan Evans with strikers Simon Funnell and Aaron McMillan but it was still Lingfield who offered more attacking threat and Greaves and Champion were both denied by some last ditch defending.
It took Grinstead 80 minutes before they really troubled the visitors. A scramble following a Luke Piscina corner ended up at the feet of John Sinclair and his close range shot was cleared off the line.
Grinstead piled men forward in a desperate attempt for the equaliser and Crane, who had been pushed forward, poked his shot just wide following a dangerous left-wing cross from Wilson but it wasn't to be and Lingfield held on to a deserved victory.
WASPS got their season up and running after a stunning hat-trick from skipper Dave Gellatly earned them a comfortable passage into the next round of the FA Cup at the GAC Stadium.
All three goals were quality strikes and the result was no more than Grinstead deserved as they dominated their Combined Counties League opponents for long spells. They now face Cove at home on August 29.
Grinstead started with a 4-5-1 formation with Luke Piscina playing a lone role up front and Gellaty playing just in behind him. Boss Steve Johnson also gave a debut at full back to former Tonbridge Angels defender Martin Cramp who did well.
Grinstead were in the ascendancy from the start but despite dominating they struggled to make any clear chances against a resolute defence. Matt Crane, who was making his first start of the season, headed wide from a Piscina corner and then Jack Johnson screwed his shot well wide from a Gelllatly knock down. Johnson was also denied from close range by a combination of keeper Colin Ryder and Hakimu Med.
Despite their dominance Grinstead went behind to a sucker punch on 18 minutes. A long ball over the top looked harmless but when Crane fell over as he tangled with Andrew Juett it allowed Juett to fire past an exposed Ray Collier in goal.
This affected Grinstead's fluency but they re-grouped and drew level on the stroke of half-time when Johnson picked the ball up on the edge of the penalty area, moved it across to Gellatly who shot inside the post with the outside of his foot.
It was no more than Grinstead deserved and they came out fired up in the second half and in truth there was only going to be one winner. Grinstead made their attacking intent clear by moving Keiran Wilson and Gellatly into more advanced roles alongside Piscina and Feltham had no answer.
After 49 minutes Grinstead were in front. Gellatly's pass was mis-placed but it fortuitously fell back into his path and from the edge of the box he rifled the ball into the top corner. The Wasps went hunting for more goals and both Johnson and Gellatly went close again although Feltham proved they were still in the game with 20 minutes remaining when substitute Dave Caicedo hit the crossbar with Collier well beaten.
With 13 minutes remaining Grinstead produced the goal of the match to put the game out of Feltham's reach. A sweeping move starting with Crane at the back ended with a beautiful left wing cross from Wilson, who impressed in an attacking role, which allowed Gellatly to complete his hat-trick with an outstanding volley at the far post.
Two minutes later it was 4-1, Wilson again provided the pin-point cross which John Sinclair headed home from the middle of the six-yard box.
Johnson was delighted with the performance. He said: "After losing our first two league games we were back to what I know we are capable of.
"Even after they scored I felt we would go on to win the game. Some of our attacking play was superb and Dave took his hat-trick really well.
"We are getting there and still have players to bring into the side so I'm sure we can build on this result."
An inspired goalkeeping display from Rangers' Simon Lehkyi denied Grinstead all three points in their first home match of the season.
At times during the first half it was one man shows as Lehkyi produced a string of outstanding saves to prevent Grinstead piling up a large lead, including a penalty stop.
Grinstead gave a debut to new signing striker Aaron MacMillian and he was denied as early as 30 seconds when his near-post header from Jack Johnson's cross was palmed away by Lehkyi.
This was the start of things to come for the majority of the half as Grinstead continued to breach the Rangers defence with the wing backs, Keiran Wilson and Dan Evans causing problems with their pace and the good movement of strikers MacMillan and Luke Piscina adding to the threat.
Johnson went close on five minutes following a flighted free kick from Simon Funnell, who had a good game at centre-half, but moments later Grinstead were awarded a penalty. MacMillan burst into the penalty area and Matt Carruthers clearly handled, MacMillan's spot kick was too close to Lehkyi who saved low down and from the rebound Johnson somehow blazed over from six yards with the goal at his mercy.
Soon after Lehkyi was at his best again following a snap shot from MacMillan, the rebound came to Evans and from an acute angle Lehkyi denied him with his feet.
Grinstead were dealt a warning when a right wing cross was headed onto the underside of the bar with Martin Jacobs well beaten but if was still Grinstead in the ascendancy and they eventually took the lead on 35 minutes. Evans again was denied from close range by the Rangers keeper but from the follow up MacMillan expertly volleyed into the roof of the net.
Moments later Piscina got free of the Rangers defence and Lehkyi, who was well out of his area, appeared to deny Piscina with his hands but the referee indicated it had hit his head. Lehkyi later admitted he had handled which would surely have resulted in a sending off.
Piscina was denied again as half-time approached before Rangers got an un-deserved equaliser. A cross from the right was steered in with his head from some distance out by Phil Gault.
The second half was to prove a very disappointing affair for the Grinstead supporters whose side didn't seem to get out of first gear as the Rangers goal was rarely threatened.
Rangers were just in the ascendancy as Gault was denied his second by a smart one handed save from Jacobs. Gault then went close with a header that skimmed the outside of the post and a draw still looked the most likely result. But is was Rangers who snatched all three points with seven minutes remaining. Elliott Butler let fly from about 25 yards but Jacobs appeared to be rooted to the ground and the ball somehow nestled inside the far corner.
FURIOUS Wasps' boss Steve Johnson did not spare his side after they made the worst possible start to the County League campaign at Oaklands Park on Saturday.
Five goals from Ben Vassallo condemned Grinstead to their heaviest defeat since they returned to division one last season.
Johnson was without seven players who would normally have been involved but he refused to use that as an excuse.
He said: "I don't want to take anything away from Chichester because they could have put ten past us but we were awful, particularly at the back. I could have gone to the park and picked kids out who would have defended better than that.
"It is totally unacceptable and the players were told in no uncertain terms that fact afterwards. The coaching staff and I were embarassed and the players should be too. All I can promise everyone at the club is that there will be no repeat."
"I'm still shell-shocked to be honest about Saturday. We've had a good pre-season and I couldn't see that result coming but we will get it out of our system and when we get a few more players back I repeat what I said before we started - we will be a force this season."
Wasps' makeshift back four had no answer to the pace of Vassallo and James Temple while goalkeeper Martin Jacobs had a debut to forget.
Chichester went ahead after four minutes when Vassallo converted a James Temple cross from short range and five minutes later Temple turned provider as he flicked on Matthew Short's free-kick and Vassallo slipped the ball past the advancing keeper.
Joe Briggs scored Chichester's third with an easy tap-in after Vassallo had danced through the Grinstead defence and squared the ball, and Vassallo completed his hat-trick on 20 minutes with a 30 yard effort that seemed to trickle past Jacobs.
Wasps managed to pull one back on 22 minutes when Luke Piscina's left-wing corner was bundled home by Marc Pelling, but the game was put beyond doubt when Vassallo converted a penalty just before half-time after Temple had been brought down by Blair Cooney.
Johnson threw on all three substitutes at the start of the second half and for a while Wasps were in the ascendancy but Vassallo got his fifth after 55 minutes with a superb 20 yard lob over following a pass from Temple.
The industrious Temple came close to getting himself on the score sheet on several occasions, sub Grant Rigler clearing one 25 yard effort off the line, but he set up Chi's seventh on the stroke of full-time for James Searle.
