BUOYED by their big Isle of Wight Boxing Day derby victory, Newport launch into 2024 with a chance to start climbing the Wessex League Division 1 ladder with a game against mid-table Fleetlands tonight (Wednesday).

The match will be played at Beatrice Avenue, East Cowes — pending a pitch inspection after heavy rain yesterday (Tuesday) and on Monday.

Newport — other than the suspended Josh Younie for one more game — will have a full squad to choose from.

They currently sit in 17th, but, having played only 14 games so far this season, have numerous games in hand on their rivals around them.

Fleetlands sit in tenth spot. 

Port boss Steve Brougham said: "We played well against Vics, who were favourites in that game for sure. 

"We needed that result as a club after such a torrid time — and we deserved it. After going more than a month without a game, they showed a great will to win.

"I hope we can reproduced that against Fleetlands."

A pitch inspection will take place at 2pm.