SALISBURY City have rushed to the aid of cash-strapped Dr Martens League Eastern Division colleagues Newport IoW to ensure their next home game can go ahead as planned.

The Islanders are due to visit Old Sarum on New Year's Day. But with the club in the middle of a financial crisis which threatens their existence, Whites' directors have generously agreed to a substantial contribution to-wards their travelling costs.

A bucket collection will also be staged at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium on matchday to further help the Save Newport Action Group (SNAG) - who are trying to keep the club afloat.

The festive gesture, from a club who themselves faced extinction only 18 months ago, is truly heart-warming.

City's coffers have been swelled somewhat recently following an extended run in the FA Cup which ended at the First Round stage with a trip to Second Division Sheffield Wednesday.

Neville Beal, one of the City directors whose intervention helped rescue Salis-bury, said: "We think that a contribution to SNAG is the least we can do. We know exactly what our friends on the Island are going through. After all, not so long ago we were almost at the same low point ourselves. We hope they will survive."

SNAG member Alan Phillips, said: "We have gone into receivership for the second time this year. It's not easy being a Newport fan at the moment.

"Salisbury City obviously know a thing or two about what we're going through. All donations make a big difference to us. We've had to buy time by promising the receivers that our players will be paid for the next match and Salisbury's contribution made that decision a lot easier for us to make."

He added: "We have a long history of playing each other and there is a good relationship between our two clubs. It is just really nice to know that Salisbury are backing us."

Prior to the New Year's Day game, City head to Bashley for a Boxing Day clash which kicks off at 3pm.