A bumper crowd is expected at Beatrice Avenue on Boxing Day when East Cowes Victoria face Newport at midday.
Attendances for this fixture have risen steadily over recent years: 324, 416, 523 and 565 – this year, Vics are hoping for 600+ through the gate.
The derby will decide which of the 2 Isle of Wight sides will remain in the playoff positions at the end of 2024 – with the 2 teams level on 35 points, 3 points for either Port or Vics would see them go into the new year in 5th place. However, a draw would probably see both sides overtaken by either Fleetlands or Ringwood Town, who have home games on 28th December.
Wessex Division 1 table (top 8) below: 
Vics hit top spot earlier in the season before dropping out of the playoff positions at the start of this month. However, Alex Smith’s side retain the best defensive record in their division, having conceded just 18 goals in 17 games. The Victorians also have games in hand on all the sides above them in the table.
Newport are on a strong run of 13 games undefeated in all competitions since losing to Verwood Town in the FA Vase back in September.
Port are the division’s draw experts, with 8 of their 19 league games ending honours even, whereas Vics have only had 2 league draws all season.
The 2 sides have already faced each other in the Velocity Wessex League Cup, which Vics won on penalties after drawing 2-2 over 90 minutes.
Last season saw Vics beat Port 1-0 in March (their first derby win since the 80s), with Port comfortably winning that year’s Boxing Day battle 4-1.
Which side will prevail this season?
Newport co-manager Joe Butcher says:
“Another hard game to be fair. Alex has built a good side over the last few years, and they are having a good season.
“We’re obviously on a good run of form ourselves and will be wanting a positive outcome from the game.”
When asked which team wanted it more, Joe said:
“You’ll find out on Boxing Day. It’s a big game for both teams, but there’s a long way to go in the league campaign still after this.”
On behalf of East Cowes Vics, manager Alex Smith says:
“Hopefully, there’ll be a big turn out, the quality in both teams deserves a good crowd, and if the weather is kind, I’m sure it will be.
“It’ll be a great game for the neutral; we head into the game with teams level on points and Newport unbeaten in 13.
“We’ve prepared the same as we do for every game, and I have such faith in our group. We’ll give the best account of ourselves that we possibly can.
“Marty and Butch have done a great job (for Newport) and whatever happens, it’ll be a great spectacle.”
A reminder that kick off is at 12:00 – this is not a game any Isle of Wight football supporter would want to miss.
In the Wessex Premier, Cowes Sports travel to 17th-placed Hythe & Dibden on Saturday 28th December.
The Yachtsmen showed tremendous character in their last outing to take a point from 2nd-placed Hamble at Westwood Park, recovering a 3-goal deficit in the final quarter of the game.
Could this performance kick start a good run for Cowes Sports?
Co-manager Ian Potts says of his side’s prospects:
“After a great performance and result against 2nd place Hamble FC, the lads showed so much character to come back against quality opposition to get a draw.
“We go into the Hythe and Dibden FC game confident, hoping to carry on our recent good form, but like every game in the Wessex Premier League, you have to be at your best to get a result against any team.
“As usual, we will go there with a game plan and hope to carry on picking up points and moving up the table.”
