KENNY Vaughan has masterminded Bournemouth Poppies’ climb up the Wessex League – but he believes a sustained title push could prove unrealistic.

New-look Poppies, under the guidance of Vaughan and joint-manager Dan Neville, have been surprise packages.

A victory at lowly Hamworthy United tonight (7.45pm) would ensure the men from Victoria Park remain in touch with the likes of Poole Town at the Premier Division summit.

But despite their impressive start, Vaughan was keen to play down his team’s hopes.

He told the Echo: “We’re just content to be in the top five after 14 games.

“I still feel the top 10 is what we’re trying to achieve – anything above would be an absolute delight.

“I’m a bit disappointed in some of the points we’re dropping, but that was to be expected really.

“I’m quite happy with how it’s gone so far, but there’s a long way to go.”

Vaughan’s team face a testing trip to the County Ground this evening, with basement boys Hamworthy likely to be in confident mood, having secured their first win under Simon Browne on Saturday.

“Getting their first three points under a new manager was a big boost for them,” said Vaughan. “They’ll want to build on that.”

When the teams met at Victoria Park earlier this season, Hamworthy were left to rue a plethora of missed chances as Poppies stole an undeserved 1-0 win.

Hammers player-boss Browne has doubts over Karl Yelland (virus) and James Merritt (foot), while Poppies have named an unchanged squad.

Hamworthy United: (from) Shergold, Yelland, R Jackson, Cherrett, Llewelyn, Merritt, Crow, Khider, Mutch, Cannie, M Jackson, G Langrish, Horlock, Vavrecka, Dancer, Swann, Browne.

Poppies: (from) Harvell, Arnold, Byrne, Peprah-Annan, Crutcher, Jones, Glenister, Roberts, Phillipson-Masters, Toy, Diaper, Blake, Hall, Vaughan, Wilson.

• In Wessex Division One, Sean Leadbetter returns for Ringwood Town’s trip to Hythe and Dibden.

Ringwood Town: (from) Page, Russon, Burge, Drew, Vigar, Hetherington, Yeats, Burrett, Fleet, Thompson, Old, Hardy, Bellows, Bladen, Chappels, Leadbetter.