The Fox brothers Simon and Mark will turn back the clock six years when they are reunited in the same team on Bank Holiday Monday.

Simon and Mark were the first brothers to play for Albion in April 1994 since Jack and Jim Rutherford in the 1920s.

Now the ex-Seagulls are reunited in Sussex with Dr Martens eastern division club St Leonards and play their first match together against Tonbridge at the Firs.

It is a far cry from when Simon made his Goldstone Ground debut against Fulham in the Second Division and became the youngest Brighton player at 16 to play in a league match.

Times have changed for Mark too, as he was once regarded as one of the brightest midfield talents at the club.

Simon, now 22, admitted: "My Albion debut was the best day of my career. I enjoyed my time at Brighton and often wish those days could return. I'd like to think one day they might."

The Saints striker, who made 24 appearances for the Seagulls until he was released in July 1997, hopes his older brother might be able to spark him back into life.

Saints enjoyed the services of Simon last season and boss Andy Thomson managed to persuade his brother to make the switch from Andover in Hampshire.

"I was unfortunate to be released by Brighton," insisted Simon. "Steve Gritt, who was manager then, said he wanted me to stay, but the club were making cutbacks to their budget.

"Mark was playing when I made my debut and we had a few games together during our spell there. He ended up getting released shortly before me."

Mark made 26 appearances for Brighton, but was never able to hold down a regular first team place under Liam Brady, Jimmy Case and Steve Gritt.

"I went to Bashley with Jimmy when I was released," said 24-year-old Mark. "It was a culture shock stepping into non-League. There are more cloggers at this level and you have to be able to mix it physically.

"Although it has been a drop in standard, I've enjoyed playing. My days as a pro are over and I've been able to adapt to that. I've got a job working for a computer company and play football for enjoyment as well as to earn a little pocket money."

Mark, who will train during midweek in his home town Bastingstoke, has already featured in Saints' opening two matches against Baldock and Dartford and will be in Thomson's squad at Wisbech tomorrow.

But his younger brother Simon is sitting out a three-game suspension and will at last appear with Mark for the Bank Holiday showdown.Thomson said: "Not only is Mark a quality player in the middle of the park, I've finally got someone who'll be able to control his brother.

"Simon isn't the easiest player to deal with, but is an exceptional talent."