New Milton handed new boss Glenn Burnett the perfect start when they came from behind to see off fellow Wessex Premier strugglers Hayling United in an eventful affair at Fawcett’s Field on Tuesday.

Alex Baldacchino’s late clincher added to a Lee Tigwell own goal as the Linnets fought back to cancel out Dan Martin’s opener for the visitors – who ended the clash with just eight men.

Poole-based referee Ben Cobb sent off Jack Salter-Vaile and Lenny Burney for two bookings, while substitute Julian Boniface received a straight red card for a late tackle.

Hayling also had manager Lee Paul and kitman Rob Lilley dismissed from the technical area, while New Milton, who registered their first points of the season, ended the contest with an unblemished disciplinary record.

“It was the first time I had seen anybody smile since I arrived at the club!” laughed Burnett. “I don’t think they have had too much to smile about this season. Even though they had three men sent off, I thought we played better against 11.”

Linnets: Amey, Bailey (Newman, 80), Drew, Holland, Littler, Harris, Fox (Fields, 75), Tanner, Baldacchino, Howes, Donaldson. Unused subs: Gillett, Morris, Thomas (g/k).

• Manager Simon Browne felt Hamworthy United’s 2-2 draw at Alresford Town had highlighted his team’s inconsistency this season.

Hammers, fresh from a 4-0 win over Newport on Saturday, appeared to be coasting after taking the lead through Luke Burbidge in the 20th minute.

But Dean Cole and Ashley Ledger profited from some sloppy defending to put Alresford in front before Greg Horlock bundled home an equaliser 10 minutes from time.

“I was disappointed,” said Browne. “We had enough chances to have won but also could have lost.”

Hammers: Murphy, Yelland, Horlock, Haysom, Lockyer, Wilkins, Head, Robinson (White, 75), Cannie (Pidgley, 85), Satterley, Burbidge. Unused subs: Byrom, Voysey.

• In-form Christchurch set up a potentially-mouthwatering top-of-the-table clash with Bemerton after going second following a 4-1 win at Laverstock & Ford.

Priory, who host leaders Bemerton at Hurn Bridge tomorrow (7.45pm), raced into a 4-0 lead thanks to Ben Osborne’s double and strikes from Sam Griffin and Mark Smith.

“Hopefully, the neutrals will turn out for what has all the makings of being a great game against Bemerton,” said Priory boss Graham Kemp.

Priory: Kearn, Grace, Legg, Crutchley, Brian, Burt (C Smith, 65), M Smith, Roberts (Burden, 30), Fairbrother, Osborne (Kittle, 70), Griffin. Unused subs: Swann, Dand.