Cowes Sports and East Cowes Victoria will meet for the first time in the Wessex Premier Division on Boxing Day at 11:30.
The match will decide which club finishes 2025 as the Island’s top dogs. If Cowes win, they will move 5 points clear of East Cowes Victoria; if the Vics triumph, they will go a point above their neighbours.
A bumper crowd is expected at Westwood Park, with over 500 supporters anticipated – one of the biggest turnouts of the Wessex League season so far.
Cowes have had the upper hand in recent encounters, winning the last three meetings against the Vics – including a 2-1 win in the Gold Cup Final and another 2-1 success in the Wessex League Cup earlier this season.
Plenty of familiar faces will line up on both sides, with East Cowes Victoria fielding a number of ex-Cowes men including Liam Triggs, Connor Kelly, Jake Wright, twins Josh and Caleb Neale, and goalkeeper George Bridi. Moving the other way, Vics’ former goalkeeper Alex Ram, ex-captain Callum Chase and centre-forward Charlie Marsek are now key members of the Yachtsmen’s squad.
Cowes go into the game in strong form under manager Mark Woodhouse, who has guided the Yachtsmen to back-to-back wins – 2-1 against Portland United and 3-2 away to New Milton Town – lifting them to 13th, 2 points clear of the Vics.
‘Woody’ said his players were in good spirits after another sharp training session and determined to maintain their form, while recognising the threat posed by their opponents.
“We’ve enjoyed an upturn in form, but we know Vics will be tough opposition in their first season back in the Wessex Prem. They’ve had some great results and we’re aware of the dangers they pose.
“We’ve talked about playing the game, not the occasion – but we do hope people turn out and support Island football on this special day.”
East Cowes Victoria, 14th in what is their first ever Wessex Premier campaign, will be determined to respond after a difficult fortnight that saw defeats to Baffins Milton Rovers (2-3) and Hamble Club (0-6).
Manager Alex Smith said:
“We’ll be ready for Boxing Day. There are some big characters in the dressing room and the lads know what this game means.
“The defeat at Hamble might have been the wake-up call we needed – we’ll bounce back.”
With both sides desperate to finish 2025 above their rivals, tension will be high from the first whistle.
Form and league position may matter on paper, but when it comes to El Clasicowes, pride across the Medina always takes centre stage.
Supporters are reminded that kick-off is at the unusual time of 11:30. A bumper turnout is expected, and fans are advised to arrive early – during May’s Gold Cup Final, many missed the opening goals due to queues at the turnstiles.
Fans are encouraged to head along and show their support for Island football – and keep an eye on Island Echo for full post-match coverage and reaction.
Who will be top dogs going into 2026? Will Cowes extend their winning run, or can Vics finally turn the tables?
Share your thoughts below or join the conversation on Island Echo’s social channels.
NEWPORT TRAVEL TO MILLER’S PARK TO FACE TOTTON & ELING IN WESSEX DIVISION ONE
Newport make the trip to the mainland to face Totton & Eling in Wessex League Division One on Saturday (27th December, 15:00).
The Port currently sit 11th out of 22, with several games in hand on those above them. Their 2-4 home defeat to Folland Sports was their first match in over a month, and manager Joe Butcher will be looking for a quick response.
Totton & Eling, who play at Miller’s Park, are second from bottom and fighting to escape the drop zone, but their young side has shown signs of promise.
Butch said that everyone in the squad was available, and that the team were focused on building momentum during a busy run of fixtures in January and February.
“I actually thought Totton & Eling were a decent side when we played them at home – just very young – so I’m expecting a difficult game.”
Newport will be looking to bounce back with a win and reignite their push towards the Division 1 play-off places as the second half of the season gathers pace.
