With chances galore throughout the match, it took Oak only three minutes to go ahead. Titus Paterson found Graham Martin, who fired home left-footed from a tight angle.

Burnett lobbed over the bar four minutes later, and Littlehampton drew level on 10 minutes. Nathan Peacock robbed Oak left-back Ryan Sargent and crossed to the back post where Dave Schneider headed home.

Both sides missed opportunities to go ahead before Burnett put Oak back in front on 35 minutes. Darryl Livesey crossed from the right and Burnett brilliantly volleyed home from 12 yards.

Four minutes later, it was 3-1. Littlehampton defender Wayne Wren missed Chris Paine's long ball forward, and Burnett coolly dinked the ball over Golds keeper Jim Everett.

There was still time for Littlehampton to get back in the match before half-time when they were awarded a penalty in first-half stoppage-time.

Livesey dragged Mark Burgess back in the penalty area, and Jason Power scored from the spot.

Several chances came and went at both ends before Oak went 4-2 ahead in controversial circumstances on 68 minutes.

Golds defender Wren tried to play a quick free kick but Martin stood in the way. The ball hit Martin, referee Martin Smith allowed play to continue and Burnett chipped home his hat-trick, and his 100th goal for the club.

Littlehampton substitute George Gaskin pulled a goal back five minutes later but Oak sealed their win with two goals in the last 10 minutes.

Captain Steve Porter made it 5-3 from Martin's corner, although Paine was claiming the goal, and Paul Eaton got the sixth with five minutes left.

Oak boss Anthony Whittington said: "We were a bit sloppy at times, and gave them two goals, but we battled hard in difficult conditions.

"It's a good win and nice to get three points."

On the decision before Oak went 4-2 up, Whittington said: "I'd have been livid if a decision like that went against us.

"They tried to take the free kick quickly, and Graham didn't move away. I thought he was going to get booked but the referee just let play continue."

Littlehampton assistant-manager Andy Baumfield said: "It was again naive defending by us, and we made some silly mistakes.

"Their fourth goal was a real killer, especially as their player didn't back off when Wayne Wren tried to take a quick free kick."

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