A friendly rivalry between Red Funnel and Island Roads has raised more than £700 for Friends of the Animals after the ferry firm claimed a dramatic 4-3 victory in a charity football match in East Cowes.
Around 100 supporters, friends, family members and colleagues gathered at East Cowes Victoria Athletic Football Club on Sunday (13th September) to watch the 2 organisations battle it out on the pitch, where an impressive 7 goals were scored in a tightly fought 4-3 victory to Red Funnel.
The match was organised in support of Friends of the Animals, which is the shared Charity of the Year for Red Funnel and Island Roads in 2026.
Red Funnel colleague and Newport player-manager Joe Butcher proved instrumental in his side’s victory, netting an impressive hat-trick.
Team captain Tareck Ahmed added Red Funnel’s 4th, but Island Roads kept the pressure on with 3 goals of their own to ensure the result remained in the balance until the final whistle.
Island Roads also produced arguably the goal of the match with a spectacular scorpion-kick finish, drawing applause from players and spectators.
At the other end, Red Funnel goalkeeper Ash Rose made a string of important saves and was subsequently named Man of the Match.
The fundraising extended beyond the football, with a raffle and Fun Dog Show among the activities taking place throughout the day.
A signed shirt from former Southampton striker Rickie Lambert proved particularly popular, raising just under £200 in the raffle.
In total, more than £700 was raised for Friends of the Animals.
Fran Collins, Chief Executive Officer at Red Funnel, has said:
“We knew Island Roads would give us a competitive game and they certainly didn’t disappoint. It was close right up to the final whistle, but I’m very pleased to say the trophy is coming back with Red Funnel for 2026!
“Most importantly, the day raised over £700 for Friends of the Animals. Thank you to everyone who played, volunteered, donated or came along to support us – it was a great result all round.”
Island Roads captain Jack Summers has said:
“Naturally we’re disappointed not to have taken the trophy home, particularly after pushing Red Funnel all the way, but it was a great game played in exactly the right spirit.
“Bringing Red Funnel and Island Roads together like this was a great opportunity to turn a bit of friendly rivalry into something positive for the Island. It was fantastic to see people come together and get behind a charity doing such important work locally.”
The money raised will support Friends of the Animals’ work helping animals and their owners across the Isle of Wight, including contributions towards veterinary treatment and preventative care.
Helen Sinclair MBE, founder of Friends of the Animals, has said:
“We’re incredibly grateful to Red Funnel and Island Roads for choosing to support us, and to everyone who helped make the day such a success.
“The money raised will go directly towards helping animals across the Island, whether that’s contributing towards veterinary treatment and preventative care or helping owners who may be struggling to meet the cost of looking after their pets.
“Our thanks go to everyone who played, donated, bought a raffle ticket, entered the Fun Dog Show or simply came along to support the day.”
I would say Island Roads are better at looking after the
Islands roads than playing football, but why tell porkies.