SIMON Browne admits this season has been his toughest in management – but insists Wimborne Town are on the up.

The Cuthbury boss takes his side to North Leigh tonight knowing Southern South & West safety is already secure (7.45pm).

Appointed at the end of November, Browne has steered his side to survival in a campaign in which the club's existence came under threat after huge debts were uncovered.

Asked if it had been his most difficult season, the former Hamworthy United boss said: "I think that would be a fair assessment. Saying that, it has got easier in the past month.

"All the players that were going to go have gone, the squad has been relatively settled and the players have accepted the situation they are in.

"For some of the youngsters, it has been a good opportunity to play Southern League football.

"We have put a few training sessions together which have worked well and the lads have gelled.

"The past few weeks have been a pleasure."

Young goalkeeper Ben Thompson is due to miss the trip to North Leigh with a knee problem.

In the Sydenhams Wessex Premier, Verwood Town host Bemerton while Brockenhurst entertain local rivals Lymington Town (both 7.45pm).