EAST Cowes Vics will be flying the flag for the Isle of Wight in the second round proper of the FA Vase when they face Hartpury University of Gloucestershire tomorrow (Saturday).

The Islanders will be aiming for a historic win that would take them further than they have gone before in the competition.

The team is currently fourth in Division 1 of the Wessex League, boasting a good run of form and several games in hand.

Their manager, Alex Smith, expressed his enthusiasm for the tie.

He said: "We’re looking forward to the opportunity that Saturday brings — a chance to go further in the Vase than any Vics team has before."

Smith acknowledged the challenge posed by Hartpury.

"The challenge ahead of us is very clear, Hartpury are a terrific side, in very fine form, but we’ve got all eyes on causing a big upset."

However, the Vics will be without key players for this match.

Smith confirmed that they will miss Josh Neale, who is serving the last game of his suspension, along with Zak Sullivan, Adam Voller, and Morgan Perrin, who are out due to injury.

The match will kick off at 3pm, and the Vics are determined to make an impact in this prestigious tournament.

Fans are encouraged to support the team as they aim to create FA Vase history.