BOSS Simon Browne is hoping a little brotherly love could do the trick when Hamworthy United host Wessex Premier rivals Lymington Town at the County Ground (3pm).

Browne’s younger brother Alex, who manages Wimborne Town, provided a scouting report on Lymington following Magpies’ 1-0 win against them in midweek.

The siblings, Simon 38 and Alex 36, are believed to be the only brothers managing different teams in the same league in the country.

Simon Browne, who was appointed last month, said: “We played with and against each other and always saw moving into management as a natural progression.

“Alex has been supportive in terms of scouting reports and I will reciprocate. I’ve spoken to him about Lymington and he has given me a few pointers.

“As we are so far apart in the table, I don’t think there is any conflict of interest. I can’t imagine he will be giving too much away before we meet Wimborne on January 2 though!”

Alex Browne said: “I’m pleased for Simon because it’s something he has wanted to do for a long time. He’s got a tough job on his hands but they have done okay recently so he must be doing something right.”

Player-boss Browne has again named himself in the Hammers squad, while he welcomes back striker Stuart Cannie from suspension.

Hammers: (from) Shergold, Yelland, Browne, Horlock, Llewelyn, Merritt, Crow, Vavrecka, Mutch, Dancer, R Jackson, Mekchiche, Cherrett, Khider, Roberts.

• New Milton boss Andy Bye wants his troops to start producing the goods as they bid to pull clear of the relegation zone.

Linnets could earn some much-needed breathing space with victory over bottom-placed Cowes Sports at Fawcett’s Field (3pm).

Despite knocking out the Yachtsmen in the FA Cup, New Milton are still awaiting their first home league win this season.

Callum Burt starts a three-match ban, while Raj Chengadu |is likely to be unavailable for a few weeks due to work commitments.

Linnets: (from) Webb, Winzar, Clarke, Campbell, Colman, Byers, Kenna, Walker, Mead, Odeh, Quirk, White, Booker, Gunn, Quinn, J Roberts.

• Poppies will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the table when they travel to Hayling United (3pm). The Victoria Park-based outfit are currently two points clear of Poole Town.

Poppies: (from) Harvell, Arnold, Crutcher, Byrne, Peprah-Annan, P Roberts, Phillipson-Masters, Blake, Saadi, Cann, Wrixton, Aimson, Glenister, Toy, Hall, Vaughan.

• In Division One, Ringwood host Hythe & Dibden (3pm), while Verwood entertain Downton (3pm).

Verwood: (from) Fawcett, Elysee, Lynch, Jamison, Evans, Matt Newbury, Goodall, Murray, Arnold, Mills, Kelly, Lovell, Dyer, Homer, Faulkner.