Newport beat Vics in Isle of Wight Boxing Day Derby

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

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

The East Cowes side had scored 13 goals in their three matches since Newport last set foot on the pitch, but hadn't beaten them in the league since the 1987/88 season.

Newport's Joe Butcher wins a header in front of a big crowd at Beatrice Avenue (Image: Graham Brown)

Newport vs East Cowes Vics (11am - Tuesday, December 26, 2023)

Vics started the brighter of the two sides, going ahead on eight minutes.

Jordan Chapman won the ball in midfield and played in Jez Conway, whose chipped pass was perfect for Ji NASH, who finished in style.

In the 19th minute, Nash should have doubled Vics’ lead.

Clean through on goal, his effort saved by keeper Leon Pitman deflected onto Port's Macaulay Waterson and sailed inches wide.

Shots from Harry Taylor and Jez Conway failed to test Pitman in the Port goal.

Newport’s first effort resulted in a goal in the 34th minute. A corner from Joe Butcher wasn’t dealt with and ended up going in off Vics’ defender Liam Newbold for the equaliser.

A great effort from Joe Craig just sailed over in the 39th minute, but right on half time, CRAIG turned beautifully in the box and hit an inch-perfect effort into the corner.

Local derby flashpoint between Catania and Brown of Newport and Newbold of Vics (Image: Graham Brown)

Half time: Newport 2-1 East Cowes Vics

The second half took forever to get going, with half chances falling to Vics’ Charlie Marsek and Conway.

Newport increased their lead on 70 minutes after a corner that was not cleared and fell perfectly for Jordan BROWNE to poke home.

Another Newport corner in the eight minutes from time found Harry CATANIA, all alone in the box, who saw his header creep over the line.

Full time: Newport 4-1 East Cowes Vics

Squads:

Newport starting 11: Leon Pitman, Henry West, Matt Oatley, Macaulay Waterson, Martin McDonough, Aidan Sainsbury, Joe Butcher, Harry Catania, Jordan Browne, Joe Craig, Nicky Vyse, Keelan Walsh. Subs: Sonny Myram, Neo Lamb, Charlie Pase, Darren Powell.

Vics starting 11: Alex Ram, Brad Young, Harrison Yates, Liam Newbold, Callum Chase, Jordan Chapman, Jacob Reynolds, Ben Holdsworth, Jez Conway, Harry Taylor, Ji Nash, Charlie Marsek. Subs: Josh Neale, Ted Mumford, Toby Snow, Harrison Berry

Next up for Newport and Vics in the Wessex League Division 1

Newport will be confident heading into their next fixture with struggling AFC Aldermaston.

Port’s opponents sit in 19th, with their last league game on December 23 being a 3-1 away defeat at midtable Clanfield. 

Interestingly, the Berkshire-based club clocked up the most miles on their travels in Division 1 last season.

Vics, meanwhile, welcome second-place Downton, who claimed a point in a 1-1 draw at home to Ringwood Town.

Both Island sides will receive a three-day rest ahead of the next round of fixtures on December 30, while their opponents will have enjoyed six days.