COWES Sports will be looking to avenge last season's humiliating defeat to Totton and Eling when the sides lock horns in the FA Cup tonight (Tuesday).

The Yachtsmen will be deadly keen to kick-start their season in the Sydenhams Wessex Premier this coming Saturday with a victory in the extra preliminary round of the world's oldest cup competition.

Isle of Wight County Press: John McKie has recovered from a neck injury to lead the line against Totton and Eling in the FA Cup. Photo: Graham BrownJohn McKie has recovered from a neck injury to lead the line against Totton and Eling in the FA Cup. Photo: Graham Brown

Tonight's opponent, Totton and Eling, struggled at the bottom of Division 1 of the Sydenhams Wessex League last season and caught Cowes at their lowest ebb last December in the Wessex League Cup, at Westwood, hammering them 4-1.

A socially-distanced crowd of up to 150 is expected this evening.

Isle of Wight County Press: Cowes Sports boss, Max Draper. FILECowes Sports boss, Max Draper. FILE

Yachtsmen boss, Max Draper, said: “I’m looking forward to the FA Cup. I’ve played and scored in it before.

“If we can get a good run going in the competition, it will give the team confidence, earn the club some much-needed money and get Island football buzzing again."

Cowes striker, John McKie, and ex-Brading midfielder, Aaron Burford, are expected to to be fit to play tonight, after they were injured and substituted as a precaution in Friday's friendly against United Services Portsmouth. 

Kick-off will be at 7.30pm.