Hampton & Richmond Borough midfielder James Simmonds has revealed his match-winning double made it the perfect family affair at the Beveree on Saturday.

The 23-year-old, in his third start of the season, struck twice as the Beavers secured their first win of the campaign with a 3-1 triumph over high-flying Weston-Super-Mare.

It ended a nine-match winless run for new boss Mark Harper’s men and lifted Hampton off the foot of the Blue Square South table.

Simmonds has missed most of the season thus far with a knee injury, suffered when he tangled with the Beveree's pitch side sprinkler system during a pre-season friendly with Chelsea.

The former Chelsea trainee, who had only made relatively brief appearances against Chelmsford and Eastleigh, is yet to complete a full 90 minutes this season and was replaced by QPR loan signing Bradley Simmonds – his 17-year-old brother.

But Simmonds senior admitted it was a nice surprise to be able to celebrate his man of the match performance with the whole family.

“I’ve had to watch the first seven or eight games and that has made for difficult viewing, so I’m delighted to have got two goals and three points for the team,” he said.

“I’d like to think I’ve helped the team since I’ve been back. Players like Aaron Morgan have done really well, so there is real competition for places again.

“Bradley is my youngest sibling and it was nice my whole family was there to watch me score and us both play. I didn’t even know they were going to be there so it was a real surprise.”

Simmonds opened the scoring in the first half from the penalty spot at the weekend and netted a superb solo effort for his second to make it 3-0, with striker Dave Tarpey having made it two just after half time.

Weston scored a late consolation, but the Hampton midfielder insisted the win is a sign the club is finally turning the corner.

“We haven’t had much luck really so far, but we got the rub of the green on Saturday and our hard work has finally paid off,” he added.

“Harps [Mark Harper] said this would be our biggest challenge and to get three points is a big lift for the team. Hopefully, this is the start of something.”

Hampton have a break from the league at Arlesey Town in the FA Cup second qualifying round on Saturday.

Simmonds said: “It would be great to get a cup run as it would really help the club out.

“We haven’t been to the first round for a while and it would be great to get there again.”

Harper signed Boreham Wood winger Sam Hurrell and QPR trainee Bradley Simmonds last week, but admitted he may not need them just yet providing his men can build on the weekend win.

“It was a massive relief. We’ve played better this season and not got the results,” he added.

“Credit to the boys. We did the ugly stuff and were still able to play the right way to get a result.”