Top Isle of Wight football clubs clash in Boxing Day derby

Vics currently sit in sixth place, three points behind the play-off positions – with a game in hand on the team above.

Meanwhile, Port find themselves two places above the drop zone, having played up to seven games less than the teams around them due to waterlogged grounds and travel disruption.

Port’s last league outing saw them play out a 2-1 loss across the Solent at Totton and Eling all the way back on November 25, while Vics clinched a 3-2 home win against Whitchurch United as recently as December 16.

Last season’s Boxing Day clash, also played at Beatrice Avenue, saw Newport come away 2-0 winners, Joe Craig netting twice.

This year, however, Port will come into the match as underdogs and untested since November, up against a Vics side who have scored 13 goals in their three matches since Newport last set foot on the pitch.

Despite this, Vics will be looking for their first win against Newport since Lee Dixon’s Vics beat them back in 2008.

Left, Newport manager Steve Brougham lifting the IW Senior (Gold) Cup with Darren Powell in 2015. (Image: IWCP)

Steve Brougham, Newport manager, said: "I know everyone at the club is looking forward to the boxing day fixture with Vics. It should be a very competitive game.

“Unfortunately for us, we have not played for six weeks, but I know the lads will give their all and be up for the challenge."

Left, East Cowes Vics boss Alex Smith and in-form midfielder Jacob Reynolds (Image: Graham Brown)

Alex Smith, Vics manager, said: "We're looking forward to a great test on Boxing Day. We're in terrific shape with regard to the team we're building and the way our season is gathering momentum.

"Charlie Marsek's return to fitness is a huge boost, and all five of our strikers have scored within the last three games, so both form and competition for places is superb.

“Jez is already proving to be an excellent signing and Harry has slotted straight back in and is showing his quality every game.

“Raff is unfortunately suspended - he's been an integral part of our team this season and will be very difficult to replace.

“Aside from that, we have a full squad to select from, so me and Ells have some tough decisions to make this week.

"Newport are a good side, who possess a number of the Island's top players who represented the team so well at the Island Games earlier this year. If they play to their potential, they won't be too far behind us in the table once all their games in hand are played.

"Whilst we're full of confidence heading into the game, the bookies would probably have it pretty close to 50/50.

“We're already well organised, and our processes are already well engrained, so we'll spend all three of our training sessions this week looking for as many one-percenters as we can to give ourselves the edge come Boxing Day."

• The game gets underway at Beatrice Avenue at the earlier time of 11am on Boxing Day (December 26).