Sheppey United are urging fans to go in the red to help secure a bumper Boxing Day crowd.

Saturday’s festive fixture sees the club entertain APM Contrast with free entry on offer for those wearing any home Sheppey United FC colours to the game.

A red and white hat, scarf or a Sheppey United shirt will need to be worn to take advantage of the offer, designed to help the Ites achieve their biggest gate since setting-up at Holm Park three years ago, which currently sits at 218 for the visit of Gravesham in early August.

The club, currently fifth in the Kent Invicta League following a six-match winning run, have the highest average home crowd (168) of the division's 20 clubs this season.

Chairman Matt Smith is hoping Island football fans will put domestic festivities on hold on Saturday to ensure the club smashes the league’s 2015 individual home attendance record (272) currently held by league leaders Glebe.

He said: “Our support has been growing throughout the season, which proves what I have always believed – Islanders are passionate about their local football.

“To have the league’s highest average home attendance is fantastic, and testament to all the hard work going on at the club both on and off the field. Ernie has compiled a team with exceptional talent and one that I know will be challenging come April.

“This will be the first time for some 20 years Sheppey's staged a league game on Boxing Day, arguably known as the most anticipated fixture in the footballing calendar.

“It’s extra special for us as the team is on a fantastic run and it’s another vital step in our push towards promotion to put this great football club back on the Kent footballing map.

“I will be delighted if we could achieve a crowd of 200-plus, so I would urge Islanders to put the mince pies on hold for a couple of hours on Saturday, dress up in red and white and come and support us in the last game of this calendar year.

“It will help us reach another milestone in what is turning out to be a superb and exciting season which is only half way through.”